Children, child care providers, parents and administrators can all benefit from positive parent relationships. Behavior problems can be improved if there is positive interaction between the parent, child and child care provider. Frequent exchange of information about the child's strengths, progress and needed changes is essential.
One common bond between parents and child care providers is likely to be lack of time. Parents, child care providers and administrators are pressured by demands at home and at work. Although notes, phone calls, conferences and personal visits absorb precious time from the schedules of administrators and child care providers, the potential rewards are great. Take time to offer a hurried parent a cup of coffee and share personal observations about the child. Respect each other's time constraints by choosing convenient times to get in touch.
The child is a major motivation for most parents to become involved in child care activities, but the day care providers can help other parents by offering opportunities to get involved. Parents who have become part of their children's livers at the child care facility report many benefits for themselves and their children. Those who volunteer to serve on the advisory board or committees benefit by helping shape child care policies, and those who become knowledgeable about their child's performance can offer the child and child care provider much needed support and encouragement.
The following guidelines are recommended to provide positive parent relations:
Involving parents in the child care program may use valuable time but the process will build a quality experience for all involved.