Working with Families and Communities

Care providers will have a better understanding of children's strengths and needs if they develop a good relationship with families. There are a variety of ways to foster good relationships that will ultimately benefit the children, their families and the child care environment.

Make families feel welcome

• Greet families by name when they arrive and tell them about your plans for the day, skills the children are working on or activities the children are involved in.

• Ask parents to share advice with you about their child.

• Develop good listening skills that show parents that their concerns and ideas are important and valid.

• Create a welcoming entrance that allows parents to help their child get settled.

Get families involved

Parents stay better informed and feel more a part of the child care program when there are opportunities for them to get involved. Their involvment helps providers offer a more varied program and children benefit when key adults in their lives take an interest in their activities.

• Have an open door policy so parents feel comfortable dropping by.

• Ask for their assistance with field trips or at fund-raising events.

• Host parent events such as potlucks and children's programs.

• Offer parent education by sharing things you've learned through your experiences, a training event or class.

• Encourage parents to share their skills such as carpentry work and sewing.

• Request donations of scrap materials for art projects, dramatic play items or picture books.

• Get their feedback by sending out parent evaluations and having a suggestion box available.

• Form a parent board and solicit their participation and input.

Communicate with families on a regular basis

Good communition is the foundation of a strong relationship. Everyone benefits when there is regular communication between child care providers and famiiles.

• Daily communication techniques

  • Verbal communication when children are dropped off or picked up.
  • Written communication forms

• Ongoing communication techniques

  • Newsletters  • Web site   • Bulletin boards  • Parent mailboxes   • Email  • Voice mail  • Social Media

• Parent conferences

  Schedule conferences at least twice a year to provide parents and care providers the opportunity to discuss goals, develop a formal strategy and share ways to make the child care experience satisfactory.

Training Recommendation

Visit the ND CCR&R Training Centerto search and register for training related to ND Core Competency: Working with Families & Communities.