In the infant and toddler classrooms, in addition to talking to parents, we communicate with families about their child’s daily activities via an electronic Daily Sheet. Families begin each day by communicating information to you, and you are responsible for recording basic information and a brief description of the child’s day. [Also see COMPLIANCE: Daily Program Management].
Each classroom has their own email address. Messages can be sent through Procare Engage as well. However you communicate to parents, please write using proper grammar and punctuation (and use spellcheck!). When in doubt, have a member of Admin check the email before sending it.
Each classroom must have a parent information area. You are responsible for posting classroom information such as curriculum topics, developmental information, upcoming events or activities, and helpful resources.
Information you share should be neat, have correct grammar and spelling, and “speak” in a friendly tone to encourage parents to stop and read.
Portfolios (for preschool and pre-k) and journals (infants and toddlers) are collections of information, photographs, and samples that demonstrate each child’s developmental progress. They celebrate each child’s unique abilities, achievements, and progress, displayed through authentic samples of their work and experiences. Each child has their own. The content focuses on children’s individual interactions with their environment, materials, peers, and teachers.
Educators must add material to portfolios and journals regularly, documenting observations and experiences, and use that information to create assessments of progress and development. Portfolios and journals are kept in the classroom, accessible to parents at all times. Sometimes, families take the journal/portfolio home to read, or to add in family experiences.
First Circle produces a monthly newsletter that provides updates and information about each classroom. By the monthly staff meeting, each teaching team is responsible for writing a classroom newsletter, about 2-3 paragraphs. Be creative, so families are not seeing the same content each month.
We evaluate each toddler and preschool child every 6 months, and for infants and diverse learners, every 3 months. We create a summarized written evaluation for each child that includes observational, anecdotal, and developmental information. As part of the evaluation process, parents are invited to schedule a parent-teacher conference if they wish. [See CURRICULUM: Assessment]
Social media is an important tool to interact with families and market the center to prospective families. We are always looking for photos of the children engaged in learning and having fun, so keep those cameras out! We love to post about school-wide activities and events, informational articles, and other First Circle news. Teachers are welcome and encouraged to propose postings, and should speak to Administration, who will help you develop your posting and add it to the page.
As part of our commitment to full and open communication, and as required by EEC, First Circle must notify parents in any of the circumstances listed below. The classroom must notify parents and Admin when any:
Administration will collaborate with staff and notify parents about: