A very important aspect of supporting your child in their early learning is building relationships with your child’s Educators.
Why Relationships with Educators Matter
Sharing information about your child with their Educators helps your child get the most out of their early childhood education.
The more Educators understand about your child and their family context, the better able they are to provide the best possible support. Having strong relationships with your child’s Educators also sets a great example for your child about how to relate to people.
As a parent it also helps you to feel comfortable to raise any concerns you might have about your child or their education.
Establishing a good foundation
During the orientation process we asked you to share information about your child and their home life, particularly their daily routines. This helps immensely for your Educators to understand how to best support your child as they transition into childcare. At this stage the more you can share, the better.
Building on the foundation through communication
- Once you’ve laid that foundation, the key to building those relationships is ongoing communication
- Wherever possible, check-in with your child’s Educators regularly to learn how things are going, and to give feedback about anything you’ve observed about your child’s development
- If there’s an issue you’re working on with your child, such as managing a certain behaviour or making a change to their sleep routine, share that with your Educators. You can then discuss how they can support you and your child through that change
- Give feedback to your Educators – both positive and negative. Your Educators greatly appreciate your positive feedback and it helps strengthen the relationship. Negative or constructive feedback gives your Educators an opportunity to address any concerns you have
Things to share with Educators
- New interests your child has developed
- Any fears that have surfaced or worries your child has developed
- Any big changes at home that your child will need to be supported through, such as a house move, separation, death in the family or a new sibling
- Changes to your child’s routine at home
The more your child’s Educators know, the more your child can be supported to grow and thrive.