Culture Card - The Children's Guild

Culture Card

Thursday - March 20

Culture Card Message of the Day

Foundational Beliefs 1 of 5

Life is a journey of personal growth ascending from a focus on self to a focus on family, community and world.

Policy of the Day

HIPAA Policy Reminder
You have a student or client in your office, the phone rings, and you continue to talk about another student or client to the person who calls. HIPAA has just been breached, so be mindful. Call the parent or teacher back at a later time.

The Safety Tip of the Day

For evacuations, exit the building through the nearest emergency exit and go to the designated assembly area for a count of staff, students, and visitors.

Friday - March 21

Culture Card Message of the Day

Foundational Beliefs 2 of 5

Culture is the most powerful force available to child-serving organizations for transmitting the values of life success and transforming one's mindset.

Policy of the Day

HIPAA Policy Reminder
HIPAA applies to staff information as well. All personal and medical information about a staff member is also protected by HIPAA. If a staff member confides information to you about their health, please keep it private. HR can only release personal data by the release as well.

The Safety Tip of the Day

Thoroughly wash your hands after using the restroom and whenever they become soiled.

Saturday - March 22

Culture Card Message of the Day

Foundational Beliefs 3 of 5

Everything is connected in profound and countless subtle ways.

Policy of the Day

HARASSMENT:
The Children's Guild believes that all employees and students/youth/participants, regardless of perceived sexual orientation/gender, gender identity/expression/race/ability/age, deserve the right to be free of discrimination or harassment. If you feel someone is harassing you, contact the TCG Cares Line.

The Safety Tip of the Day

Inspect extension cords and plugs before each use.

Sunday - March 23

Culture Card Message of the Day

Foundational Beliefs 4 of 5

In virtually every choice is a moral dilemma and we must decide which choice is the most right. Each dilemma one faces provides the opportunity to grow in wisdom and experience.

Policy of the Day

Harassment Reminder:
Say something if someone makes you feel uncomfortable, or you think you have been discriminated against. If you stay silent, it empowers the situation to continue. Contact the TCG Cares Line.

The Safety Tip of the Day

Use care and caution when lifting.

Monday - March 24

Culture Card Message of the Day

Foundational Beliefs 5 of 5

A child-serving organization is more than a host for the professions. It is a critical component for transmitting values and fostering growth.

Policy of the Day

Harassment Reminder:
Sexual harassment is a behavior characterized by making inexplicit or explicit, unwelcome, inappropriate sexual remarks or physical advances in a workplace. Sexual harassment is not tolerated at the Children's Guild. Please contact the TCG Cares Line if you are experiencing sexual harassment in the workplace.

The Safety Tip of the Day

In the event of a lockdown, classrooms and offices should practice how to barricade their spaces.

Tuesday - March 25

Culture Card Message of the Day

The Nine Wisdom Principles - The Personal Values - What are the values needed to access personal growth? Care

As an organization and as individuals, we need to care.

Policy of the Day

DRESS CODE
Dress professionally and appropriately to be a positive role model for our students and the Guild's image in the community. Our culture requires employee clothing to be clean and unwrinkled. It can not have an attire that undermines diversity or promotes substance use (including alcohol) or sexual themes.

The Safety Tip of the Day

Maintain a clean and organized workspace.

Wednesday - March 26

Culture Card Message of the Day

The Nine Wisdom Principles - The Personal Values - What are the values needed to access personal growth? Contribute

Caring does not exist without action.

Policy of the Day

Dress Code Policy Reminder
Dress is determined by your job and activity. Our dress policy was overhauled in 2021 to provide staff flexibility and maintain the safety of the youth we serve and the staff we employ. The dress code policy will be reviewed annually, and supervisors will decide at that time if any changes are necessary. At any time, staff can bring questions to their supervisor about workplace attire.

The Safety Tip of the Day

For heightened alert emergencies all exterior doors should be secured (not chained or barred) and positive identification of visitors should be completed before gaining access to the building.

Thursday - March 27

Culture Card Message of the Day

The Nine Wisdom Principles - The Personal Values - What are the values needed to access personal growth? Commit

Contribute consistently over time.

Policy of the Day

CONFIDENTIALITY
The policy protects the right of privacy of the staff and children and families served. You cannot share personally identifying information about staff or a student. This information is protected from written, spoken, and all other forms of communication, a proper release of information is required to share any information stated above.

The Safety Tip of the Day

Ladders should only be used by staff who have been trained in Ladder Safety.

Friday - March 28

Culture Card Message of the Day

The Nine Wisdom Principles - The Life Skills - What are the skills needed to achieve growth? Vision

The ability to see what can be.

Policy of the Day

Confidentiality Policy Reminder
All identifying information, SS number, Birthdate, Passport, licenses, etc., about the staff, is protected by law, including any disciplinary action. Staff is entitled to expect the same confidentiality of the information we extend to our students.

The Safety Tip of the Day

Only authorized drives may operate company owned/leased vehicles.

Saturday - March 29

Culture Card Message of the Day

The Nine Wisdom Principles - The Life Skills - What are the skills needed to achieve growth? Courage

Pursuing a vision despite adversity.

Policy of the Day

Confidentiality Reminder
If you see or hear another staff member's private information, let your supervisor know you may have heard confidential staff information. Sharing this information with others is considered gossip.

The Safety Tip of the Day

Follow the evacuation plan and be aware of alternative exits.

Sunday - March 30

Culture Card Message of the Day

The Nine Wisdom Principles - The Life Skills - What are the skills needed to achieve growth? Will

The relentless application of courage toward a vision.

Policy of the Day

BOUNDARIES
At The Children's Guild, we maintain a professional environment in which employees and students are safe and can be trusted to respect boundaries to define a professional, therapeutic relationship.

The Safety Tip of the Day

Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) is to be provided by the employer. If personal PPEs are used they must be approved prior to use.

Monday - March 31

Culture Card Message of the Day

The Nine Wisdom Principles - The Growth Process - What is the process through which growth occurs? Struggle

Growth requires struggle and sacrifice.

Policy of the Day

Boundaries Policy Reminder
The relationship between staff, students, and parents must be ethical and appropriate and consider a student's best interest. The relationship between staff and students is supportive but should not cross the line to friendship.

The Safety Tip of the Day

Wear high visibility clothing when working in parking lots and other traffic areas.

Tuesday - April 1

Culture Card Message of the Day

The Nine Wisdom Principles - The Growth Process - What is the process through which growth occurs? Transformation

Growth requires a change of thinking and behavior.

Policy of the Day

Boundaries Policy Reminder
Youth and caregivers often try to friend/follow our personal social media accounts. Please discuss with the youth and/or family why you cannot accept their friend/follow request before declining. Keeping your social media private allows your life to stay private.

The Safety Tip of the Day

Be aware of your surroundings when exiting a building or exiting a vehicle.

Wednesday - April 2

Culture Card Message of the Day

The Nine Wisdom Principles - The Growth Process - What is the process through which growth occurs? Enlightenment

A broader awareness of the responsibilities and moral obligations of a successful life.

Policy of the Day

PROFESSIONAL BOUNDARIES
Employees are required to maintain professional boundaries when working with youth. Some of our youth have difficulty distinguishing between a supportive relationship and a friendship. Our programs are safe environments, including limit setting and accountability. This helps to provide containment for the youth we serve.

The Safety Tip of the Day

Cover your mouths when sneezing or coughing.

Thursday - April 3

Culture Card Message of the Day

Workplace Expectations Norms Not Rules

Understand the situation and act in alignment with the foundational beliefs and values of the organization.

Policy of the Day

Professional Boundaries Reminder
Sometimes we build connections with youth through sharing our experiences. Disclosure should be used with purpose. Before disclosing personal information, ask if this information could be triggering? Is it about the student or me? Does your sharing of information have a reason or purpose?

The Safety Tip of the Day

Safety briefings should occur for non-regular events and activities.

Friday - April 4

Culture Card Message of the Day

Workplace Expectations Spinning Plates

Often we must manage a myriad of tasks with insufficient time and resources.

Policy of the Day

Professional Boundaries Reminder
If a child becomes overly friendly to you, report that to your supervisor. Your supervisor will help you to identify a way to respond.

The Safety Tip of the Day

Practice good posture at work and at home.

Saturday - April 5

Culture Card Message of the Day

Workplace Expectations Make the Impossible, Possible

We come to know our true potential when we are pushed to the brink of the impossible.

Policy of the Day

Professional Boundaries Reminder
At work, you may notice a youth needing shoes, food, school supplies, etc. Before offering to share or buy an item, please remember that if you do something for one child, you must be prepared to do it for all. Talk about the need you see with your supervisor before acting on it. Your supervisor will guide you on how to respond.

The Safety Tip of the Day

For shelter in place emergencies everyone should report to their 'regular' work spaces and conduct business as usual.

Sunday - April 6

Culture Card Message of the Day

Workplace Expectations Change is Constant

Expect change because we live in a dynamic environment that calls for constant re-evaluation of decisions and assumptions.

Policy of the Day

Professional Boundaries Reminder
We know that sometimes youth and families show appreciation to us through gifts. Accepting gifts or items from clients can be a sticky situation. If you receive a gift from a youth or caregiver, please talk with your supervisor about how to proceed.

The Safety Tip of the Day

Do not run extension cords under rugs, mats, above drop ceilings, or through walls.

Monday - April 7

Culture Card Message of the Day

Workplace Expectations Decide! Then Re-decide!

Have the courage to change when you have new information.

Policy of the Day

Professional Boundaries Reminder
Sometimes the children and youth in our care ask us to keep a secret and promise not to tell anyone. As a professional, explain to the youth that you appreciate their trust but can't make that promise. Relay that we have to ensure they are safe. If you are unsure of what to do with the information the youth has shared, talk with your supervisor.

The Safety Tip of the Day

Fire extinguishers are to be inspected monthly by maintenance staff and places no greater than 75 feet apart.

Tuesday - April 8

Culture Card Message of the Day

Workplace Expectations Own It!

When addressing the problem, start with yourself.

Policy of the Day

CELL PHONE USE
When driving, the policy for cell phones is hands-free use only with the camera off. This policy complies with Maryland and the District of Columbia laws. Please do not use the camera and always follow hands-free laws.

The Safety Tip of the Day

Hand sanitizer should only be used if running water is not available for washing hands.

Wednesday - April 9

Culture Card Message of the Day

Workplace Expectations Talk the Talk & Walk the Walk

Model the organization's beliefs and values in your work.

Policy of the Day

Cell Phone Use Policy Reminder
If you are stopped for a moving violation while participating in a Guild meeting, you will not be reimbursed by The Children's Guild.

The Safety Tip of the Day

Keep exit routes clear and free of clutter.

Thursday - April 10

Culture Card Message of the Day

Workplace Expectations A Master Teacher and a Master Learner

Seize the teachable moment and model an insatiable quest for knowledge and continuous improvement.

Policy of the Day

Cell Phone Use Policy Reminder
If an important meeting is scheduled during a time you know you will be commuting, please consider your level of attentiveness and participation before accepting. Your safety is the first priority.

The Safety Tip of the Day

Ensure proper lighting in your work area.

Friday - April 11

Culture Card Message of the Day

Workplace Expectations Value Mission, Not Recognition

Contribute to a cause larger than yourself without expecting personal recognition.

Policy of the Day

PERSONAL PROPERTY AT WORK
Personal property that an employee brings into the building is the employee's sole responsibility. Items in plain view of your parked vehicle on Children's Guild property are considered your personal property. Remember to keep medications, valuables, and personal items locked up while at work.

The Safety Tip of the Day

Emergency phone list should be located near each phone.

Saturday - April 12

Culture Card Message of the Day

Workplace Expectations Quality Counts

Your reputation and that of the organization depend on the quality of your work - improve it until it is right

Policy of the Day

NO SMOKING/VAPING
The Guild programs, buildings, and grounds are smoke and vape-free environments. Smoking is prohibited within 50 feet of any Guild location.

The Safety Tip of the Day

For earthquakes the immediate actions are to Drop (drop to the floor), Cover (cover your faces and head), and Hold (hold onto sturdy furniture).

Sunday - April 13

Culture Card Message of the Day

Workplace Expectations Our Work is Meaningful and Fun!

Working where our talents and passions lie brings joy and enriches life.

Policy of the Day

DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE
The Guild is a drug-free work environment. Illegal drugs are not permitted on the property or in any school or building. Individuals under the influence of a substance during the work day will be reported to Human Resources immediately.

If an employee has medication that they need to take during the work day, they should have an active and current prescription. Medication must be kept locked up at all times, including over-the-counter medicines.

The Safety Tip of the Day

Wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) when needed.

Monday - April 14

Culture Card Message of the Day

Workplace Expectations There is No Growth Without Struggle!

Positive changes are attained through sacrifice and self-discipline.

Policy of the Day

Drug-Free Workplace Resource Reminder
The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is available to support staff if you are dealing with addiction. You can contact them via telephone at 1-800-311-4327; TDD: 1800-697-0353; or online at guidanceresources.com.

The Safety Tip of the Day

Do not remove safety guards from equipment. Never operate equipment with safety guards removed.

Tuesday - April 15

Culture Card Message of the Day

Workplace Expectations 1 + 1 = 3

We are better together.

Policy of the Day

DIVERSITY, EQUALITY, INCLUSION
We are inclusive of all cultures, religions, orientations, etc. Those attributes make you unique. If you have been made to feel like you don't belong here, let your supervisor know. Every employee is empowered to belong.

The Safety Tip of the Day

Know the location of the nearest first aid kit, eye wash stations, and Automated External Defoliators (AED).

Wednesday - April 16

Culture Card Message of the Day

Workplace Expectations Say No With Compassion

Develop the courage to deliver a difficult message with respect and compassion and then do it.

Policy of the Day

PROFESSIONAL BEHAVIOR/HARASSMENT/BULLYING IS NOT WELCOME
The Guild is a harassment and bully-free zone. All employees should feel safe and work in an environment without harassment or bullying.

We encourage our employees to be tolerant of our differences, learn more about those we work with, and educate themselves about a culture they may not know. All employees have the right to be seen, heard, and valued. Please contact the TCG Cares Line if you have experienced bullying, harassment, or discrimination.

The Safety Tip of the Day

All cleaning chemicals should be issued by the maintenance department and not brought from home.

Thursday - April 17

Culture Card Message of the Day

Workplace Expectations Make the Covert, Overt

When there are unstated issues, bring them to the surface for discussion.

Policy of the Day

MEDIA AND PUBLIC RELATIONS
The Media Relations department is the official spokesperson for the Guild. If you know of an outreach opportunity or have been contacted by a news outlet, please contact Media Relations.

The Safety Tip of the Day

Wear shoes with non-skid soles to minimize slips.

Friday - April 18

Culture Card Message of the Day

The Children's Guild Purpose

To serve children not achieving their full capability in academic, emotional, social or life skills by establishing programs and discovering more effective methods to promote growth and change in the levels of achievement of those we serve.

Policy of the Day

SOCIAL MEDIA
Social media use at work should be limited to the business of The Children's Guild. Personal use of social media outlets is not permitted.

The Safety Tip of the Day

Extension cords should only be used as a temporary solution.