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The National Association of Child Care Resource & Referral Agencies (NACCRRA) and Child Care Aware do not endorse nor are we responsible for the information or materials posted on any of the resource’s websites.Fostering Relationships with Your Child Care Provider
January 17, 2006
A family begins their child care search with many tips on how to choose a caregiver who fits their needs. These tips often include information on questions to ask a potential child care provider relating to how they care for children and to their training and background. Upon selection of a caregiver, families feel comfortable with the background and training of the provider, their relationships with children they care for, as well as the practices they use in caring for children. But what happens when the search is over and the newness of the situation wears off?
Parent-provider relationships benefit children. Consistency is important to a child's development. By maintaining a positive relationship with your child care provider, you will be able to provide that consistency both at home and in the child care setting. Similar to beginning a search for child care, fostering relationships with a child care provider revolves around parents' communication and involvement. Here are a few suggestions to develop positive relationships:
- Communicate Regularly :
- In the morning, take a few minutes to share events of your child's evening with his/her caregiver. Talk about your weekend, holiday, or vacation plans.
- When picking up your child, review his/her day. What happened? Were there any concerns, etc?
- Share any concerns you may have regarding your child with your provider. If needed, schedule a separate or private time to discuss these concerns.
- Always keep your provider up to date with any health, developmental, or behavioral changes.
- Stay Involved:
- Offer to assist with any special events your provider may have for the children: field trips, parties, holiday events.
- If you are able, take some extra time when picking up or dropping off your child to play or read with the children. If your provider is open to it, spend your day off with the kids!
- Offer to bring treats or supplies for the home/center.
- Know Your Provider:
- Learn about your provider by asking questions. Get to know them as more than someone who “watches” your child while you're at work.
- Remember special days – birthday, holidays, National Provider Recognition Day (May 12, 2006), etc.
For more information on fostering relationships between parents and providers:
It's A Win-Win Situation: When Providers and Parents Work Together
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