Every child’s first teachers will always be their family members, but next to them are the childcare provider/educators who spend many hours watching them develop and develop a close bond. It is important to build a reciprocal relationship that helps support healthy learning and development.
Tips for Parents
(Credit: SDSU Fishback Center for Early Childhood Education)
Here are some ways you can collaborate with the educator/provider to create a relationship:
- Get to know your child’s teacher as soon as possible so you can start communicating with each other.
- Get involved in the program by volunteering, joining the board of directors or a committee and attending events hosted.
- Share important information that will help them understand your child’s skills, interests, experiences, and needs. Let them know how to comfort when child is upset or if there is something stressful happening in their life, so they are more aware of child’s behavior. Be an advocate for them.
- Share your family’s talents and culture by being an active part of the program by participating in field trips or cooking favorite food with the children.
- Remember a child can hear and remember what is said about them so it’s best to arrange another caregiver or family member to occupy them while you have strategic conversations with their teacher.
- During conferences or developmental check-ins, keep conversations focused on what can be done for your child and their progress. Come prepared with questions you have and speak up if you don’t agree with a strategy.
Relationships are most effective when there is open communication and respect for each person’s role in the child’s life. When parents and families engage in their education and development the child will flourish!
