How to Effectively Communicate with Child Care Center Staff? | Licensed Child Care Providers

Tips for Effective Communication with Your Kid’s Child Care Center Staff

As a parent, you want what is best for your child: physically, mentally, socially and emotionally. When you take the big step of leaving them in someone else’s care, you want to ensure that they are comfortable with the staff and that all their needs are met. After all, your child spends more time in a childcare center than anywhere else.

A crucial part of ensuring your child’s comfort involves ensuring a good communication pattern with the staff and teachers. Most daycares know that parent-teacher communication is important and arrange open houses where parents and teachers can discuss issues. But, apart from this, you should talk to your child's teacher irrespective of whether there are problems or not.

Also Read: Is Your Child Care Center a Good Fit for Your Family?

Here are some tips on how to effectively communicate with your child’s teacher:

1. Make an Appointment

If you want to meet the teacher, don’t barge in unannounced. The teacher’s time is valuable too. Ask the teacher beforehand and decide on a suitable time that is feasible for both of you. Scheduling the meeting shows that you respect the teacher’s time and allows you more time to ask questions and get feedback on your child’s performance.

2. Prepare in Advance

You don’t want your meeting with the teacher to be vague and unproductive. Even if you do not have a specific problem and would just like an update on how your child is faring and adjusting to the child care center, preparing your questions in advance gives a direction to the meeting. Most teachers will be happy to help and will also accept feedback from parents.

3. Speak from the Child’s Perspective

Don’t put forth your troubles and feelings about situations. Explain it from the child’s perspective, so that the teacher understands the nature of the problem. Your child may be too young to express what she feels and you need to make sure that the teacher understands her needs and addresses any issues.

4. Start on a Positive Note

Even if the meeting is about a potential problem, don’t start on a negative note. Positive communication builds trust, which is a basic requirement for effective parent-teacher relationships. Start the conversation with feedback on how your child enjoys her life in school and how the teacher has helped. Move on to the issue at hand, but remember to not point fingers, avoid unconstructive criticism and stay polite throughout the conversation.

Also Read: Day care center - trends that parents should be aware of

5. Listen to What the Teacher Has to Say

Communication is a two-way street. While you have concerns to share about your child, the teacher might also have issues that she would like to discuss. Since the teacher spends a considerable amount of time with your child, she will know her well. While it is important to let the teacher know of any problem that the child is facing in school, it is equally important to listen to what the teacher’s concerns are. Listening and identifying areas where you can help is good for your child’s growth and working with the staff can help your child.

6. Accept Any Difference of Opinion

The teacher’s thoughts and opinions might not resonate with your own. If you have to disagree, put your views forward politely. Rudeness may permanently strain communication as well as the relationship. Having an open mind will be beneficial for your child.

Remember, when you’re communicating regularly with your child’s teacher, you’re creating a strong relationship that will benefit your child during her time at the child care center.