I received great news today! My first batch of articles were accepted at ezine! And that means I get to write more! Hooray!!!
I'm so excited about this break through. Especially since this morning my application was declined from suite 101.
So it just goes to show that persistence pays off.
Here is the article that will be posted later today on the e-zine site:
Home Daycare Policy Tips – 4 Ways to Improve Communication With Parents
There are three stages of communication. The speaker says something “the message” and then the receiver hears “the message” and then the receiver “interprets the message.” Daycare providers have the responsibility of communicating with the parents of their children regarding their child’s well-being. That means that the childcare provider must have practices skills at receiving and interpreting the message from the parent.
There are five things a child care provider can do to better communicate with parents.
1) Listen to the Parent
To be able to ask a question clearly is two-thirds of the way to getting it answered. ~John Ruskin
Hearing what the parent has to say about their child’s diet, sleeping patterns, and behavior will teach you a lot about their child. Listen carefully to what the parent has to say. Ask questions when you need more detail and confirm that you understood with phrases such as “So what you’re saying is….” “Did I understand you correctly that…..”
2) Registration Interview
The first time a child care provider has to truly meet the family is at the registration interview. Create a welcoming atmosphere by offering coffee and cookies. Tell them about you and your program then actively listen to them as they tell you about themselves, their children and their needs.
Discuss every aspect of your care – where the child will sleep, what they will eat, what activities they will provide. Put everything on paper and have them sign. Provide a contract that outlines the hours of care and rate per day.
3) Monthly newsletter
Create a sense of belonging for the parents with a monthly newsletter that welcomes new children to your care and says good bye to old ones. Tell parents what the children did that month. Post little reminders to parents and have a little inspirational quote. A newsletter can be emailed to them or given in hard copy. Parents love newsletters!
4) Weekly or daily reports
These are used in larger daycare centers and can be a great way to let parents know about their children’s strengths and what activities they enjoyed daily. This will also allow you the chance to indicate if there is a problem. Be careful what you write though and always be sure to use your words gently when there has been a problem with their child that day.
5) Website
A domain name and website can be bought online for $10. Try service providers such as http://www.godaddy.com/ or http://www.mustangmarketingdomains.com/ You can update your website regularly with photos, quotes and stories about your children in the care (make sure you have signed documents stating it is okay to take their pictures and post them)
Always keep the lines of communication open with the parents to avoid unnecessary misunderstandings.
1) Listen to the Parent
To be able to ask a question clearly is two-thirds of the way to getting it answered. ~John Ruskin
Hearing what the parent has to say about their child’s diet, sleeping patterns, and behavior will teach you a lot about their child. Listen carefully to what the parent has to say. Ask questions when you need more detail and confirm that you understood with phrases such as “So what you’re saying is….” “Did I understand you correctly that…..”
2) Registration Interview
The first time a child care provider has to truly meet the family is at the registration interview. Create a welcoming atmosphere by offering coffee and cookies. Tell them about you and your program then actively listen to them as they tell you about themselves, their children and their needs.
Discuss every aspect of your care – where the child will sleep, what they will eat, what activities they will provide. Put everything on paper and have them sign. Provide a contract that outlines the hours of care and rate per day.
3) Monthly newsletter
Create a sense of belonging for the parents with a monthly newsletter that welcomes new children to your care and says good bye to old ones. Tell parents what the children did that month. Post little reminders to parents and have a little inspirational quote. A newsletter can be emailed to them or given in hard copy. Parents love newsletters!
4) Weekly or daily reports
These are used in larger daycare centers and can be a great way to let parents know about their children’s strengths and what activities they enjoyed daily. This will also allow you the chance to indicate if there is a problem. Be careful what you write though and always be sure to use your words gently when there has been a problem with their child that day.
5) Website
A domain name and website can be bought online for $10. Try service providers such as http://www.godaddy.com/ or http://www.mustangmarketingdomains.com/ You can update your website regularly with photos, quotes and stories about your children in the care (make sure you have signed documents stating it is okay to take their pictures and post them)
Always keep the lines of communication open with the parents to avoid unnecessary misunderstandings.
1 comment:
Congratulations, Rachel! This is incredibly exciting news.
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