The Toxic Employee Problem: What Every Childcare Owner Needs to Know

Sarah DixonArticles

Managing a childcare business comes with countless rewards, but also challenges – one of the most difficult being toxic employees. From negative attitudes to disruptive behaviors, toxic staff can undermine your team, damage your center’s morale, and even hurt your business’s success. That’s why we recently hosted a webinar panel discussion featuring childcare executives who shared their advice on dealing with toxic employees. Here’s a recap of what was discussed, highlighting the key strategies you can apply to manage toxicity and create a more positive work environment.

Meet the Panelists

We were fortunate to have three expert childcare professionals join us to share their insights and experiences:
  • Angela Malabet, Executive Director at Shell’s Early Learning Centers Inc
  • Maria Robertson, Program Director at Little Dreamers Daycare Center
  • Kari Roberts, Executive Director and Founder at Alphabet Soup Childcare, Inc
Each of these leaders has firsthand experience in navigating toxic employee issues in their own centers and brought unique perspectives to the conversation.

Why Toxic Employees are a Major Concern for Childcare Owners

Toxic employees can impact more than just the people they interact with directly. Their negative behavior has a ripple effect, affecting overall team morale, productivity, and ultimately, the care provided to the children. In a business that relies so heavily on teamwork and communication, toxic behaviors can cause serious disruption. One of the main takeaways from the panel was the importance of recognizing these behaviors early and addressing them head-on before they escalate.

Key Insights from the Panel
The panelists shared several practical strategies that can help childcare and daycare owners handle toxic employees effectively:
  1. Identify Toxic Behaviors Early
    The panel emphasized that spotting toxic behaviors early is crucial to preventing further damage. Signs of toxicity include consistent negativity, gossip, refusal to follow center protocols, and disruptive attitudes toward co-workers. By addressing these behaviors quickly, you prevent them from spreading to other staff members.
  2. Have Clear Policies and Procedures in Place
    The panel agreed that one of the best ways to protect your center from toxic behavior is by establishing clear policies and procedures for how staff should handle various situations. Having a structured framework can provide clarity for all employees and give you a stronger footing when it comes time to discipline or even terminate a toxic employee.
  3. Take Decisive Action When Necessary
    Sometimes, despite your best efforts, a toxic employee will not change their behavior. In these cases, it’s important to take decisive action. As childcare business owners, it’s crucial to protect the overall well-being of the team and the center. The panelists shared their experiences in having to make tough decisions, including termination, in order to preserve the positive dynamics of their teams.
  4. Create a Culture That Promotes Positivity and Collaboration
    One of the recurring themes of the discussion was the importance of building a positive culture where toxic behaviors are less likely to thrive.

The Role of Leadership in Managing Toxic Employees

The panelists also discussed the significant role that leadership plays in managing toxic employees. As the owner or director of a childcare center, the way you respond to toxic behaviors sets the tone for the rest of your staff. Leaders who are proactive, fair, and firm in addressing these issues are more likely to prevent toxic behaviors from spreading.

How You Can Implement These Strategies
Here are some actionable steps you can take based on the insights from the panel:
  1. Review your employee handbook: Make sure it clearly outlines acceptable behaviors and consequences for not meeting those standards.
  2. Set up regular check-ins: These meetings allow you to identify and address potential toxic behaviors early.
  3. Foster a positive work culture: Invest in team-building activities and create an environment where collaboration is prioritized.
  4. Don’t be afraid to take action: When an employee is creating a toxic environment despite corrective measures, it may be time to let them go.

Final Thoughts

Running a childcare or daycare center is hard enough without the added stress of toxic employees. As the panelists discussed, it’s important to create a culture of accountability, positivity, and mutual respect. While dealing with toxic employees isn’t easy, by recognizing the signs early and taking the right steps, you can protect your team, your center, and ultimately the children in your care.

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