Article Link: http://exchangepress.com/article/does-your-parent-handbook-need-a-makeover/5016766/
In a recent Exchange survey, directors and teachers rated parent relations (“difficult parents”), parent communication, and effective communication among their greatest frustrations and most important training topics. And readers named discipline, nutrition, toilet training, and kindergarten readiness among the most common concerns expressed by parents regarding raising their children; all topics addressed in a comprehensive parent handbook. Given directors’, teachers’, and parents’ needs for clear, effective communication about issues related to young children’s care and education, the need for parent handbooks has never been more important.Purpose
In operating an early childhood program, like any business, it is wise to put your policies in writing so there can be no questions about your intentions when a situation arises. A handbook of policies makes your position clear and is a handy reference for your families. It is also a document required by licensing and accrediting bodies. In satisfying regulatory standards why not create a one-stop guide to your program for parents’ reference? A parent handbook can be conceptualized as a component of a comprehensive parent communication plan that includes:
• parent letters
• parent bulletin board
• parenting workshops
• parent newsletter
• a center web site with classroom pages
• parent meetings
• parent association or advisory council
• parent resource center/lending library
Content
In developing a parent handbook, ...