Journal 4

Well being in the child development field I have all kinds of parents from nice to not nice. About three come to mind. Like one mom has such an attitude everyday, its just her personality. She always has an eye-roll and is very short with her words when she speaks. Everybody is different but it drives me crazy that all three of her kids have the same attitude. It's not going to get them far in life.
There is another parent that a lot of my staff does not like. But I think she is really sweet. More than anything I just want her teachers to understand that all she wants is for her grand-daughter to be well taken care (as do all parents). She just has that rough personality, they just have to get to know her.
Just talk to people. Not all of them am I going to like but I do have to deal with them. Just keep it polite and professional at all times. Because some people just look for the little things to complain about.

Also I worry about what my staff say to parents. We have all had it. When a teacher says something that he/she shouldn't or sounds wrong, I hear about it. Even if its directed to a parent or a child. I tell my teachers that if they have to tell a parent something negative about there child's day then they have to sandwich in between two positives. The main point to a parents attitude towards the staff is the reflection of classroom management, professionalism, and the overall interpretation of perception.

Journal 3

Activity 2.1 - Creating consistent messages
Scenario 1

• Peanuts are an allergy that can strike at any time. Even though none of child have a known food allergy to peanuts it doesn't need to come into a school. Politely explain to the parents that want to bring something with peanuts in them. Suggest other goodies that would be enjoyed for a birthday.

Scenario 2

• I would be very understanding about her feelings and views on this situation. However, from a business prospective I can't always promise an early day for just this staff member. Also keep in mind that when one staff gets more early days than others the rest of the staff get really upset about that and that's when people start the whole favorites/hatred rumors.

Activity 2.2
Scenario 1

• On a personal note I take my lesson plans to heart because I work very hard on them. If I found my lesson plans on someone else's parent board I would be furious. Speaking to that teacher without any children around I would to that teacher that I don't have a problem with sharing ideas but do have a problem that she went behind my back and just posted it. If it happens again I would bring it to my directors attention.

Scenario 2

• First-things-first, always stay professional. If I got worked up every time I had an upset parent. I would explain to him that I apologize to him that his daughter had gotten hurt. She did not bring it to my attention. Also I would ask her who hurt her and then reassure her dad that I would be paying extra attention to the child that hurt her. In the future I will be documenting all accidents. Also I would follow up with the director on this situation and explain what I talked about with the parent.

Journal 2

HI! I am very behind on my journal posts. Please excuse my tardiness.

Activity 1.1 - Identifying your audiences

• Staff
• Children
• Parents
• USDA Food Program Lady
• Guest coming into the building
• Tours

Tours are my really big audience.

Activity 1.2 - Additional conversation
I'm not a very social person and have struggled with that my whole life. But now that I am an AD, I have to give tours. My first couple of tours I did terrible but I can tell that I have been growing and am doing well.

Activity 1.3 - Define who you are

1. I visualize my business as being professional. I have the best-of-the-best parents and teachers. Everyone has teamwork in the quest for there children's education.
2. My rates are competitive to the centers around my business. I offer a family discount, transfer discount (either match it or beat it), promotional discounts such as free registration or a free weeks tuition with a enrollment referral.
3. Besides the amazing curriculum that my teachers full we also have a soccer program, dance program, and a gymnastics program that all are onsite.
4. Curriculum is a big part of which I promote in my tours, I go on and on about what all it offers and how we prove it to the parents.
5. My staff can be very flexible, they are willing to work late when other teammates are out. They also work with each other on switching hours to cover their shifts.
6. I brag on my staff but at the same time they have weaknesses. They need to start keeping there environments extra clean. Sometimes they are at work more than they are at home. Clean stuff extra as much. But they are pretty awesome!