How to extend an offer of employment
Find important information to include in your job offer below:
Begin with a sincere welcome
Show your excitement, mention their skills and strengths you like about them, and how happy you are to welcome them.
Specify the job title and that it's "at-will"
Specify the job you're offering and that it's at-will, job description, who they'll report to, start date, work hours, and other employment terms.
Pay and benefits
Let them know their pay, how often they'll be paid and how, any benefits your program offers, and if you pay for background checks and training.
Invitation to ask questions
Invite them to ask any questions about the job offer. You can schedule a date and time to discuss the offer in more detail if needed.
Set a deadline
If needed, give them time to consider the job offer, but don't leave it open-ended. You can include, "This job offer is valid until [insert a date]."
Background checks
A key part of hiring someone for your child care program is running a background check and making sure it comes back clear. Background checks are required by law for anyone who works at or visits a child care program regularly, including directors, owners, employees, and even people who live or stay there.
Start the background check as soon as you decide that you want to extend an offer. Make sure you check the person's ID and get their permission before you submit the request. It's important that the person to know that the job offer is only valid if they pass the background check.
The Health and Human Services Centralized Background Check Unit is required to check if a person has a criminal record or history of abuse or neglect that could be a risk to children. Child Care Regulation (CCR) has videos and guides to help you understand the background check requirements. You can find them on the CCR webpage.
If you have more questions about the background check process, see CCR's Guide to Understanding the Background Check Process. You also can find contact information for Centralized Background Check Unit representatives on CCR's webpage.
Negotiating compensation
Even for the most attractive job, the best candidates want to make more money. If you offer the same or less than they're currently making, they may not accept.
Most successful offers use the 10% rule. Offer them a package that increases their current pay, benefits, and perks by 10%, as long as your business can afford it.
The offer needs to be the fair within your organization, especially if you have other employees in similar roles. Paying too much could affect future decisions about salary increases if the person started at the top of the pay range.
Disclaimer
The information contained here is for educational purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal, tax, or financial advice.