One of the most significant things an early childhood educator can achieve is building strong and positive relationships with families. Healthy partnerships between educators and parents create a supportive learning environment where children can develop, thrive, and remain happy and healthy — something we emphasise throughout our nationally recognised child care courses.
Building Relationships Through Daily Interactions
One of the simplest ways for educators to connect with parents is by greeting and farewelling them warmly at drop-off and pick-up times. These daily encounters create opportunities to exchange important information, show genuine interest in the child’s well-being, and demonstrate that the educator values both the child and their family.
Educators who undertake our child care courses (CHC30121 Certificate III or CHC50121 Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care) learn the importance of engaging parents beyond the classroom…such as getting to know parents is greeting and farewelling them in a pleasant manner when parents drop off and pick up children. These regular daily encounters provide an opportunity to chat, exchange important information, and let them know you are concerned about the child and their family. Educators expressing concern and interest outside of the early learning centre may be in asking about the child’s evening, weekend, or interests.
Another valuable approach is to communicate with each other frequently. Educators have a variety of methods they can use to inform parents of their child’s achievements and day-to-day experiences, including talking face-to-face, on the telephone, via email, via communication applications, or via newsletters. When parents receive frequent updates, they are more likely to feel informed and engaged in their child’s educational journey. Communication must be two-way, with educators listening to what parents have to report and what they are thinking about. When parents are included to participate in the child’s activities, trips, or special occasions, then a spirit of community and teamwork evolves. When parents are invited into their child’s room, they feel significant and are able to contribute their skills, culture, and life experiences to children. When they are included in the program of the room, then they are supporting the concept of working together in education as well.
Respecting various cultures and parenting approaches is important. Educators need to have an awareness of and accept difference and ensure their practice is culturally aware and accessible to all. This might involve incorporating elements of a family’s culture into the curriculum or modifying the way individuals interact with each other to suit varying needs.
Informing parents of positive things occurring throughout the day and not only negative things helps to create trust and inform them of their child progressing positively within the early learning centre. When issues do arise, discussion of them in an understanding way and solution focus helps to keep the relationship positive. Parents then become more likely to discuss things with educators as you are collaboratively working in the best interest of their child.
Ultimately, you have to be consistent, respectful, and truly dedicated to working cooperatively to have healthy relationships with parents. Educators make parents feel secure, respected, and empowered by being welcoming, speaking with them plainly, and appreciating what each family contributes. Working together in this way benefits children, but it also fortifies the early childhood community.
At Suzan Johnston Australia, we are passionate about empowering our child care course participants and all early childhood educators to uphold the highest standards and best practices in the field. Whether you’re beginning with the Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care or advancing to the Diploma of Early Childhood Education, our child care courses give you the knowledge and confidence to succeed.
If you’re considering a career in early childhood education and care – or looking to advance your professional journey – we’d love to support you every step of the way.
Contact us today on 03 9654 0999 to find out how we can help you get started.
Qualifications required to work as an Early Childhood Educator:
• CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
• CHC50121 Diploma of Early Childhood Education
Study early childhood and become an Early Childhood Educator – make a positive difference every day!
