Another academic year moves to a close and perhaps it is thoughts of holidays and sun that occupy the mind.  However, take a second to think ahead and consider the new round of children and parents that will be crossing the door in September.  Whether you run playgroup, full day or school age childcare it is inevitable that new faces appear after the summer break.

We are the professionals in the services but parents are the experts when it comes to their own children.  So, how can we work with parents?  The first point of contact is when the parent comes to us as practitioners inquiring about a place for their child, perhaps wanting to have a look around and ask some questions.

Key Questions Parents Might Ask

• What hours do you operate?

• What do you charge?

• Are you in the ECCE /CETS/CCS scheme?

• Are you insured?

• Do you have Garda Vetting?

• What activities or curriculum do you deliver?

• Who will be looking after my child?

• What are their qualifications?

• What will the children get to eat?

• Do you provide resting areas?

And so on…..

Of course not all parents ask all the questions but there is a real need for us practitioners to instil confidence in parents that we run a safe, stimulating and caring service.  A really good way to highlight the professionalism of the service, help the parents get to know others and promote the curriculum (play-based) and learning that happens is through ‘A Parents’ Information Session’.  

A Parents’ Information Session

If you have not taken the step of bringing all your parents together in advance of the children starting now might be the time.  Now more than ever children need access to play and we need to make visible to parents the benefits of play and all that happens in our services.    Some services hold their parent’s meeting at the end of the old year, in May or June.  Other services wait until the end of August or beginning of September.    

Running a parent’s information session is great for the parents – they get all the information, can ask questions, listen to other parent’s questions or concerns but most important they get to meet you and other parents and begin to have a sense of connection with the service.  Remember if the parents feel comfortable about the service there is a greater likelihood that the children will make a smooth transition.

Having a parent’s session works very well for you the practitioner.  There is always a need for and benefit in talking with parents on a one-to-one basis.  However, meeting them as a group can give you a sense of confidence and as sense of ‘being a professional’.  It may also push you to think about what play and learning opportunities you provide for the children.

A Couple of Points to Consider for the Parent’s Session

Before the meeting:

• Send out notice to the parents of the meeting and try to gauge the best time to suit them

• Prepare the room – have sufficient comfortable, adult-sized chairs

• Have the room looking its best if the session is to take place in the service

• Make sure to have a tea/coffee break (maybe at the end of the session) so that parents can mix

• Be prepared and have your agenda ready

• Involve the staff team in presenting the information and decide in advance who will address each topic

• Anticipate any queries

At the meeting:

• Welcome parents and introduce yourself and the childcare team (staff)

• Advise how long the meeting will run and what you hope to cover (keep to your agreed time – parents may have commitments)

• Describe the practical aspects of the service – how long established / costs / times of operation. 

• Let parents know you are affiliated to a Professional Organisation (Early Childhood Irealnd) and that you keep up to date with changes in legislation and good practice. 

• Give a summary of staff training, e.g., all staff have a FETAC Level 5 qualification and the Supervisor/Manager has a Level 6 (or a Degree, etc.).  Highlight if you engage in Professional Development, attending seminars, workshops and conferences.

• Discuss the policies and procedures you have (have policies and procedures available to the parents and invite them to forward changes, suggestions for consideration)

• Outline the curriculum you deliver in your service

• Explain why and how children learn through play.   Use examples (if you have any to hand) to show what you mean – perhaps photos or samples of children’s work

• If the meeting is in the playroom put a written summary of the benefits of each type of activity in the relevant area, for example in the book area, home corner, construction, creative art, messy play area, etc.

• Show video clips of children at play (provided you have permission) and use this to explain what children might be learning from their experiences

• Let parents know what they can expect from the service and what the service expects from them. Talk about the ways you connect with parents to ensure good communication.

• Leave time for questions

• Finish with a cup of tea/coffee

Good Luck
In delivering your Parent’s Information Session

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