Early Parent Communication

Establishing expectations includes communicating and building rapport with parents. This could be the first assignment of the year. A good time to start this is a note home on the first day of school. This letter may include:

• Introduction
  
• Preferred supplies
  
• Ways to contact teacher when necessary
  
• Upcoming events

Once you have opened the doors of communication with parents, you're on the road to developing a trusting relationship. There are several ongoing means of communication such as phone calls, newsletters, progress reports, notes, happy-grams, volunteering and conferences. Here are some general tips for fostering effective communication.

How to communicate

• Be professional in dealing with parents (avoid rumors and gossip).
  
• Be assertive, yet flexible enough to take appropriate suggestions from others.
  
• Be direct. Be clear in what you say. Think through, in advance, what you are going to say.
  
• Be sure to listen; show respect.
  
• Be positive, even when dealing with problems. Involve parents in the decision making.
  
• Be friendly.
  
• Be sure to use plain language. Avoid using educational jargon.
  
• Be sure to proofread notes/newsletters before you send them home.

Frequency of communication

• Communicate as often as needed or desired.
  
• Keep a record/log of notes, calls and other forms of communication to document interactions.
  
• If you have any doubt about the communication you are about to sent to a parent(s), discuss it first with an administrator, colleague or mentor.
  
• Inform an administrator and your mentor of any problems. This way they can back you in case they receive communication from the parent(s).