When you run a daycare center, you see two types of parents. The first type supports their children and goes the extra mile to show involvement in their learning and growth. But then there are other parents who aren't as involved. They drop off and pick up their children but don't interact with the teachers or other parents at all.
This range of involvement can be attributed to many factors. Some parents are busy with work or family duties, while others may feel overwhelmed by the responsibilities of being a parent at a daycare. Regardless of the reason, nobody can deny that parents are the most important figures in the life of children and they should be involved in their learning journey in some way or another.
At Standout Daycare, we hold this belief close to our hearts. We've seen the magic that parent involvement can add to a child's growth and development, from improved mood to better performance and positive learning experiences. Involving parents also works wonders for engaging shy children in daycare activities.
So, how do we involve parents in daycare learning activities in a way that feels less like a chore for them and more like an opportunity to enrich their children's lives?
Read on to find out.
1. Regular Events
Gathering families for a fun evening (or night) is one of the best ways to involve parents in daycare learning activities. However, you must send early invitations and a reminder notification as the date approaches to ensure maximum attendance.
Here are a few ideas for daycare events that garner parent engagement and appreciation:
● Hold parent meetings outside the daycare center, like a restaurant or a park.
● Create a calendar for regular evenings where children can work on academic tasks with their parents. Include games and storytelling to make learning fun.
● Host a one-dish party, invite parents to bring their favorite food, and have children share their favorite stories.
● Organize open houses throughout the year and showcase children's work.
● Introduce parenting classes and workshops on topics like screen time for children, parenting dos and don'ts, and children's emotional development.
2. Free Resources
Parents appreciate when daycare centers offer free online resources that allow them to think beyond the everyday happenings at the facility and expand their horizons about the latest trends and challenges in early childcare quality and support. This encourages them to play a more active role in their child's learning and development.
3. Call for Volunteers
One of the best ways to involve parents in daycare learning activities is by requesting them to volunteer. But first, you should have a good idea of their interests and talents to plan events and activities accordingly.
For example, you could invite them to help you organize teacher appreciation activities, prepare craft materials for children, donate items for fundraisers, record their testimonials, or meet parents that have recently enrolled their children at your daycare center.
4. Weekly Newsletters
Well-informed parents make involved parents!
Newsletters are a great way to convey important reminders, new policies and programs, and the latest daycare developments to parents. Don't forget to add images and eye-catching design elements to make the newsletters visually appealing. Additionally, use crisp language to ensure they aren't text-heavy.
Here are a few things you can add to your weekly newsletters:
● Recent daycare activities and how students performed
● At-home learning tips
● Parents Hall of Fame—acknowledge and thank parents who volunteered for an event/activity
● Recognize the most well-behaved or creative child
● Teacher of the week
● Welcome note for the new students
5. Showcase Children's Work
Daycare room art is a great investment but do you know you can pique parents' interest by showcasing their children's work throughout your facility?
You could also dedicate an entire room to children's work and invite parents every few months to appreciate it. Meanwhile, sending photos and videos of the children engaging in different activities to parents every other day may help build excitement for the display.
Final Words
As a daycare provider, your responsibility goes beyond attracting parents to your center; the actual challenge is to involve them in daycare learning activities.
They must feel like they're a part of the whole experience instead of just sitting back passively while their child learns something new or fun.
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