Prepare for Preschool Conferences
The Parent-Teacher Conference for Preschoolers
The importance of conferences between teachers and parents in the daycare or preschool environment
Conferences between parents and teachers are an important element of early childhood education. At the preschool level, the parent-teacher conference is a critical time for teachers to truly collaborate with parents. The parent-teacher conference provides an opportunity for parents to ensure their child is receiving the proper foundation for developmental growth.
The Purpose of Preschool Parent-teacher Conferences
Parent teacher conferences in the preschool or daycare environment are conducted in order to engage parents in the educational progress of their children. This parent-teacher conference allows the teacher to update the parents on how the child is doing the areas of social, physical, emotional and educational development.
Renowned parenting expert Lonna Corder believes that parent-teacher conferences for preschoolers allow preschool teachers to direct parents with regard to early intervention if developmental issues arise.
“Preschool teachers can spot speech issues, fine and gross motor development, social appropriateness and basic learning styles. If parents have an objective understanding of how their child is developing they can go forward and make better choices for their child’s future,” says Corder.
Parent-teacher conferences also provide an opportunity for parents to ask any questions they may have about their child or the preschool program.
Frequency of Preschool Parent-teacher Conferences
Parent-teacher conferences for preschoolers should be scheduled two times during the school year. However, preschool teachers and daycare providers should be available to meet at any time necessary.
Certified parent coach Tammy Gold suggests that conferences be held midyear and at the end of the year. “The midyear meeting allows the teacher to describe the transition to class and any goals for the end of the year. The end of year meeting allows for a description of the entire year and perhaps goals for next year”, says Gold. Conferences should last at least a half an hour per child.
According to Corder, it is important that two-parent families make an effort to meet with the teacher together, even if the parents do not live together. This helps parents remain on same page when it comes to their child’s development. When meetings occur separately, there can be miscommunication in translating the important points of the conference.
In preparation for the parent teacher conference, early childhood educators should send out a questionnaire. Corder suggests the questionnaire ask parents about their expectations are for their child during the school year. These questions can be asked prior to the first conference and the answers can be used as a template for the entire year.
Parent teacher conferences at the daycare or preschool level should not be overlooked. They allow parents and teachers to form a true partnership, strengthen the lines of communication, and provide a broad view of the program and their goals for the year.
