Ninety per cent of a child's brain is developed in the first five years, and although parents play a primary role in helping children grow and learn at this crucial time, we also rely on early learning or childcare educators to support our under fives and set them up for future success.
Harvard University's Center for the Developing Child says that 'Responsive relationships and positive experiences build strong brain architecture' and lay the foundations for children's educational achievement, lifelong health, economic productivity and more; so it's important that you find a quality early childhood education and care service for your child, then make the effort to form genuine and trusting partnerships with its early childhood educators.
Collaborating with an early childhood teacher will help your child feel secure in their care and ready to connect, learn, and reach their full potential. From your point of view, a good relationship allows you to share in your child's successes, work through any challenges with an expert and have input in your child's early education.
It's also important to note that family-educator relationships are a key part of The National Quality Standard, which sets the benchmark for quality in early childhood education and care services. Quality Area 6 recognises that 'Collaborative relationships with families are fundamental to achieving quality outcomes for children,' so a good quality service will be focused on forming a partnership with you.
Early childhood teachers will:
- Engage with your family and encourage you to be involved in the service
- Respect your views as a parent and encourage you to share in decision-making about your child's learning and wellbeing
- Support your family's wellbeing
Responsive relationships are vital for your child's healthy brain development, they're beneficial for you as a parent and they're a national quality framework key indicator of a quality service. A genuine partnership involves both parents and childcare centres educators working together to assist children and find the best outcomes for the children.
It involves trust and two-way respect, the regular exchange of information and a consistent approach when it comes to your child's daily routines, development and learning. It's important to value one another's role in your child's life, share insights and perspectives, and make decisions together.
Although it can take time to build a genuine relationship, here are some ways to purposively work together:
1. Start with a good impression
When you first visit the service or meet a new educator, take the time to introduce yourself and form an early connection. This can involve a tour of the service, asking introductory questions, or simply saying 'hello' to a new face.
2. Make an effort to regularly interact with your educator
Although drop-off and pick-up can be busy times, try not to rush in and out every day. Take a moment to ask how the day was or admire your child's portfolio, and for longer conversations, you can schedule a time to meet with your educator, such as discussing ways to support your child's learning at home or work through a concern. Along with face-to-face interaction, there is also the option of calling, texting, or emailing the service, using an online portal, writing in a communications book, keeping up-to-date with newsletters and noticeboards, and participating in special events like fundraisers or themed days.
3. Share information about your child and family
You don't need to be best friends with your educator, but it's good to get to know each other as people and give them a better understanding of your child and your family so that they can consult with you in a genuine and individualised way. Whether you have an informal chat or go along to a planned event, it's beneficial to share information about your child, like special interests, strengths or particular concerns, and details about your family, your culture, values, or dynamics, so educators can tailor your child's learning experiences and form meaningful connections between home and child care. Think about your expectations, priorities and hopes for your child's learning and communicate these to your educator.
4. Read the service's philosophy statement
To get a sense of what is special about your child's service and what it aims to achieve, read the service's philosophy statement. This will contain information about how the service values and encourages partnerships with families and you can then ask your educator any questions and make positive moves to build a genuine relationship.
5. Support your educator administratively
Although paperwork sounds boring, it's an important way to share vital information and support educators. Always keep your child's enrolment forms up-to-date by providing current emergency contact numbers and follow the service's policies like keeping your child home when they're 'too sick' to prevent the spread of illness.
6. Show gratitude
Whether you give your educator a simple 'Thank you' at pick-up time, a bunch of flowers on Early Childhood Educators' Day or something nice for Christmas, even small gestures have a positive impact. A good relationship is built on respect and the valuing of one another, so show your appreciation for the early learning and care they provide and mention the positive developments you've witnessed in your child. At the end of the day, you and your educator have a shared goal. You both want your child to reach their full potential and benefit from responsive relationships and positive experiences in their early years, so lead by example and build genuine partnerships to support them along the way.
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