5 Simple Steps that Boost Childcare Relationships in 5 Minutes or Less
Anisha Grossett • January 3, 2024
Connection and relationships form the foundation of caring for young children.
As natural connectors, early childhood professionals strive daily to establish a secure base for relationships with children, coworkers, and parents. However, we all know how busy days with young children can be. Due to centre hours, meetings, paperwork, and other staffing duties, educators often get pulled away during pick-up or drop-off. With daily routines and transitions, there may be limited time to get everything done, let alone to connect one-on-one with families and caregivers. Some days, it may feel like there is barely time for a brief morning greeting and goodbye.
Discover five simple steps to stay connected, whether in person or through the centre, so you can provide support on days when programs or families cannot connect due to lack of time.
Connect Quickly in Big Ways
Start the Day with a Smile
- Start each day by greeting parents and children with a warm smile and hello. While it may seem awkward to engage with strangers, this simple act supports meaningful interactions. Parents will feel more at ease and be more likely to ask questions or get involved. This kind gesture also fosters a sense of safety and community among all members, including coworkers.
>> Reflection time:
What does "Welcome" mean to you? Visit our Facebook group
to share your favorite ways to welcome families!
Cultivate Community Space
- Create a community space, such as a center or classroom, to encourage parents or caregivers to share their thoughts and feel valued as a family. A family engagement board can serve as a platform for this purpose. Displaying family photos and asking questions can facilitate brief connections that bring parents closer to the community.
>> Try out this
print and post engagement welcome!
Engage families by inquiring about their favorite books, snacks, and playtime activities. Display this resource prominently near sign-in stations to capture their interest.
Communicate with Child-Centric Posters and Pictures
- Posters are an effective way to keep families updated with non-essential information and fun events. Easily catch parents' attention with child-centered visuals and photos. Even without direct interaction, this simple gesture helps families and educators engage more effectively. Consider posting flyers around the center that contain simple play and learning ideas, as well as child development information. This can be a quick and fun way to support families and keep them informed about your program. If you wish to engage in two-way communication with families, use QR codes to share forms, videos, and surveys.
Display Artwork and Achievements
- Families will appreciate their child being recognized in simple but meaningful ways. Showcase children's artwork, learning materials, and photographs in a communal area like the lobby or playground so parents can appreciate their children's growth and development. It only takes a few minutes to share a brief anecdote about a child's positive accomplishment during the day, but this small step strengthens the relationship between the child, parent, and educator.
Download Digital Tools that Connect with a Click
- When using digital documentation tools such as HiMama or Storypark, centres can share quick examples of a child's growth and learning with families regularly. Include photos of children engaged in activities, smiling, and playing with others to provide a well-rounded snapshot of their progress. If programs don't have digital access, use traditional printed photos and share the learning physically!
These are just a few approaches to enhance inclusion and foster a sense of belonging. To prioritize relationships for everyone in the centre, offer various ways to connect that are not one-size-fits-all. As How Does Learning Happen (2014) says, "Every child feels a sense of belonging when they are connected to others and contribute to the world." This applies to parents too. When you create an atmosphere that encourages connection, parental engagement becomes a natural and consistent part of the day, even when things get busy.
Try one (or more!) of these easy-to-implement ideas today. Make sure you come back to the comments and let us know how it goes!
Resources
Ministry of Education, How does learning happen?: Ontario’s pedagogy for the Early Years: A resource about learning through relationships for those who work with young children and their families (2014). Toronto; Ministry of Education.
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