Tips for Successful Parent Conferences

Trusting relationships are built in the course of daily communications, such as both arrival and dismissal times, during informal conferencing and on-going exchanges as parents, teachers, and the director informally talk about events in the kid’s life. Preconference planningrnto keep communication flowing smoothly at the beginning of the school year or whenever parents register their kids, the teacher needs to let the parents know how they can get in touch with her as questions arise or when they wish to share information. She should give her email address or phone number for times when a face-to-face meeting is not possible. It is essential that both parents and teachers set up times that are most suitable to contact each other. Who Should Attend? Both parents should be invited. However, if the parents are separated, the teacher must check with the custodial parent to make comfortable arrangements. He or she may be eager to record the meeting for the other parent. If class coverage is available, or the conference is not held during school hours, the helper teacher’s comments would be a welcome adding to the conference.rnBe sure to let the parents know ahead of time if their kid’s support service teacher will be attending, so they don’t feel besieged by a number of teachers. They may want to have precise questions prepared for this special consultant. rnThe InvitationrnIf the conference is not held at a suitable time for parents, they simply will not come. The teacher or director may wish to send out a survey to see what times work best for the parents – before or after school, during a conference day off, in the evening with babysitting provided, etc. Or, the center may decide to offer a mixed-time schedule on a parent sign-up sheet. Arranging the Environmentrn While parents are waiting for their discussion to begin, make sure the bulletin boards in the waiting area talk about the exciting things that the kids have been doing. Colorful thematic webs let parents see the stimulating curriculum development in their kid’s classroom. Have helpful pamphlets available to read thoroughly and take home, as well as posters with messages about the center’s forthcoming events. Early childhood careand education course suggest arranging for a quiet, private spot to make sure privacy to meet and talk. Offer the parents a beverage so they can feel comfortable this can be a very tense time for parents, particularly if it is their first conference and they are anxious about speaking to the teacher. To help avoid communication barriers, use an egg-shaped or round table to sit around, rather than sit across from one another. Make sure the table is large enough to show and comfortably share the kid’s portfolio materials as the teacher and parents sit side by side. Body Languagerna teacher needs to be conscious that her body language is an influential silent communicator. To use her body in an optimistic way, she needs to keep good eye contact with the parents and show frankness by not crossing her arms. During the discussion, she should smile when parents speak and recognize their comments with a nod, and covey seriousness when suitable. The Importance of listening according to preschool teacher training a conference is a two-way experience. The teacher needs to listen carefully and be interested to the ideas, information and concerns shared by the parents. The teacher should give parents her full concentration and try not to disrupt. The teacher needs to let the parents know she cares about what they are saying. Verbal and Written Communicationrnto encourage conversation, the conference should begin on an optimistic note with the teacher sharing something special about the child from her subjective records. The teacher may decide to share information about the kid’s interests, learning styles and developmental progress through a tour of the room to converse the student’s participation in a variety of displayed projects or by reviewing her skill development noted on a checklist. Summary and Follow Uprn The teacher needs to use the last few minutes to bring end to the conference. She should ask if the parents have any last questions. Then, the teacher can summarize their discussions about the kid’s development and any suggestions they will try to help with common concerns. Together, they can establish an easy means of keeping in touch after an exact time to talk about the progress made or any essential adjustments. The teacher should be sure to show gratitude the parents and any other participants who helped to create a successful conference. Conclusionrnit is important to keep in mind that parents will respond affectionately and sincerely to a supportive, non-judgmental teacher who not only listens to their concerns, but is optimistic about his or her daily contribution into their infant’s growth and progress.