Collaboration In Childcare

The cooperative relationship formed between parents and childcare practitioners can help build a community which recognizes what is most important for child development both from an educational standpoint and from the family’s perspective, views, and beliefs. Family involvement in child care centers in many cases is seen to be beneficial to the learning and development of the children. Swick (2006) mentions how family and school partnerships are based on connections which means that “we need to be linked and inter-connected with each other to optimize the learning community” (p. 285). Thus by forming effective connections between parents and teachers, the partnerships between the families and schools will become stronger which aids in creating

The administrator and director have a crucial role to ensure a high quality level of parent involvement. They must ensure that their staff is able to form effective relationships with the families of the children they serve. By forming a collaborative partnership with families, the director can ensure the child’s needs are being met and that there is ongoing cooperation between the staff and parents. If the director encourages parent involved in the educational decisions of the center, it could allow for more effective programs designed for the children and promote higher quality care. According to Chandler (2012), “Ongoing collaboration between families and program staff results in greater consistency for the children and is a key strategy for bridging the gaps between home and program.” (p. 223.) This means that the directors should take the time to hear what the parents have to say and what they belief is best for their child. This can allow them to cooperate and find the best solutions to promote the child’s wellbeing. Freeman (2011) mentions that “partnerships are more than parent involvement, and in these alliances power resides in the hands of the practitioners” (p. 838). This is why it is important for the administrators to make sure that the staff and the program are accommodating to the families and embrace each family’s values. Chandler discusses many ways for directors to promote meaningful partnerships with families. For one, directors need be aware of any factors that may influence the feelings and attitudes of parents. They should provide parents with the proper information to make the right decisions for their child and be respectful of the parent’s choices. The directors should ensure that the program is accommodating towards each family’s individual needs and that the staff communicates in a way that displays