Article Link: http://exchangepress.com/article/making-the-most-of-parent-orientation/5012506/
Parent orientation is one of the most important functions of a center director. Generally we consider parent orientation a time to describe our program and talk about what parents can expect once their child is enrolled. We describe the curriculum, talk about the nutrition program, payment and pick-up procedures, and all of the rules that, if followed by parents, will make our job easier. Orientation is the first step toward establishing a positive and trustful relationship with a family. In addition, it's an opportunity to market the center, provide staff professional development, and initiate board support and parent involvement.Pre-Enrollment
Parents usually decide on enrollment after they have had a center tour and received information about the center. Choosing child care can be a time-consuming and overwhelming task for parents. While many parents are not always sure of what they want in a center, they tend to know what they don't want. The kind of relationship we have with a family in our center doesn't begin on the child's first day, it begins when the parent first contacts the center by phone or drops in for a visit.
Even if there is no space for the child, invite the family to come in for ...