Encouraging Parent Participation

Good communication between parents andchildren in your class. Let them know when you
caregivers in the early childhood setting is veryare available for meetings with them. Explain the
important. Both parents and caregivers have achild care facility's policies and answer any
goal of providing children with the best learningquestions they might have. Inform them of any
and growing environments. Caregivers shouldspecial events.
strive to create trust between the parents andIt may be hard to communicate with parents
themselves so they can work together for thewho have long work schedules. You may not
good of the children.even see many of these parents because they
Creating trust between parents and caregiverssend another relative or a close friend to
involves using an open communication systemtransport the child to and from the facility. Other
that benefits the children, parents and caregivers.parents may find it hard to get involved in special
Caregivers are better able to help children learnactivities because of an evening work schedule.
when they communicate with the parents aboutKeep these parents informed of classroom
the child. They learn from the parents about eachhappenings and special events through written
child's family, culture, home life, and language.notes, telephone or email communication.
In the early childhood setting, we communicateWe communicate in various ways and with many
with parents for a variety of reasons. In all ourdifferent styles. When we practice methods of
interactions with parents, we should create apositive and open communication, we can get to
positive and trusting environment by beingknow parents and encourage them to build a
respectful and honest.partnership with us. Children, parents and teachers
After parents have decided to enroll their child,all benefit from the partnership.
seize your chance to get to know them andLearn more about encouraging parent participation.
encourage them to become involved in theVisit ChildCare Education Institute to discover over
classroom or at the facility. Greet parents at100 online child care training courses that meet
arrivals and dismissals. Make parents, who may bethe continuing education requirements of the child
uncomfortable with the school environment, feelcare industry. Register for a sample course and
at ease.try online learning today!
Tell parents about yourself and your goals for the