Script

What determines the success of your child-care program? Now more than ever the
responsibility of preparing young children for kindergarten has been on the shoulders of early
childhood professionals. There’s an expectation that teachers receive appropriate onboarding
training and ongoing professional development to be knowledgeable of developmentally
appropriate practices. There’s the common belief that the curriculum should promote student
outcomes in science, technology, art, and more. Yes! Staff training and the quality of curriculum
are telling of a center’s excellence and the futures of students. Family involvement in your
program is also critical to the educational success of children and the success of your program.
Family members and teachers who actively collaborate as partners will create an educational
foundation for children.
To begin the process of integrating families into your program institute an open-door
policy to come to the program and to the classroom at unannounced times. Encourage family
members to watch and participate in classroom activities, such as story time and outdoor play! A
helpful tip is to provide families with guidelines, so they understand your expectations for
visiting.
Another strategy is to create simple at-home activities for families to complete with their
children. These activities will extend the learning occurring in school and also encourage family
members to be involved. A game of letter scavenger hunt in the car ride home is a quick and easy
activity parents can facilitate! Be sure to gather feedback on parents’ opinions and overall
enjoyment of each activity.
And lastly, no matter how big or small the attempt is, always recognize a family
member’s contribution. Not only is their attempt assisting your teaching, but the child is
benefitting from this collaboration! Continuously give praise and take advantage of center events
to recognize parents with prizes, certificates, or personalized thank-you letters.
In conclusion, make family engagement as high a priority as staff education and
curriculum. Offering praise, at-home activities, and an open-door policy are just a few of many
strategies you can implement to create a learning community of children, teachers, and families.