CommuniCare Creating Better Communication Between Caregivers and Parents

Alexis Simmonds, Director, Learning Village, FairfaxNancy Stefanick, Manager of Learning & Development, Stryker, Mom

About Alexis

About Nancy

Learning Objectives for Today

Explain the Communication Process

Explore the dynamics between parent & caregiver communication

Review ways to improve communication at several critical times

Discuss ways to increase understanding, empathy & gratitude

Latin- Communicare

Communication

Shared meaning

Make common

Communication Exercise

Observations from Parents and CaregiversWhat went well?What was a struggle?

The Communication Process

Turning Down the NoiseEvery message has 3 components- Tone, Content & Body Language

Content

Tone

Body Language

Seek first to understand, then be

understood.-Stephen Covey

Turning Down the NoiseThere are several critical touch points between parents and caregivers where great attention must be paid to communication strategies:

Enrollment

Drop-offs

Pick-ups

Transitions

Conferences

EnrollmentParents• Be open and get your fears or worries

out on the table; the staff won’t know how to calm those fears if they don’t know they exist.

• Ask lots of questions, there probably isn’t anything they haven’t been asked before.

• Review the handbook prior to your first meeting if possible and come prepared with questions you have about policies; ask which are flexible and which are mandates.

• Talk about how you’d like the staff to communicate “firsts”.

Caregivers• Talk about the communication

channels that exist to keep parents informed- social media, newsletters, emails, daily sheets and explain what types of messages will be sent in each one.

• Anxiety might be high, especially for first time parents, be sensitive to their fears and questions, be open and honest about policies and processes.

• Ask questions to learn more about the child to learn how you can make the center feel like home.

Drop-offsParents• Be sure to mention any changes in

behavior since your child was last in their care.

• Make note of any clinginess or separation anxiety that might occur and talk to the staff about ways to cope- for both you and your child.

• Drop-offs are a busy time as caregivers are prepping for the day and getting children settled into the classroom, be sensitive to this and try not to engage in any non-critical lengthy discussions.

• Leaving with a “Have a great day!” helps us start our day off on a nice note!

Caregivers• Even the most seasoned working parent

can be sad about dropping his/her child off, especially after a fun weekend or holiday; as hectic as drop-offs can be, try to remain cheerful and enthusiastic about their child’s fun day ahead.

• Drop-offs are not a great time to discuss anything that’s of concern- save these conversations for pick-up when a parent might have more time or send an email.

• Sending parents out the door with a “Have a great day!” goes a long way and helps start their hectic day off on a nice note too!

Pick-upsParents• Children don’t always want to leave

right away, especially if they’re having fun, but be aware that as long as your child is at the center, they must continue to follow center rules for behavior. Allow the caregivers to solve problems in the usual way.

• Like drop-offs, pick-up time is a hectic time. Be sure to keep conversations brief and only focused on critical information.

• Caregivers have had a long day. A simple “have a great night” goes a long way!

Caregivers• If the child had behavioral problems

during the day, be sensitive about how much information you share out in the open; parents are human and worry about how their child is perceived by other parents.

• Share victories, even small ones with parents. The end of the workday is a tiring time for everyone so hearing good news about a child is a nice boost!

• Sending parents on their way with a “have a great night” is a nice way to help them prep for the chaos that can be dinnertime!

TransitionsParents• As your child moves from one room to

another or changes teachers, be on the lookout for behavior changes and talk about these to the staff.

• As you did during enrollment, set up time with the director to discuss any schedule changes, diet changes, or activity changes that will happen as your child transitions to a new classroom. Be open with your concerns.

Caregivers• Transitions can be hard for parents.

Moving rooms means their child is growing up and changing teachers can be stressful, especially if a great bond was formed with the previous teacher. Be sure to inform parents well in advance of any process changes so they can be aware.

• Be prepared to give a detailed explanation as to the milestones that happen before a child transitions. You may find some parents are anxious to admit that their baby is now a toddler and may feel you’re rushing things.

ConferencesParents• Conferences are the time when

teachers report on your child’s behavior against key milestones for his/her age. You will get good news and maybe some not so good news, but take it all in stride. Ask lots of questions, focusing on behaviors that you should be looking for.

• Remember that there is a great chance your child acts differently at home than s/he does at school. Try to not be defensive if your child is progressing faster at home than school. It is a different environment and the staff can only report on what they see.

Caregivers• Information shared during a

conference- good or bad, should never come as a complete surprise to parents. Conferences don’t take the place of good informal communication each week.

• When delivering news that might be tough to hear, focus on the behavior that you’re seeing but put more emphasis on how the staff is working with the child so the parent can mirror those strategies at home.

• Be generous with good news! Parents also want to know how to reinforce good behaviors!

Best Modes of CommunicationCommunication Need Mode

Center Information, General Updates Newsletters

Concerns Face to face scheduled meetings

Reminders Emails or notes home

Photos Social Media (with permission), Newsletters, Bulletin Boards (kids LOVE seeing themselves!)

Emergencies Phone Calls

Progress Reports, Milestones Conferences

Stories, Breakthroughs, Funny Moments

Face to face, Anecdote Box

Inside the Mind of a Parent…

• There is one perfect child in the world and every parent has it.

• Behind every great child are parents who are pretty sure they’re messing it all up. We deal with So. Much. Guilt.

• We are constantly overwhelmed with information and it can be hard to remember to use our instincts.

• We love when you allow us to meet prospective staff members.

• Without you we wouldn’t be able to work and provide for our family. You are giving our children amazing experiences. Thank you.

Inside the Mind of a Childcare Provider…

• We are your child’s first teacher.

• Our day is nonstop activity with very little downtime.

• We love being part of the fabric of your child’s life.

• For those of us without children of our own, it can be intimidating giving recommendations to you and we hope you know we use our education and experience to give you the best information possible.

• You allow us to do what we love every day. Thank you.

Dear Working ParentLove, a Childcare Provider

Dear Childcare ProviderLove, a Working Parent

Old Ways Won’t Open New Doors