Children grow and thrive when they are in dependable relationships that provide love, security and support. We want both you and your children to feel safe, accepted and valued at our center. We want you to feel a sense of belonging to our community.

Therefore, it is important you communicate openly with center staff and keep them informed of current events at home. It is equally essential that we regularly share with you the details of your child’s daily life at the center. We have the chance to create and establish relationships with each other every day by doing just that. Other ways you could build relationships with your center community include:

• Listen. Work with the center director and your child’s teacher to build and maintain a trusting, open and honest relationship. Keep the lines of communication open and listen to each other’s perspectves and expertise.
• Participate in your child’s classroom activities. Go on a class field trip, share a special interest or talent, make a batch of playdough or help out in your child’s class for an hour or two whenever you can. When you come into the classroom you might read stories with children, sing songs, play games or help with special projects.
• Contribute objects from home to your child’s class room. “One person’s trash is another person’s treasure.” Talk with your child’s teacher to find out which items might be useful.
• Help in the creation of classroom materials. You could help make pretend play items, block ramps, planting boxes, etc.
• Offer to share what you do professionally and lend your “tools of the trade” with your child’s class to explore. Even though you may think that your job is not very interesting, children will be fascinated. Whether you are an assistant, a nurse, a postal worker or a mechanic, children will be very interested in what you do and in the tools and equipment you use to do your job.
• Get to know your child’s teachers as well as the other children and families around you. Network with other parents to form carpooling groups or to swap recipes. Share your childrearing experiences and advice with each other. Another parent may be able to empathize with you and offer support.

Becoming involved will benefit your child. We invite you to establish relationships and become an active member of your center community.