Important conversations to have with families in September

The first month of school at a childcare center is a significant milestone for both children and families. It is a time filled with anticipation, excitement and sometimes a touch of anxiety. As a childcare director or educator, this is the time to begin establishing a relationship of trust with new families and ensuring a smooth transition for children. Here are a few important discussions to have with families that will help to build trust and foster a welcoming environment for everyone at your center.

Discussions to prioritize during the first month of school 

1. Orientation and welcome: Start with a warm and inviting welcome. Orientation sessions help families become familiar with the childcare center’s environment, staff, and policies. It’s the perfect opportunity to create a sense of belonging and comfort.
   
2. Daily routine and schedule: Provide a detailed overview of the daily routine, including drop-off and pick-up times, meal schedules, nap times, and planned activities. Explain how the structure of the day promotes stability and fosters a positive learning environment. You can also share all of this in advance with families using a childcare management app like HiMama, helping to save you time and set parents expectations before their first day.
   
3. Health and safety: Emphasize your center’s commitment to the health and safety of all children. Discuss your policies and procedures regarding illness management, medication administration, and emergency protocols. Reassure families that their child’s well-being is a top priority. You can download a free staff safety protocol resource in our staff onboarding package!
   
4. Communication channels: Clearly outline the various communication channels available to families. Whether it’s email, phone calls, meetings, or a digital platform like HiMama, make sure families know how to reach you and stay informed about their child’s progress. Making communication easy and accessible to families is the best way to encourage family engagement.
   
5. Developmental goals: Share the educational goals and developmental milestones different classrooms focus on. Explain how your centers curriculum and activities are designed to support children’s growth in various areas, including social, emotional, and cognitive development. Try having your curricula delivered to save time every week and make sure your classrooms are using research-based, up-to-date, and expert-designed lesson plans.
   
6. Philosophy and classroom management: Discuss your philosophy of learning and approach to classroom management with all new families. Encourage families to share any specific strategies they use at home. These conversations will help establish consistency between home and school, making the transition easier for a young child. 
   
7. Individual needs: If there are children with individual needs or requiring specific support, make sure to take time with the family to understand their expectations and needs for their child. Explain how your center provides a supportive and inclusive environment, ensuring that each child’s unique self is welcomed and cared for.
   
8. Documentation and family involvement: Inform families about the frequency and format of documentation and how this documentation is recorded and shared. Whether you use pen and paper, or a childcare management tool like HiMama, families will be eager to know how they will be kept in the loop. Encourage family involvement, whether it’s attending a family night, volunteering, or participating in center activities.
   
9. Questions and concerns: Create a welcoming atmosphere where families feel comfortable asking questions and expressing concerns. Encourage open dialogue and assure families that you are there to address any issues or uncertainties they may have.
   
10. Warm welcome and reassurance: Finally, extend a heartfelt welcome to the children and their families. Reassure families that their children are in capable, caring hands. Express your enthusiasm for the upcoming school year and the opportunities for growth and learning that lie ahead.

These conversations go beyond mere formalities; they establish a foundation of trust, understanding, and cooperation between families, educators, and childcare directors. By engaging families in these meaningful discussions, you create a collaborative partnership that benefits everyone involved and ensures a positive start to the school year.

To learn more about how HiMama’s all-in-one solution streamlines building, managing and growing a quality early childhood program click here!