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In her Exchange article, "Making Families Welcome," Deadru Hilliard shares these ideas on how her program attempts to support relationships between parents and teachers:
"As we thought about rearranging our classroom, we came up with an idea of putting adult size chairs around the different play areas. They are used to invite parents in to sit and talk with teachers or to observe children in their play. Parents are encouraged to give us feedback about their observations or any suggestions about the room. Interaction with parents and other children also happens during this time, allowing for families to form new relationships and community.
"When enrolled in the center, new parents are introduced to all staff from the director to the kitchen manager. Each staff member plays a key role in how well the center is maintained. Parents become familiar with all of those who come in contact with their child as well as those who spend a major portion of their day with that child. Parents can utilize any staff person to gain resources and information — even when their child's teacher is not present. This establishes a commitment to work together and with their child so that all transitions to the next level go well.
"Parents are taken in to talk with the lead teacher of the class where they get to see just how parents are represented. They begin their conversations once again around the child and talk about what their values and goals are. There is a specific requirement we have of parents on the first day their child begins and that is to spend one hour of class time with us. We want parents to feel comfortable in their choice and utilize this time to ask questions and start a connection with teachers and other staff."
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