Staffing Guide for Non-Traditional Hours Care

How Do I Staff Non-Traditional Hour Care? 

Providing child care during non-traditional hours requires a thoughtful and comprehensive approach to staffing. While extended hour care offers valuable services to families and opportunities for business growth, success depends largely on having qualified, reliable staff who are properly trained and supported in their roles. Staff working non-traditional hours face unique challenges and require specific considerations for their well-being, professional development, and work-life balance.

This guide will focus on the staffing considerations and requirements for implementing non-traditional hour care in your child care business. We will examine specific staffing needs for different time periods, explore recruitment and retention strategies, and provide guidance for creating sustainable staffing patterns that support both employees and children in your program.

What are the staffing considerations for different time periods?

Early Morning Hours (Before 7 AM)

Early morning shifts require staff who can maintain high energy levels during very early hours. These shifts often appeal to staff who have afternoon commitments or prefer completing their workday early. Special consideration should be given to staff transportation and arrival safety during periods of darkness.  

Evening Hours (After 7 PM)

Evening staffing presents unique challenges as staff energy naturally begins to decline while children's energy levels may still be high. These hours may require more staff attention per child to maintain engagement and safety during transition times.

Overnight Hours

Overnight care requires staff to remain alert during nighttime hours. These shifts demand careful attention to staff wellness and fatigue management.

Weekend or Holiday Hours

Weekend and holiday staffing often requires creative scheduling and additional incentives. Many regular staff may be unavailable, possibly necessitating a separate weekend or holiday team.

Across all times, you should also consider:

• Relief staff availability

• Specialized extended hours training for staff

• Modified supervision patterns

• Meal breaks and staff coverage

• Staff safety when coming and going at off hours

• Financial incentives or premium pay for working extended hours

How do I recruit and retain quality staff?

Finding and keeping qualified staff for non-traditional hours requires specific strategies and considerations:

Recruitment Strategies

Successful recruitment for non-traditional hours begins with clear communication about expectations and benefits. Focus recruitment efforts on candidates who have experience with or preference for alternative schedules. Consider partnering with local colleges, especially those with early childhood education programs, to find students whose class schedules might align well with non-traditional hours.

Retention Approaches

Staff retention during non-traditional hours often depends on creating supportive work environments and providing appropriate compensation. Consider implementing:

• Premium pay for non-traditional hours

• Flexible scheduling options

• Additional paid time off

• Health and wellness benefits

• Professional development opportunities

• Team building activities

• Recognition programs

How do staffing needs affect my budget?

Implementing comprehensive staffing for non-traditional hours requires careful financial planning. Some of the following could lead to higher costs:

• Direct Staffing Costs

  • Possible higher wages for non-traditional hours

  • Overtime considerations

  • Benefits packages

  • Relief staff compensation

  • Training and professional development

• Support Costs

  • Safety equipment and protocols

  • Break room facilities and supplies

  • Professional development materials

  • Team building activities

  • Recognition program expenses

• Additional Considerations

  • Insurance requirements for extended hours

  • Worker's compensation adjustments

  • Certification and training costs

  • Recruitment and advertising expenses

Where do I start?

Begin your staffing plan by assessing your current team and operations.

• Survey existing staff to gauge interest in non-traditional hours and identify potential leaders for extended hours programs.

• Create detailed job descriptions that specifically address the unique requirements of each time period.

• Develop a comprehensive budget that includes both direct staffing costs and support expenses.

• Consider starting with one time period and a small core team, allowing you to refine your processes before expanding.

• Meet with your licensing representative to ensure you understand all staffing requirements for extended hour care and connect with your insurance provider regarding coverage for additional staff and hours.

 Remember that building a strong staff takes time. Focus on creating sustainable schedules that support both staff well-being and program quality. Start small, document what works, and adjust your approach based on staff feedback and program needs.