Engaging with Parents

"Today, there is a general consensus that early childhood development and learning is essential for children's success in school and life.  Most experts agree that parent involvement is key to children's success in school.  Early childhood educators can not only jump start young children's learning, you can jump start parent involvement, too."  This challenge comes from Molly Greenman in her article, "The Family Partnership," in the Beginnings Workshop curriculum unit, Engaging Parents.

Greenman suggests that to get started in effectively engaging with parents it may help to think about what a positive, engaged parent interaction looks like to you:

• Think of a time when you made a strong, positive connection with a parent.
• What about that interaction was different than others?
• What are your strengths as a relationship builder? What might others in your center bring to a parent engagement process?
• How do you know whether parents think you (and your center) are listening to them and being responsive?

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