Young children flourish when the adults caring for them work well together. When families and educators collaborate, they can exchange information and focus on meeting each child’s needs; thus optimizing their development. 

Partnerships allow children to see important people in their lives working together. When children see positive communication between their parents and educators, they begin to learn that it is important to build healthy relationships. What’s more, children can then feel comfortable at their learning centre and enjoy positive experiences. 

Children are still developing and find it hard to separate their experiences from one environment to another. Therefore, consistency is crucial in order to help children understand routines and expectations. The greater the predictability in care, the easier it is for children to develop a sense of who they are and what they can expect from those around them.  

I strongly encourage parents of the children who are new in my care to spend at least two days in the program with them. This has been referred to as an “adjustment period” which is when parents spend time with their child in the program. The adjustment period not only eases the transition for the child, but helps set the relationship between the parent and the educator.