The importance of communication between parents and educators

It is always a concern for us as parents to leave our children for the first time in a daycare. This is a very big step in the lives of our little ones. It can also fill us parents with anxiety and worry, knowing how our children are, how they will react to this first contact with a new caregiver.

In my work experience, I have seen many cases that, due to the lack of communication between parents and their children’s teachers, cause parents to have great concern. I have seen parents who do not feel comfortable asking how their children are doing in the classroom, how their behavior is in the classroom, how they get along with others, etc. This group of parents did not feel safe in creating a relationship with the classroom lead teacher, with the classroom assistants, or with the administrative staff involved in the education and care of their children.

To this group of parents, I can suggest that you should never be afraid to ask. A question will never be wrong. If you work to build the connection with your child’s teacher, much of your worry may be alleviated. It is OK to ask which daycare staff is closely involved in your child’s education, that way if the lead teacher is not there, you can ask others who work with your child. You should feel free to write an email to the lead teacher to introduce yourself and explain your concerns.

I always remind the families I work with that they are experts on their children and that we are a team. There is only one objective: the well-being of their child.

As parents we must remember that we must always be involved in the education of our children. We can do that by communicating orally or in writing, being present at school activities, and volunteering in the different activities that take place during the school year. I encourage them to continue with that communication beyond their child’s early childhood years into elementary school, middle school, and high school. If we do not support our children at each stage, we are allowing them to stumble and get hurt, but if we continue to support them, we are ensuring their success.

By Rossana Gonzales, Mental Health Assistant