HOW TO REPRESENT PRI AND BCCS IN THE BEST WAY
You are the “face” of your organization. In your job you often are the first contact the provider has with Bethel Child Care or Provider’s Resources. The provider often judges the organization by how well you present yourself. So it is vital that you present your organization in the best possible light. A public Relations manager (PRM) is defined as “one who manages the relationship between their organization and the client. “ That often is your role.
There are many ways you are called upon to represent your organization. Good Monitors are able to work as a team with the provider. Avoid the 'Me-vs.-You' attitude by always giving the impression you are working together with the provider. You and the provider have a common goal and that is the quality of childcare and nutrition given to the children in care.
You are there to monitor and evaluate, but you should not go into the home with the purpose of catching the provider doing something wrong. This will not motivate your client to do their best and is certainly not the message you want to convey.
You may find something that has to be corrected but if you have mutual goals, and that goal is what is best for children, then having the skills to involve the client and work so that you are on the same team in important.
Communication is a vital part of your job. How you communicate is a direct reflection on your organization. Many times you are required to train your providers on new regulations, changes in paperwork, and new requirements for reimbursement. It is your job to get the accurate message across to your providers.
Providers often resist change. Providers are not only influenced by the way you present the message, but will form an impression of your organization by how you communicate with them.
For example: If you are standing looking down and shaking your head and say “(sigh) They are adding another form you have to fill out each month. I know you are already overburdened with paperwork, but I’m sorry to say you have to do more.”
What do you think the provider’s response will be? When you relay a message in a negative manner, your message will be received negatively.
A Public Relations Manager learns how to give a positive spin on what can be received as a negative message.
For Example: You are standing with a smile on your face and say, “The state has been looking at children’s safety and they have come out with a new document that you will need to submit monthly. This is a good thing because it will protect you from possible lawsuits and protect the children. Let me show you how to make it out.”
Emphasizing the positives in your message makes a big difference in how it is received. You want your organization to be perceived as one that will support the provider in her childcare business.
Each provider you represent is very different and you may have providers from many different cultures, educational levels, and background. It is important that you know your providers. Completely understand the reasons behind what you are asking them and make sure your instructions are clear and understood by the provider. You may also want to anticipate what the objections will be and think about how you will present good informative feedback.
For Example: you may want to print out statistics that backup the reasoning behind the new paperwork. Print out instructions for those that may need it.
Be creative and keep your message positive and supportive. Remember you represent not only yourself but also Bethel Child Care and Provider Resources.