Parent and Staff Communication Expectations 

Center-based settings are open to parents during all program hours. Parents and family members have opportunities to volunteer in the class and during group activities. Parents receive information about volunteer opportunities through personal contacts, notes home, and Remind Communication System. 

Teaching staff regularly communicates with parents to ensure they are well-informed about their child’s routines, activities, and behavior.   

Staff communicates regularly with families at arrival/departure times, bus routes, and during the classroom visits, to share child information and to gain families’ observations and insights into their children. 

Infant (18 months and below) staff communicates with families on a daily basis regarding infants’ activities and shared caregiving issues through home correspondence (Communication Folders, Cuddle Gram, etc.).  

Toddlers (24 months and above) and Pre-School staff communicates with families on a weekly basis regarding children’s activities and any changes in classroom rules or routines through home correspondence (Classroom Weekly Letter and Communication Folders) unless otherwise requested by the parent.  

Daily/weekly communications are not intended as a means of addressing major concerns or problems. 

The program utilizes a variety of established alternative means of communication with parents (e.g., communication folders, mailboxes, automated telephone system, bus contacts,  e-mail, etc.).  

Program staff informs families about community events sponsored by local organizations, such as exhibits, concerts, storytelling, and theater intended for children through newsletters, handouts, and listings on the calendar of events, posters, etc.   

Teaching staff conducts a minimum of two home visits and two parent/teacher conferences per child each program year. Home Visits and Parent/Teacher Conferences are used to discuss child development and educational progress and provide opportunities for families to set goals for their children, learn about the curricula, and make suggestions. Suggestion boxes are also located at each building site. 

The Teaching staff provides parents with resources and strategies to support the child’s development, growth and education at home and at school. Families are provided weekly home activities that promote family engagement and support school readiness goals.