Employee Excellence and Engagement Rewards Program

Employee Excellence & Engagement Rewards Program

The Employee Excellence & Engagement Rewards Program is a comprehensive staff recognition and incentive system designed for early childhood education settings. Whether implemented in a childcare center, preschool, or pre-K program, this policy supports a culture where dedication, professionalism, and teamwork are consistently acknowledged and rewarded.

Through a structured point-based system, employees earn recognition for fulfilling daily responsibilities, demonstrating initiative, supporting their team, and contributing to a high-quality learning environment. These efforts are celebrated through monthly raffles, top performer acknowledgments, quarterly bonuses, and annual performance-based pay increases. Additionally, spontaneous “spot awards” offer immediate appreciation for above-and-beyond contributions.

What sets this approach apart is its emphasis on fairness and growth. Every staff member, regardless of their title or tenure, has a clear path to receive meaningful feedback, pursue advancement opportunities, and be celebrated for their contributions. It’s more than just an incentive system; it reflects a deeper commitment to valuing educators. After all, when teachers and caregivers feel seen and supported, the entire learning environment thrives.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Purpose and Policy Overview             

1. Program Structure

1.1 Daily Point-Earning Tasks             

1.2 Monthly Recognition and Raffles            

1.3 Quarterly Bonuses            

1.4 Annual Performance-Based Raises       

1.5 Spot Awards for Exceptional Efforts      

2. Earning Points        

2.1 Daily Duties           

2.2 Weekly Responsibilities

2.3 Monthly and Periodic Contributions     

2.4 Bonus Point Opportunities          

2.5 Tracking and Access        

3. Monthly Rewards and Recognition           

3.1 Monthly Raffle Drawings

3.2 Top Performer Recognition          

3.3 Public Recognition and Celebration      

4.  Quarterly Bonus System 

4.1 Eligibility Criteria

4.2 Bonus Tiers            

4.3 Special Recognition         

5.  Spot Recognition and Special Incentives  

5.1 How to Be Nominated or Recognized   

5.2 Examples of Eligible Actions      

5.3 Types of Spot Rewards   

6.  Annual Performance Reviews and Pay Increases           

6.1 Role of Performance Tracking in Evaluations   

6.2 Pay Increase Tiers              

6.3 Ongoing Feedback and Coaching           

7. Communication, Access and Transparency       

7.1 Accessing Point Totals    

7.2 Frequency of Updates and Check-Ins  

7.3 Questions, Discrepancies, and Feedback         

8.  Appendix   

8.1 Sample Point Categories and Values    

8.2 Monthly Raffle Reward Examples           

8.3 Quarterly Bonus Summary Template Example               

8.4  Spot Award Nomination Form Template            

8.5 Printable Monthly Report Card Template