EC Parent/Guardian Visits Are Encouraged

The program encourages visits by parents/guardians to the school’s premises following guidelines established by the school for parent visitation. Policies governing parent/guardian involvement (e.g., visiting, observing, and volunteering) are in place to ensure the partnership between home and program is maintained.

EC Parent/Guardian Handbook

Parents/guardians of the children in the program receive a parent/guardian handbook that includes but is not limited to (1) the philosophy statement regarding the care and education of young children attending the program, including what discipline techniques will be used; (2) policies regarding holidays, illnesses, hours of operation, fees, refunds, enrollment, and termination procedures; and (3) an explanation of the program’s day-to-day functioning. Parents/guardians sign a statement acknowledging that they understand and support the program’s policies as outlined in the parent/guardian handbook.

EC Communication with Parents

Administrators and staff communicate with the parents/guardians in a variety of ways on a regular basis: (1) daily and weekly by verbal communication or posted information; (2) monthly by newsletter and/or classroom calendar of events; and (3) through electronic communication media.

EC Parent/Guardian Conferences

Conferences with each child’s parent(s)/guardian are offered at least twice per year—and at other times as needed—to discuss the child’s developmental progress, personal care, and education. During these conferences, summaries of the results of child observation forms used during scheduled observations of the child are shared with parents/guardians. Parents/guardians are encouraged to participate in the goal-setting process for the child. Conference schedules accommodate working parents/guardians.

EC Significant Behavioral Pattern Changes

Significant changes in a child’s pattern of behavior and/or physical condition are reported to the parent(s)/guardian(s), documented, and placed in the child’s file.

EC Parent Training Programs

Parent Training Programs: The program director plans and implements regularly scheduled parent/guardian programs that support parents/guardians in their parenting role and reinforce the mission of the program. These programs take place at least quarterly.

EC Director Collaborates with Community Services and Resources

The director is familiar with community services and resources regarding children with specific needs and provides this information to parents/guardians. The director and staff work collaboratively with community agencies in providing information as needed.

EC Stakeholder Survey

All early care and education program stakeholders are given the opportunity to complete a survey in which they’re asked to evaluate the quality of program administration. An electronic or paper survey form is sent along with an explanation of the purpose for the survey as an integral part of the program and solicits their full participation. Stakeholders are asked to return the completed survey either electronically or through a sealed response in an enclosed, pre-stamped or addressed envelope.