As we reflect on 2021, it is clear that early childhood teachers have truly carried so many families and young children through the challenges and disruptions of this year. May we celebrate their efforts as we countdown with 10 reasons we are so grateful for their hard work.
During this time of year, many early learning centers plan lessons, activities, and events to celebrate the holidays. Finding ways to teach about many different holidays from various cultures and geographic locations communicates that all children and families are valued.
Parents of young children are constantly inundated with information and are often balancing multiple children, work, and other elements of a busy life. Having a regular, single point of communication from the childcare center that includes important and relevant information can go a long way in easing the burdens on parents.
Over time, a school or center develops a particular culture, refines processes, and establishes traditions and ways to connect with families. As new teachers and staff members join your school or center, it is important that they are seamlessly integrated into the school community.
Professional learning and growth for staff members are important components to creating high-quality learning environments, building a positive school culture, and promoting staff retention. Ongoing feedback and yearly evaluations can set an important foundation for a cycle of continual professional learning.
Parent-Teacher Conferences provide one of the first opportunities for families to hear information on their child’s social, emotional, and academic growth and development from an educator’s perspective. They can go a long way in establishing productive partnerships between educators and families.
As you plan, implement, and review your communication strategy, keep these key tenets in mind for productive messaging and interaction with your school community and families.
When teachers feel connected and valued, they bring a joyful approach to their students and families. That’s why it is important to build an overall culture of appreciation in order to sustain optimistic and energetic morale throughout the school year.
For families, sending a child to a preschool or childcare center can be a big step. Providing a warm welcome for families and creating a sustained feeling of connection can go a long way in helping new families acclimate to their new school.
Families are a fundamental component of any early childhood learning center or school. Preschools and childcare centers can take active steps retaining families by making them feel welcomed, connected, and valued in order to cultivate a multi-year relationship with them.
