Every month the journal "Exchange" highlights a challenge of the month. On their web site (www.ChildCareExchange.com) they provide solutions from "Exchange" and solutions from the field to this challenge. In January, the challenge was "Involving Parents." They received over 60 ideas submitted by "Exchange" Panel of 300 members and by visitors to…

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,…

Discusses relationship marketing as a technique for successful enrollment building. Describes components of relationship marketing: (1) ethical delivery of the promised program and making delivery evident to parents; (2) flexibility in programming to meet parents' needs; (3) attention to parents to make them feel special; (4) effective…

Discusses the challenges of creating caregiver-parent partnerships with high-maintenance parents, those who are demanding or who need extra support, focusing on parents who are critical of their children. Among the main points: reasons behind unpleasant behavior may not be obvious, and parents appreciate knowing that their child is noticed and…

Provides four day care center directors' perspectives on the problem of parents who are frequently late in picking up their children from the day care facility. Offers succinct guidelines and appropriate penalties. (RWB)

Describes several principles for helping parents feel a sense of ownership in early childhood programs. Principles concern inviting parents to be involved; helping them feel special; sharing insiders' information with parents; providing parents with insights about behaviors expected of them; and using staff-parent encounters to promote a sense of…

Describes the history and development of parent cooperative preschools in 20th-century America. Traces the beginnings of the movement, the opening of the first American cooperative in 1915, and subsequent characteristics of cooperatives. Notes that throughout the century, cooperative preschools provided direct parental contribution, involvement,…

Offers guidelines for the development and design of a parent information manual for early childhood education programs. (HOD)

Urges early childhood teachers to extend the curriculum into their work with children's families to improve parent partnerships and enhance relationships. Details three strategies for assessing how curriculum is integrated: (1) explore questions at the heart of the curriculum; (2) consider the ingredients of thoughtful curriculum planning; and (3)…

Discusses issues for child care professionals working in partnership with parents on a difficult issue. Considers establishing mutual trust and respect for each other's views, keeping in mind the needs of other students, and maintaining confidence in the program's goals. Includes example involving a parent's complaint about the admission of a…

Discusses ways in which teachers can maintain daily communication with busy or uncommunicative parents. Techniques include providing observations to parents about their child's behavior, talking to parents on a weekly basis, communicating about the child's progress every semester, and sending notes accompanied by a photograph of the child. (RJC)

Notes that delivering difficult messages to parents or staff is rarely an easy task, and that a hasty effort can make an uncomfortable situation worse. Offers 10 tips for developing a planned and professional approach that will better serve the organization and the individuals involved. (TJQ)

Describes ideas that center directors developed for (1) planning and evaluation; (2) the emergency relocation of a center that had been contaminated by asbestos; (3) fund raising for community-run centers; and (4) the development of good parent-center relations. (MDM)

Outlines the "reflect, reframe, and review" discussion technique that day care directors and teachers can use to address conflicts with parents. Contends that center personnel should (1) listen to the parent with full attention and show understanding; (2) look at the problem from differing viewpoints to develop a solution; and (3) review…

Explains the importance of developing parent ownership in a cooperative early childhood program. Touches on several aspects, including: (1) decision making; (2) classroom involvement; (3) friendly interactions; (4) goal setting; and (5) staff attitude. Addresses the consequences of giving up some staff control, and benefits, including empowerment,…