Including Families in Programs for Young Children

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Including Families in Programs

Create Opportunities for Direct Communication

Initial Visits to the School Sample Form (PDF)
Before a child begins the program, the family should visit the program to observe and meet teachers and children and, in general, get acquainted with the program.
Orientation Meetings
Once the child is enrolled, parent orientation meetings help parents to meet the teaching team and other parents and learn about daily procedures and other useful information.

Home Visits
A member of the teaching team can visit the home to get to know the child and family in their own environment.

Drop-off and Pick-up Times
The teaching team can arrange the schedule so that drop-off and pickup times can be used for informal communication with families.
Parent/Teacher Conferences
Conferences are formal meetings scheduled to discuss the child's progress and allow the parents to share their ideas and concerns.
Core Team Meetings
Core team meetings are held at regularly scheduled intervals and include only the crucial team members: the teachers, parents, and therapist. These meetings deal with day to day progress and concerns, whereas the entire team would be included for program planning.

Create Opportunities for Indirect Communication

Telephone Calls
Telephone calls can be made for a specific purpose, or can be made on a regularly scheduled basis as a routine way to stay in touch. Phone calls are especially beneficial when a parent may not be able to understand and respond to written materials.
Individual Notebooks Sample Form (PDF)
Notebooks can be sent back and forth between home and school every day to share ongoing information. Notebooks can be created with specially printed pages which allow the teacher or the parent to convey daily information by simply filling in the blank or circling a response.
Informal Notes Sample Form (PDF)
Short notes can be sent with a child to tell the family any news of the day. Parents can send notes to tell the teacher of any changes of routine or significant events at home. Again, the teacher can use a preprinted sheet which will allow quick information by checking, filling in the blank or circling information.
Weekly Notes Sample Form (PDF)
An individualized note can be sent to each family every week to let them know about their child's favorite activities at school or other information. A form letter can be sent home at the beginning of the week to let parents know what the teacher's plans are for the week.
Newsletter
A newsletter can be distributed once or twice a month to help assure that all families in the program receive consistent information about special events, program changes, need for volunteers, and other news.

Letter from the Family of the New Friend to the All Family Sample Letter
An informal letter might be a nice introduction of the new friend in the classroom to the all other family. It can provide an opportunity to introduce about the child and about some special needs the child has.

Bulletin boards and displays
Bulletin boards are wall displays that can be used to keep families updated on meetings and special events, daily schedules, resources for families, and, in general, to let families know what is going on at school.
Handbook
Handbooks contain detailed information about the program. A family can refer to them as guides throughout the year.
Reports Sample Form
Written reports are formal ways to share information with families. Although they can be useful, care should be taken that they do not replace personal contact

Encourage a Variety of Roles for Parents in the Classroom

Volunteer
Parents might share a special interest or skill with the children, help out in the classroom, assist with special activities, provide transportation to special events, bring in materials for projects, help clean, arrange, or decorate classrooms.
Paid Staff Positions
Some parents might assume a paid position in the program as a member of the program staff.
Classroom Visitor
Parents should be encouraged to come in to observe or play with their children. This could be during the day or for a few minuets at pickup or drop-off.
Parent Advisory Group Member
Parent advisory groups are groups of parents that meet regularly to give the program and teaching team advice on its policies and practices.

Promote Family-Oriented Activities

Parent-to-Parent Efforts
One-to-one activities might include linking new parents with more experienced parents in the program to help them get oriented or to just have someone to talk with. Group activities might include meetings for support and socialization.
Parent Information and Education Activities
Programs can provide parents with information on topics of interest, for example, child development. These activities can be organized by parents or teachers.
Social Events for Parents and Teachers
Some activities can be scheduled for purely social reasons to encourage parents and teachers to take the time to relax and get to know one another. The presence of children can serve as a great ice breaker, but, after initial gatherings, plan something for parents only.
Referral to Other Community Resources
An early childhood program cannot address every family service need, but can help families find other resources to meet the needs outside of the scope of the school.
Lending Libraries
Programs can organize collections of interesting books, articles, pamphlets, tapes, and even toys that parents can borrow.

Adapted from: Edelman, L. 39 ideas for involving parents in programs for young children. Handout from workshop.