Article Link: http://exchangepress.com/article/companys-coming-welcoming-new-families-into-your-program/5012909/
We all have fond memories of arriving at a friend's house for an evening of good food and friendly conversation. As guests, we had certain expectations about the way we would be treated and the schedule of events for the evening. Usually there were special touches that our host or hostess had added that helped us to feel welcome in their home. From the flowers in the entryway to the place cards on the dining room table, it was apparent that our arrival was expected and planned for.A high-quality child care program contains many of the same elements as a good party. From fulfilling your role as host or hostess to creating the right ambiance and facilitating introductions, the situations are analogous.
The Director's Role As Host or Hostess
It goes without saying that the director plays a critical role in receiving new families into the center. She sets the tone for everything that follows. Families' first impressions of a center can be very powerful, and you want them to be good ones. What follows are suggestions for welcoming families into your program. While the director plays a key role in facilitating families' transition into the program, staff should be integrally involved in ...