Childcare and Preschool Staff Evaluation Forms

Download free, customizable staff evaluation forms for childcare providers

Staff evaluation forms are structured documents used by childcare directors to assess employee performance, set goals, and provide feedback. They typically cover key areas such as interactions with children, lesson planning, safety compliance, and classroom management.

Why are staff evaluations important in childcare?

Regular evaluations help directors identify training needs, recognize high-performing staff, and ensure consistent care quality. For educators, these reviews provide clarity on expectations and a roadmap for professional development, leading to higher job satisfaction and retention.

Free printable staff evaluation template

To support your team's growth, it is essential to have a review process that is fair, encouraging, and thorough. Our downloadable template helps you:

• Collect self-evaluations: Give staff a voice in their own professional journey.
• Organize feedback: Structure your thoughts on strengths and areas for improvement.
• Prepare for reviews: Create a positive environment for inspiring performance discussions.

What should be included in a childcare staff evaluation?

A comprehensive staff evaluation form should cover specific domains relevant to early childhood education. When customizing your form, consider including these key sections:

• Classroom management: How well does the teacher maintain order, manage transitions, and ensure a safe environment?
• Curriculum implementation: Is the staff member effectively delivering lesson plans and adapting them to children's needs?
• Family engagement: How effectively does the educator communicate with families and build partnerships?
• Professionalism: Does the staff member arrive on time, follow the staff handbook, and collaborate well with the team?
• Health and safety: Is the staff member adhering to licensing regulations and hygiene protocols?

How to conduct effective performance reviews

Conducting a performance review can be stressful for both the director and the teacher. Follow these steps to ensure a productive and positive experience:

1. Schedule in advance: Give staff plenty of notice so they can prepare.
2. Ask for self-reflections: Have staff complete a self-evaluation form beforehand. This highlights their perspective on their own performance.
3. Be specific: Use concrete examples of behaviors rather than vague generalizations.
4. Focus on growth: Frame feedback as an opportunity for development rather than criticism.
5. Set clear goals: Collaboratively establish actionable goals for the next review period.

After downloading the staff evaluation form template, check out the other early education resources for hiring and developing childcare staff:

• • Professional Development Day Agenda
  • Staff Handbook Template for Early Education Programs
  • Practical Guide to Build a Collaborative and Resilient Childcare Team
  • Reflection Guide for Early Education Teams
  • Staff Onboarding Checklist

Frequently asked questions

Q: How often should childcare staff be evaluated?
A: Most childcare programs conduct formal performance reviews annually or bi-annually. However, providing informal feedback and coaching sessions quarterly or monthly is highly recommended to keep staff aligned and supported throughout the year.

Q: Can I use digital tools for staff evaluations?
A: Yes, many modern childcare management platforms allow you to create and store digital staff evaluations. Digital tools streamline the process, making it easier to track historical performance data and share feedback instantly with staff members.

Q: What is the difference between a self-evaluation and a supervisor evaluation?
A: A self-evaluation is completed by the employee to reflect on their own performance, strengths, and challenges. A supervisor evaluation is completed by the director to provide an objective assessment of the employee's work. Comparing the two helps identify gaps in perception and aligns expectations.