When early childhood educators and parents work together, they create a supportive environment for children that enhances their learning and development skills. Establishing strong relationships with parents is a cornerstone of effective early childhood education. In this blog, we will look at some of the most useful practical tips for effective communication and collaboration with parents, as well as strategies for building trust and fostering positive relationships.
Parent Partnership
- Parents are the most important people in their children's early lives. Children learn about the world and their place in it through their conversations, play activities, and routines with parents and families. Parents can also support children's learning in out-of-home settings, such as child minding settings, crèches, playgroups, pre-schools, and primary schools. By working together, parents and practitioners can enhance children's learning and development.
- Teaching is probably the most rewarding profession, yet it can also be the most challenging as teachers strive to ensure that every child receives the best education possible. Education has become so complex that it is impossible for the classroom teacher to do it alone. Schools must reach out to parents and effectively engage them in the education process. Collaborative problem-solving will require that parents, educators, specialists, and administrators work together to determine appropriate resources and supports as well as specific information-sharing practices that facilitate parental engagement.
Benefits for the Children
- Children tend to achieve more, regardless of ethnic or racial background, socioeconomic status, or parents' education level.
- Children generally achieve better grades, test scores, and attendance.
- Children consistently complete their homework.
- Children have better self-esteem, are more self-disciplined, and show higher aspirations and motivation toward school.
Benefits for the Parents
- Parents increase their interaction and discussion with their children and are more responsive and sensitive to their children's social, emotional, and intellectual developmental needs.
- Parents are more confident in their parenting and decision-making skills.
- As parents gain more knowledge of child development, there is more use of affection and positive reinforcement and less punishment on their children.
- Parents have a better understanding of the teacher's job and school curriculum.
- When parents are aware of what their children are learning, they are more likely to help when they are requested by teachers to become more involved in their children's learning activities at home.
Benefits for the Educators
- When schools have a high percentage of involved parents in and out of schools, teachers and principals are more likely to experience higher morale.
- Teachers and principals often earn greater respect for their profession from the parents.
- Consistent parent involvement leads to improved communication and relations between parents, teachers, and administrators.
Seek Feedback
It's OK for educators to ask parents for feedback about their classroom program. Be prepared to hear good news and bad. And remember that child development is a moving target. Saying "I'm sorry" or having to make mid-course corrections in instructional style and content is part of the early childhood educational business. Your efforts and willingness to be a flexible, well-informed, and enthusiastic partner will make your relationships with parents a success.
Conclusion
Building strong relationships with parents in early childhood education is vital for creating a supportive learning environment. By adopting these approaches, you can build strong, trusting relationships with parents that ultimately benefit children's development. At Podar Institute of Education (PIE), we believe that, when families and educators work together, children thrive, and their educational journey becomes a shared and enriching experience.
If you wish to become an early childhood educator, programs such as preschool teacher courses can help you become one. These courses emphasize learning the importance of family engagement, preparing educators to create lasting partnerships with parents.