Designing Great Vendor Partnerships
At The Brainchild Collective, our mission is to make a positive impact on students through Social-Emotional Learning. Our programs aim to create educational experiences that help empower students through SEL. A crucial part of our work and impact includes partnering with vendors to bring these valuable experiences into the classrooms across the Chicago Public Schools System.
To ensure successful and impactful partnerships, it’s crucial to design them thoughtfully and strategically. In this blog, we’ll explore how to create and design a great vendor partner that benefits everyone involved.
CREATE A SYSTEM FOR COMMUNICATING LOGISTICS
Starting with streamlining communication ensures all parties are aligned and creates a smooth operation. We’ve found that using a shared Google folder with the necessary school information ensures that your partnership is set up for success. These folders include:
Class Lists: This helps teachers make necessary adjustments to accommodate everyone in the program planning throughout the duration of the sessions.
Safety Instructions: Including, but not limited to, protocols, procedures, emergency contacts, and any other necessary information for staff to know in case of an emergency.
School Information: Important details such as a calendar including days off, holidays, planned breaks, and other dates program will not be in session. Additionally, a list of contacts for who to contact in certain situations will allow for smoother processes.
COMMUNICATE STUDENT NEEDS BEFORE THE PROGRAM STARTS
To ensure visiting teachers have the information they need to adapt curriculum and classroom plans for their students, it’s important to communicate student needs before program sessions begin. Providing background information on student learning styles or accommodations required will allow programs to be set up for success. Additionally, keeping in contact with the program manager and providing feedback throughout the duration of the session is beneficial for necessary adjustments.
ENCOURAGE SCHOOL STAFF TO GET INVOLVED IN THE FUN
When other adults in the school are grooving in dance class, writing their own mission statements in leadership workshops, or “yes-and-ing” in improv comedy, it sends the message to students that it’s okay to have fun, let loose, and explore their creativity!
