Boards – Parents must be an integral part of making decisions about procedures and curriculum. If possible, they should be included on governing boards and education committees. Head Start does a good job with this, mandating parent involvement at every level. The more ownership of your program your parents have, the more support they will offer in return.

Problems – There are few things more unfortunate for parents when they receive a “bad” note from their child’s teacher, but it is critical to keep parents informed of accidents, ugly or harmful behaviors (both the hitter and the hittee – but no names, please) illnesses, or administrative things like overdue tuition, fines for continuous late pick-up, etc. As a parent, I have been on the receiving end of these notes (“Mrs. B., your son put his algebra teacher’s chair outside the window on the third floor ledge”; “Mrs. B., your daughter bit one of her classmates on the belly button today”). I’ve also been on the sending side (“Dr. Daddy, your three-year-old told his teacher to “F–k Off” today”; “Mrs. Mommy,  your child has ringworm, head lice, pinworms, etc.”) These are not positive parenting or teaching moments, but facts of life.

Always document and notify parents of issues involving health and safety, but always offer assistance and education about these things.

Progress – Keep your parents informed of their child’s progress and need, with PROGRESS coming first. Let them know when their child reaches a milestone or does something wonderful and also let them know if you see a need that is causing a delay in progress. Have a referral list for parents needing information or diagnosis (NEVER MAKE OR SUGGEST A DIAGNOSIS YOURSELF!) Parents must be involved in assessment and planning for their child’s educational progress and need. At least two parent-teacher conferences should be held each year.

As I’ve Said, Remember the Words of the Great Aretha Franklin – R-E-S-P-E-C-T your parents and families and show that respect at all times – especially in front of their children. Know your neighborhood and the community surrounding your school. Invite community members to visit, be on boards and committees, and make connections with the community by being represented at neighborhood events. If your program is a faith-based one, be present (and help advertise) church, temple, or mosque events and share their calendars with parents. If you are at a private program, share your events with other private education programs (other day care centers or preschools). If your program’s participants need transportation, provide it. If your program does parent training, invite community members and participants in other programs.

Be a unifying force for parents of young children. Working-at-home and working-outside-the-home parents; rich and poor parents; single and married and divorced parents; parents of all faiths, genders, abilities, economic situations – even parents of all political persuasions – have the same needs, questions, concerns, and ideas and solutions.

Next blog: Emotional Safety – Creating a Community of Learners