Your Assignment Type: Standard Question
Currently Working in Childcare? Yes
Your knowledge: Basic Knowledge
Your Question?
Questions
1. Explain why it is important for family member to take an active role in the centre.
2. List 5 strategies that would encourage family members to take an active role in the centre.
3. How can child care provider assist parents/ carers when separating from the child?
4. List 4 ways to gather feedback from family members about the program.
What is your answer so far or What have you done so far as an attempt to solve this question?
Questions
1. Explain why it is important for family member to take an active role in the centre.
By collaborating and establishing positive relationships with families, this will enable you to gain parent trust and respect as you interact with their child. Parents will feel comfortable in talking to you about any issues and concerns they may have about their child and accept your professional opinion. Another important factor to remember when building relationships with families is that they will actively participate in any events or experiences in your centre and become more involved in the programming and planning.
2. List 5 strategies that would encourage family members to take an active role in the centre.
1. Encourage parent input into the Program and Planning – When parent's talk to you about events that take place in their child's lives, it's important to acknowledge it and to try add it to the program as parent input.
2. Arrange a calendar of family events – During the beginning of the year, it's beneficial to provide each family with a calendar of family events which are held throughout the year as well as lots of reminders closer to the “special day”. This allows families advance notice for family days and encourages everyone to be involved. This also helps full time working parents in participating in centre events by providing plenty of time to rearrange their work schedules. Some centre events can include: mother's day afternoon tea picnic, father's day barbecue, disco night, parent information nights, parent and teacher social nights, end of year concerts etc. You can also add to your calendar special visitors (like, Reptile Man) or excursions (to The Zoo) that have been booked and prepared for the children and families in advance.
3. Create a welcoming atmosphere – It's important to allow family members to participate freely in the center's activities. Invite family members to ask questions and to explore the centre. You can provide explanations about the activities and how they link to the program. Show the family member different projects that their child has participated in and any displays such as art that the child may have worked on.
4. Have open communication – It's so important for you to be having an open communication with parents about their children's developmental needs. Parents have a right to know what is happening with their child so if you have any behavioral issues or concerns with a child, talk to their parents. At times, it may seem like parents don't take the time to communicate with us. However it's our responsibility to build up the lines of communication. This can include: newsletters, personalized notes, child communication books, questionnaires, surveys, suggestion boxes etc.
5. Create a room notice board – This will allow you to share experiences and messages with families on a daily basis. You can add the weekly program, daily photos, children's birthdays, child / parent input of the program, newsletters and any messages or important information that you can share with the families at the centre. Just remember that this will be seen by all families, so only provide general information that will benefit all families.
3. How can child care provider assist parents/ carers when separating from the child?
Educator’s provider can help by allowing the child to warm-up to the new setting and not rushing the child to interact with others.
Educators can talk to the child in a reassuring tone and making sure the child knows you are close by. Children need time to adjust to their new surroundings.
• A primary Educator can help the child and the parent transition smoothly in the new child care setting.
• Parents can also ease the separation process of placing a child in a new child care setting by preparing the child. Talking to the child about the new child care before starting the program can do this.
• Parents should actually spend time at the new child care setting with the child before leaving them. The child will able to get used to the new environment, which will help them with the transition period.
• If the parent is able to adjust the child slowly to the new child care setting, then the child should be left in the child care for an hour or so and then during the first week gradually increase the time. If a parent is unable to gradually introduce the child and needs immediate child care, then the parent can spend a little extra time in the new child care setting as their schedule allows. They should also be encouraged to talk to the child during commutes about the new child care setting.
• When the child is being dropped off, the Educator and parent should do so in a positive manner that is non-stressful and with ease. As the parent leaves, the farewells should be said and the parent should leave promptly.
4. List 4 ways to gather feedback from family members about the program.
Daily conversations with families at the start and/or end of the day
Formal meetings with families
Communication books that are used for families and the service to exchange information about the child at home and in care
Daily Diaries that families can write in and give feedback
A space on the written program where families can write down information about the child’s experiences.
Description and Message:
I would love it if someone could have a read over and see if I need to extend on the information and give more detail?
Thank you
