 Teachers and parents may see young children's education from various perspectives, but they share a common goal: being sure that children get the best possible education. Mutual respect and communication between programs and families benefit from both perspectives to provide children with the kind of care and education that will help them thrive. Nowadays family members and caregivers have many responsibilities and time constraints. Building strong partnerships takes extra effort on both sides.
Tips for caregivers and teachers:
• Listen carefully to parents – they are experts on their own children, too. Families can offer significant information on a child's behavior outside the program or classroom.
• Be sensitive to different cultures and child-rearing beliefs. Always make an effort to respect the family's values and beliefs; never make judgments on parenting styles.
• Share pertinent information about the child on a daily basis, especially in programs caring for infants and toddlers. The key to good communications is an established system for keeping records and reporting to parents about each child.
• Welcome parents into the program or classroom. Arrange after-work events like socials or pot-luck dinners, ask parents to drop by for lunch or snack. Working around parents' busy schedules sends a message of being sensitive to families' needs.
• It is recommended to communicate with parents about children's assignments or activities ahead of time in order parents can set time aside for working with their child or coordinate family schedules with school expectations. It is also appreciated to make regular, meaningful progress reports early in the year with time and recommendations to help prepare children for the next levels of their education.
Tips for parents:
• Listen carefully to what your child's teacher or caregiver has to say. Keep in mind that they spend a significant amount of time with children and share expertise about their development.
• Don't jump to conclusions. Speak directly to your child's teacher, caregiver, or program supervisor, if you have questions or concerns about your child or the early childhood program. Don't panic or merely sympathize with other parents when questions arise.
• Keep in mind that many teachers or caregivers have families of their own, and may share similar responsibilities and time constraints. Be as respectful of their time as you wish them to be of yours.
Nowadays many early childhood programs are working hard to become more "family-friendly," providing newsletters to parents that focus on staff members and professional development, ensuring one positive phone call per child each semester, or even providing voice mail for parents to leave messages after working hours. Such programs may show strengths in different ways, but working together with parents remains crucial. Children may benefit from the best possible learning experience, if teachers or caregivers make the extra effort to include parents in program activities, and parents take the time to attend and participate.
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