Enhancing the Relationship Between Families and Child Care Centers

January 13, 2014

 

You have now selected the perfect daycare or preschool for your child. But that is only the beginning of ensuring your child benefits as much as possible from his or experience. Building a positive relationship with your child’s caregivers is extremely important – you expect them to keep nurture your child and keep he or she safe, while the center also has expectations of you as a parent. Here are some important tips for enhancing the relationship between your family and your child’s caregivers.

1. Be prompt and courteous. This should go without saying, but it is important that your child is picked up on time each day. Obviously, sometimes things happen that may cause you to run late – a quick phone call to your child’s daycare center shows you respect the time of your child’s caregivers. In addition, ensure that payment is made on time. The key is to show others the same respect you expect.

2. Be efficient with paperwork. For the mere safety of your child, it is important that you turn in all required paperwork, such as immunizations, medical release forms, and informational data on time. This is the first bit of knowledge the caregivers will receive about your child and how to best care for he or she. In addition, ensure that you read any notices that are sent home with your child – information on these notices are valuable and inform you things such as special events and center closings/holidays.

3. Communicate and listen. It is of utmost importance for you to communicate with your child’s caregivers each and every day. Inform staff of any changes in your child’s routine, illness, or if your child needs extra attention one day for any given reason (i.e. restless night before). It is also extremely important to listen to feedback from your child’s caregiver and respect his or her expertise. You want to maintain an open and comfortable line of communication with your child’s caregiver.

4. Be involved and participate. As much as your schedule will permit, participate in your child’s ‘classroom’ – volunteer to read to the group, chaperone field trips (as your child gets older), donate items to the group. As your child moves to the older daycare groups and preschool, offer to share your profession with the group – adults fascinate young children! Most importantly, get to know your child’s caregivers and the other children and families in your child’s group or classroom – relationships are the most important tools to a positive daycare experience!

Sources:

http://www.babycenter.com/0_building-a-good-relationship-with-your-childs-caregivers_5943.bc

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