Building Strong Relationships Between ECE Professionals and Caregivers Relies on Communication

Guiding a child’s development and success is dependent upon early childhood educators being able to form a good relationship with caregivers.

A recent article by Brightwheel notes that communication is the key to building strong relationships at preschools and child care centers.

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For many caregivers, Brightwheel writes, their child’s entry into preschool or a child care center will be the first time that they’ve trusted their child with someone other than family or friends.

Therefore, it is important for early childhood education professionals to understand how to inform families about a program’s goals, their child’s progress, and daily activities.

Effective communication is the means through which educators can build trust and create good relationships with caregivers. And establishing a respectful relationship is an essential component.

To develop a respectful relationship, early childhood educators should gather the following information:

• Religious and cultural background, values, and beliefs

• Family dynamics and home arrangements

• Preferred languages

• Disabilities or health issues or concerns

• Learning styles

Understanding communication preferences is also important. This can include knowing which days and times are best to reach caregivers and whether they prefer to communicate over the phone, through email, or in person. Educators should also communicate to caregivers the same information about themselves.

Other effective means of communicating with caregivers include:

• Monthly newsletters that cover school-wide announcements, updates, or events

• Apps that help educators remain in touch with caregivers as well as track daily events and activities

• Social media pages that give caregivers a glimpse into daily activities

• Blogs that keep families up-to-date on current events in early childhood education

For more information - including such topics as how to have difficult discussions and active listening - read Brightwheel’s article.