| There are three stages of communication. The | | | | child will sleep, what they will eat, what activities |
| speaker says something "the message" and then | | | | they will provide. Put everything on paper and |
| the receiver hears "the message" and then the | | | | have them sign. Provide a contract that outlines |
| receiver "interprets the message." Daycare | | | | the hours of care and rate per day. |
| providers have the responsibility of communicating | | | | 3) Monthly newsletter |
| with the parents of their children regarding their | | | | Create a sense of belonging for the parents with |
| child's well-being. That means that the childcare | | | | a monthly newsletter that welcomes new children |
| provider must have practices skills at receiving | | | | to your care and says good bye to old ones. Tell |
| and interpreting the message from the parent. | | | | parents what the children did that month. Post |
| Daycare providers can avoid unnecessary | | | | little reminders to parents and have a little |
| miscommunication by implementing the following | | | | inspirational quote. A newsletter can be emailed to |
| suggestions into their daycare policies. | | | | them or given in hard copy. Parents love |
| 1) Listen to the Parent | | | | newsletters! |
| To be able to ask a question clearly is two-thirds | | | | 4) Weekly or daily reports |
| of the way to getting it answered. ~John Ruskin | | | | These are used in larger daycare centers and can |
| Hearing what the parent has to say about their | | | | be a great way to let parents know about their |
| child's diet, sleeping patterns, and behavior will | | | | children's strengths and what activities they |
| teach you a lot about their child. Listen carefully to | | | | enjoyed daily. This will also allow you the chance |
| what the parent has to say. Ask questions when | | | | to indicate if there is a problem. Be careful what |
| you need more detail and confirm that you | | | | you write though and always be sure to use your |
| understood with phrases such as "So what you're | | | | words gently when there has been a problem |
| saying is...." "Did I understand you correctly that....." | | | | with their child that day. |
| 2) Registration Interview | | | | 5) Website |
| The first time a child care provider has to truly | | | | A domain name and website can be bought online |
| meet the family is at the registration interview. | | | | for $10. Try service providers such as or You can |
| Create a welcoming atmosphere by offering | | | | update your website regularly with photos, quotes |
| coffee and cookies. Tell them about you and your | | | | and stories about your children in the care (make |
| program then actively listen to them as they tell | | | | sure you have signed documents stating it is okay |
| you about themselves, their children and their | | | | to take their pictures and post them) Always |
| needs. | | | | keep the lines of communication open with the |
| Discuss every aspect of your care - where the | | | | parents to avoid unnecessary misunderstandings. |