Encouraging Parent Communication

Good communication between parents and caregivers in the early childhood setting is very important.  Both parents and caregivers have a goal of providing children with the best learning and growing environments.  Caregivers should strive to create trust between the parents and themselves so they can work together for the good of the children.

Creating trust between parents and caregivers involves using an open communication system that benefits the children, parents and caregivers. Caregivers are better able to help children learn when they communicate with the parents about the child. They learn from the parents about each child's family, culture, home life, and language.

In the early childhood setting, we communicate with parents for a variety of reasons. In all our interactions with parents, we should create a positive and trusting environment by being respectful and honest.

After parents have decided to enroll their child, seize your chance to get to know them and encourage them to become involved in the classroom or at the facility. Greet parents at arrivals and dismissals. Make parents, who may be uncomfortable with the school environment, feel at ease.

Tell parents about yourself and your goals for the children in your class. Let them know when you are available for meetings with them. Explain the child care facility's policies and answer any questions they might have. Inform them of any special events.

It may be hard to communicate with parents who have long work schedules. You may not
even see many of these parents because they send another relative or a close friend to transport the child to and from the facility. Other parents may find it hard to get involved in special activities because of an evening work schedule. Keep these parents informed of classroom happenings and special events through written notes, telephone or email communication.

We communicate in various ways and with many different styles. When we practice methods of positive and open communication, we can get to know parents and encourage them to build a partnership with us. Children, parents and teachers all benefit from the partnership.

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