The Benefits of a Positive Teacher-Parent Relationship in ECE

Early childhood educators may have access to a broad range of evidence-based tools and frameworks for molding children’s behaviors and helping them thrive, but it is parents who know their children’s strengths, weaknesses, talents, fears, dreams, and inspirations. Therefore, teachers need to keep parents close to better cater to each child's unique needs. Here are some benefits of involving families in early childhood education (ECE).

ECE involves providing education and care to children from birth up to age 8. Early childhood education and care, whether formal or informal, requires providers to develop age-appropriate programs. However, the effectiveness of ECE systems and activities depends on the stakeholders’ ability to forge relationships and collaborate.

Children come from a variety of cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds. The difference between how things are done at home and at school can create friction between ECE programs and parents’ values. The disconnect between school and home values can affect a child’s ability to fit into an ECE setting and thrive.

This is why educators must understand each child’s unique background. This enables them to bridge a child's experiences between home and the ECE setting, helping them cultivate a sense of belonging in the program. It will also give program directors insight into how to make ECE environments congruent with the various parental expectations and values.

Establishing congruence between expectations puts parents and educators on the same page, pursuing similar goals. Considering parental expectations in the decision-making process on program policies and activities goes a long way. While it’s difficult to incorporate all parental values and expectations into a program, making parents feel heard goes a long way.

Some children have special needs, talents, and abilities that might go undetected in the classroom. Their parents have an obligation to disclose such needs. However, many parents feel that they cannot “reach” their children’s teachers. Therefore, educators should take the first step to reach out early and often. This will cultivate an atmosphere of trust, encouraging parents to open up.

The benefits of positive parent-teacher relationships are not exclusive to children--parents and teachers benefit as well. Because learning doesn’t end the moment a child steps outside the classroom, teachers are counting on parents to contribute and further their efforts.

Many parents, especially those who work long hours, do not spend enough time with their children. There is a good chance they will miss signs that their children are struggling. Fortunately, early educators spend more time with children and are trained to recognize inconsistencies in students' performances and behaviors. Teachers who maintain a close relationship with parents can then communicate such concerns.

Parents’ insights make things easier for teachers. Instead of attempting to figure out a child, a teacher can eliminate the guesswork and save considerable time and resources by talking to their parent. Information from parents frees up teachers to concentrate on teaching. It also allows them to tailor their attention based on an accurate understanding of each child’s unique needs.

It’s believed that teachers do the heavy lifting when it comes to molding children and setting them up for post-ECE success. Parents, on the other hand, are considered to be their children’s first teachers. Still, neither the parent (or caregiver) nor the educator can do it all alone. They must collaborate and share information about the children to ensure learning and development happen both at school and at home.