Identifies ways to prepare parents for small early childhood education/care program changes (planned staff absences, changes of the environment or schedule, changes of classmates, changes of classroom pets, and classroom visitors) and large changes (funding, regulations, staff, building, administration). Suggests ways to keep parents informed,…

Offers suggestions for resolving conflict between child care staff or between caregivers and parents. Suggestions include taking personal time, putting others first, being honest and up front, staying focused on being professional, letting go of selfishness, keeping quiet, listening, giving more than one takes, asking for a reprieve, and seeking…

Five articles suggest ways to design welcoming, comforting, supporting, stimulating caregiving environments that are respectful to children and families: (1) "From Borders to Bridges: Transforming Our Relationships with Parents" (Ann Pelo); (2) "Supporting Multicultural, Multilingual Families" (Julie Garrett); (3) "Making Families Welcome" (Deadru…

This article presents strategies for improving relationships between child caregivers and families. Strategies include creating family-friendly environments, focusing on the family during phone calls and center tours, supplementing enrollment forms with pages for family books, inviting family members to share stories of their childhood, rethinking…

Departures of child care staff often create an emotional climate that affects everyone. This article advises directors on communication strategies to inform parents of staff departures, including a case study on the well-handled departure of a staff worker who resigned without notice. A sample letter to parents is also provided. (EV)

Notes that the introduction of children of staff into programs can be problematic; offers suggestions for a smooth transition. Suggests that role distinctions should be clarified for staff-parent, staff-child and others to help all parties understand their particular responsibilities. An even application of center rules and open communication with…

Defines a high-maintenance parent as one requiring more from the child care organization than the average parent. Suggests six points for choosing response: take a positive nonjudgmental approach; see parent's view; focus on strengths; understand importance of communication and negotiation skills; be respectful; and respect boundaries of your own…

Discusses cultural differences in sleeping practices, focusing on how child caregivers can provide developmentally appropriate and culturally sensitive care. Describes co-sleeping as an accepted practice in many cultures with several benefits. Discusses the role of cultural values, beliefs, priorities, and goals and the importance of…

Examines how child caregivers can shape parents' expectations of child care through written and visual materials. Includes suggestions for writing notes to parents, focusing on characteristics of good parent notes. Provides excerpts from sample notes and lists nine sources of parent/program conflict, including biting and child aggression, outdoor…

Discusses how child caregivers can work with child life specialists to provide appropriate support for children with special health needs in early childhood settings. Describes the impact of chronic illness and hospitalization on infants and toddlers, offers suggestions for helping infants/toddlers and their families cope, focuses on play as a way…

Four workshops focus on nutrition for infants and children in child care settings. Articles are: (1) "Nutrition and Child Development: Global Perspectives" (Jacqueline Hayden); (2) "Working with Families around Nutritional Issues" (Wayne Eastman); (3) "Breastfeeding Promotion in Child Care" (Laura Dutil Aird); and (4) "Food as Shared…

Argues that the child care professional must create and maintain a collaborative relationship with parents based on mutual respect. Notes benefits of such a relationship, and provides suggestions in the areas of: (1) rapport; (2) intake interview; (3) support; (4) get-acquainted visits; (5) buddy parents; (6) excellent communication; and (7)…

Describes preliteracy skills in infants and toddlers and the ways adults encourage them, including communicating, incorporating floor and object play, and giving them a wide variety of real experiences. Asserts that caregivers can reassure parents by showing them how they encourage children's intellectual development on a daily basis. (KB)

Describes how child care staff assisted one mother in working through separation difficulties with her 18-month-old. Focuses on staff understanding their own emotional response related to separation issues and working with the support of their director to build a positive relationship with the mother. Asserts that empathy is important to help…

Notes that parent orientation is one of the most important functions of center directors and provides an opportunity to discuss expectations and describe the program. Describes one center's curriculum and procedures such as nutrition guidelines, and payment and pick-up processes. Notes additional benefits of parent orientation in terms of…