Parents trust us with the most precious thing in their life – their child. To educate the whole child we need to work in partnership with the parents. Research is very clear that the best situation for the child is when parents and teachers work well together. Parents are the only ones who will be there throughout the child’s entire educational career

What would you do if you had a child in your class who always smelled bad, had holes in his socks, and his hair was rarely combed. On most days he comes into your class finishing his candy bar that he was given for breakfast. He seems well-adjusted and happy, but the other teachers in the center say that you should talk to the parents. How would you handle this? Cheryl Moyle - Olympus High School

Develop a nonjudgmental attitude towards all parents. 90% of parents (including low income, and ethnic minorities, and even those who are hard to connect with) are concerned about their children Cheryl Moyle - Olympus High School

Teachers can provide guidance to parents in how to help young children learn as home. Well designed home activities give the largest gain in a child’s achievement. Preparing an observation guide for parents when they visit the school might be helpful. Cheryl Moyle - Olympus High School

Provide materials in several languages. Pass out school handbooks that give information and that also list the goals and objectives for the children. Communicate with parents about the program and about the individual child. Cheryl Moyle - Olympus High School

Mandatory Parent– Only Orientation Open house for parent and child Feed them Cheryl Moyle - Olympus High School

Get parents involved by putting their child on stage. Singing at Fall Celebration Party; notice all the cameras. Cheryl Moyle - Olympus High School

Parent Guest Speakers Social Lunch Holiday Parties. Cheryl Moyle - Olympus High School

family reading, family sports night, Family Reading Day Family Olympics Family Museum Cheryl Moyle - Olympus High School

Show and tell Field trips Cheryl Moyle - Olympus High School

Pick 2 themes that you might use in a preschool classroom, and then for each describe in the space provided something that you could do during that themed unit that would involve parents Example: ThemeParent Involvement The Circus Survey parents in advance and find some who have “circus” skills (like juggling or walking a balance beam). Have a few of these parents come in and show or teach these skills to the children.