Recommends the development of a routine to transform the morning getting-ready battleground into a congenial team effort. Offers hints for a successful routine, including expecting everyone to be dressed before breakfast; considering having no TV; eliminating most morning decision-making; involving everyone; and not using rewards with routines.…

Provides a handout for working parents--especially mothers--about what occurs when their child attends a children's center. (BB)

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 elements of effective school newsletters: (1) the director's message, to convey philosophy; (2) school news, especially activities for parents; (3) parent education articles; (4) parent profiles, to maintain interest; (5) school needs, to solicit volunteers; (6) children's names in print highlighting their accomplishments; (7) staff…

Answers questions related to the states' use of new federal funding for child care. (BB)

Discusses five strategies that can enhance the communication among parents and early childhood educators: (1) Keep parents well informed about what is happening in the classroom; (2) help parents to introduce themselves in the classroom; (3) create dialog in newsletters and bulletins; (4) post questions rather than reports; and (5) disseminate…