Guide · Training, Onboarding & Supervisor Routines
New custodian first-week checklist
A first-week structure that moves a new employee from site orientation to supported route practice and a clear first independent handoff.
Primary role
New custodian and assigned supervisor or trainer
Cadence
First five scheduled workdays and first independent route review
Format
Read-only reference · 3 min read
Purpose and scope
Give new custodians a visible learning path without treating a single orientation conversation as readiness.
Site access, route knowledge, communication, basic supplies and equipment familiarization, observed practice, and first-week questions.
Supplies and readiness
- Assigned keys or access method
- Approved products and tools for the assigned zone
- Clean, zone-appropriate cloths or pads
- Waste liners and a route log or district-approved digital record
- Assigned PPE and temporary safety signage when conditions call for it
Procedure
Step group 1
Day one: site and safety context
- 1Review supervisor contacts, shift boundaries, access expectations, emergency and incident-reporting paths, and where local procedures live.
- 2Walk the assigned route and identify restrooms, supply points, equipment storage, break areas, and approved handoff locations.
- 3Review how district policy, product labels, SDS, PPE, and local requirements guide product and equipment use.
Step group 2
Days two and three: supported practice
- 1Demonstrate one complete high-priority route, then have the new custodian repeat it with observation.
- 2Practice completing a route log, reporting an access barrier, and making a routine work-order or service communication handoff.
- 3Review cart setup, storage practices, and equipment inspection expectations.
Step group 3
Days four and five: independent pass with review
- 1Assign a defined route with a check-in point and clear escalation contact.
- 2Review the resulting space condition and the documentation together.
- 3Agree on the first targeted coaching goal and schedule the next observation.
Quality checks
- The space is usable for its next expected activity.
- Tools, supplies, and signage are removed or stored appropriately.
- Open issues are visible to the person responsible for follow-up.
Supervisor check
- •Observe the sequence in the field before changing the route or expectation.
- •Review one completed record for enough detail to support a handoff.
Document this
- •Topics covered, routes observed, equipment introduced, questions requiring follow-up, and first independent route date.
- •Coaching goal, trainer name, and the date the supervisor will recheck understanding.
Escalate when
- •A condition presents an immediate safety concern or the area cannot be used as intended.
- •The work requires maintenance, a trained response, or direction outside the assigned task.
Coaching notes
- •Teach the route in the actual space, then have the employee narrate the reason for each decision.
- •Use specific observations and one next action rather than a general reminder to be more careful.