[Kaitlyn]

My advice for creating and maintaining a good partnership with families would be to not focus on the negatives. Have balance when providing feedback to families about their children. In my experience, I enjoy doing the “sandwich method.” Starting with a positive then providing information on what we can do together as team to help further their child’s learning and then finishing off with a positive. I feel that sometimes we can focus on the negatives and become a broken record.

[AJ]

Keep constant consistent communication, showing you are a calm, trustworthy, and professional. Take a step back and try to calm a situation if needed and if you cant, then try to schedule a time to talk once people are settled and have had time to think things through.

[Alexis]

Being honest and clear I think is the most important also understanding you don’t know what’s going on in their personal lives and being clear and understanding might help not add stress to them

[Ella Christiansen]

Communication is key, using respectful words, body language and empathy. Stay understanding of their individual situations. Open and honest is key as well as listening.

[Jamie]

You are correct, communication is key. Work to make sure that you are communicating in a way that parents can understand and accept. Everyone is different and has a unique way of being understood.

[Jiwan]

My advice is to keep constant communication with the family, treat them with respect, don’t be judgmental, and also always make sure to communicate the positives and negatives with them.

[Francisca]

SOMETHING I ALWAYS KEEP IN MIND ME AND THE PARENT CAN RELATE TO IS COMING FROM A PARENTS POINT OF VIEW AND UNDERSTAND THEIR ISSUES AND TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION THE BARRIERS PARENTS CAN GIVE US AS CAREGIVERS

[Madison]

My advice would be to make sure there’s open communication, and when there are issues, coming up with an effective solution quick or taking the precautions to do so. Making sure to ask lots of questions and gathering as much information as possible.

[Krista]

Communication is key with establishing good relationships with families and other support/caregivers of children. The beginning to any good foundation for communication is finding and “buying in” to a common goal, that being of bringing up a healthy, intelligent and happy child.

[Jamie]

Your “common goal” method is the best explanation yet.

[Catlyn]

Define the problem, suggest solutions, make an action plan that both the teachers and the parents agree to and evaluate and reevaluate as needed.

[Nicole]

My advice would be to listen with an open mind and a steady heart.

[Jasmin]

Be polite and professional. Set expectations of behavior for the child. Never imply that the child is bad, bring up concerns in a positive way with concrete evidence.