Communicating With Your Child /care Provider

Any parent who has placed a child in a caregiver setting has paused to ponder what activity or event is being missed at that particular moment. Did Bobby take three steps or ten this morning? Did Sally finally potty in her training chair? Was Alec able to keep his hands to himself during quiet time?

Those may seem like simple questions, but parents have the uncanny knack of wondering and worrying about even the smallest details in their child's life. Communications not only keep parents in the loop of their child's activities, progress and behavior throughout the day, but provide positive reinforcement for nuturing those growth milestones as well.

What is the best way to communicate?

For starters, there is no one magic solution, and many providers have a process established to ensure the information flow meets parental expectations. Many providers provide a daily report that goes home in a child's backpack or notebook. Providers may describe lesson plans, special achievements, behavioral models, or even what they had at lunch. Written reports are especially appreciatiated for infants and toddlers who can't--or won't--tell you about their day. But, in the end, it's good' ol face-to-face conversation (not at the end of the day when everyone's tired) that typically works the best.

What other communications techniques work well?

1. The internet is a great communications tool for providing a link between parent and provider. Some providers now offer video-cams where parents can log onto a selected site and "view" their child at play. Some home providers have set up cameras and microphones, which they use to send live messages to parents on occasion (with the employers' approval, of course).

2. Email connects parents and children in ways only limited by your imagination. Parents can send an email to a provider as an update or to just check in on a child who perhaps was feeling down. Providers can even scan their child's artwork to send, and with an older child, can start teaching them basic keyboarding skills so they can type mom or dad a simple message.

3. The age of digital cameras and scanners has meant that special events or parties can be shared quickly and easily. Parents don't just have to be on the receiving end; they could send a special image from work to a provider, who can then share it with the class and perhaps utilize it into the learning experience.

4. Parents should plan a visit from time to time to the child's provider to either assist with an activity, each lunch with the class, or just stop in with a special hug. While there, take a few minutes to visit with the provider--you'll hear about the day's events while they are fresh on everyone's minds.

5. Let your child take photographs to childcare of the family, pet, or perhaps even of their room or home. The photos can be shared or even displayed in the classroom, and your child will feel like he is bringing a little bit of home to child care to show and tell to others.

6. Above all, parents should seek out and ask questions of the provider each day. Even simple questions of what they did can foster a stronger bond between parent and child. And, be sure to let your provider know of any special needs or concerns with your child. By working with your provider, the partnership will foster a more successful arrangement for everyone.