📣 Parent Communication - Do’s & Don’ts

Today’s Issue: Communication Mishap Costs; Communication Do’s & Don’ts ; ECE in the News = 3/4 cup of coffee.

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Communication Errors Can Cost a Lot!: Reader feedback flagged that parent communication and conflict resolution is a top need and priority for schools. Well, guess what? ECE centers aren’t the only ones that need to deal with improving communications. Based on a Forbes article, ineffective communication costs businesses over $15,000 per employee every year and $2 trillion annually across the U.S. Yikes! 😱 That’s a lot of money lost due to things that can easily be improved and in our control. Let’s face it, we can all get better at communication and it’s a game that is continuously changing. (Read More Here).

Be sure to check out some Do’s and Don’ts when it comes to communicating with parents. 👇👇

Quick Reader Poll

🎙️ Parent Communication in ECE: 5 Do’s and 5 Don’ts

Parent communication in early childhood isn’t just about sharing the day’s snack menu (although yes, Goldfish was a hit). It’s about building trust, connection, and a team vibe around each child. Here’s how to keep it warm, clear, and drama-free.

Do’s

1. Do Communicate Before It’s a Mystery

If a parent has to ask, “So… what happened today?” you’ve missed a chance. Share little moments—a new word, a craft masterpiece, or an epic playground climb—before they have to wonder.

2. Do Listen Like You Mean It

Put down the clipboard, make eye contact, and let them talk. Parents often just want to know you’re hearing them, not preparing your next classroom supply list in your head.

3. Do Mix Up Your Channels

Some parents love quick chats, others prefer photos or messages they can read later. Use a blend—app updates, notes, face-to-face—to meet different preferences.

4. Do Celebrate Milestones

Whether it’s their first unprompted “thank you” or finally zipping their own jacket, share it. These wins matter to parents as much as academic progress.

5. Do Keep a Consistent Rhythm

Daily, weekly, or a mix—whatever your schedule is, stick to it. Predictable updates keep parents connected and confident and helps prevent drama.

Don’ts

1. Don’t Be the “Only Bad News” Messenger

If your calls and emails are all about spills, tantrums, or escape attempts, parents will start bracing themselves. Make sure they hear the good stuff, too.

2. Don’t Speak in Teacher Jargon

ECE language like “gross motor skills” sounds impressive but can feel like a foreign language. Try, “They mastered the slide today!” instead.

3. Don’t Delay Tough Conversations

Problems don’t improve with age—just like milk in a forgotten lunchbox. Address issues early and kindly so solutions can start right away.

4. Don’t Assume Parents Know the Routine

New families especially need clear, friendly reminders about pick-up times, snack rules, or where to leave extra clothes. Clarity saves awkward moments later.

5. Don’t Forget to Smile

Even on a stressful day, warmth matters. A friendly tone—whether in person or on a note—helps parents feel welcomed, not managed.

When you blend proactive updates, genuine listening, and a sprinkle of humor, parents stop being “just clients” and start feeling like true partners. And when teachers and parents are on the same page, the kids get the best of both worlds—at school and at home, and you can save yourself some headaches down the road…

ECE In The News

🏡 How Do Families Choose Childcare: A new report tries to tackle just that. Figure out what are the factors families rely on when choosing a childcare center. Sure, affordability is a big one, but proximity is another factor flagged. 67% of families valued the care setting’s location in relation to home and 24% considered the location in relation to their work. To check out all the other flagged influences as well, READ the complete article HERE! 🚩

🏞️ Arkansa Gets Money to Expand ECE Access: Looks like the University of Arkansas at Little Rock just received $4.2M to help expand ECE access across the state. The investment will fund the Trinity Foundation Early Childhood Education Endowed Professorship, allowing UA Little Rock to increase its ability to train educators, conduct research, and support early learning efforts across Arkansas. Let’s go Arkansas! (Read more HERE)

The Internet is a Playground:

🗓️ On this Day in History: For all you golf fans out there, on August 12, 1973, American golfer Jack Nicklaus wins the Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA) championship for his 14th major title. 🏌🏾‍♂️

🔍 That’s Interesting: You know those scammy texts you get offering you a random job? One reporter wondered what would happen if they accepted the gig.

🏗️ Fun New Game: A fun crane game.

🦆 Aww: Baby ducks taking a dive!

YOUR VOICE COUNTS

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