Every month the journal "Exchange" highlights a challenge of the month. On their web site (www.ChildCareExchange.com) they provide solutions from "Exchange" and solutions from the field to this challenge. In January, the challenge was "Involving Parents." They received over 60 ideas submitted by "Exchange" Panel of 300 members and by visitors to…

In this article, the author offers suggestions on how to create a father-friendly environment: (1) Sign men up, too; (2) Get out your message; (3) Say it loud; (4) Say it often; and (5) Just ask. The author offers ways for staff to make dads feel welcome, such as: (1) Meet and greet dads at the door; (2) Praise children's progress; and (3)…

Discusses the importance of sharing stories about child care. Stresses the use of stories as an effective tool for advocacy and for creating strong relationships with parents and building within society strong, healthy images of child-care work. (SM)

Recommends communication technologies to extend interaction with teachers and parents. Reports that centers have embraced technology, and identifies three benefits of phone and three of video technologies. Discusses the influence of the Internet on the early childhood care centers. Notes possible problems, but observes that judicious use enhances…

Day-care centers may ask for and obtain unspent money set aside by parents for child-care expenses, using employer-provided dependent care plans. Recommends tips for working with parents, steps for keeping accurate records, and ideas for the future. (SM)

Discusses issues for child care professionals working in partnership with parents on a difficult issue. Considers establishing mutual trust and respect for each other's views, keeping in mind the needs of other students, and maintaining confidence in the program's goals. Includes example involving a parent's complaint about the admission of a…

Outlines the "reflect, reframe, and review" discussion technique that day care directors and teachers can use to address conflicts with parents. Contends that center personnel should (1) listen to the parent with full attention and show understanding; (2) look at the problem from differing viewpoints to develop a solution; and (3) review…

Notes that two roles teachers assume that often cause tension and hard feelings are those of family therapist and parent expert. Discusses how teachers share in children's development, how to recognize emotional or difficult situations with parents, and how teachers can help parents find the help they need without adopting those helping roles…

Describes a six-step process to guide day care staff who work with parents to solve problems related to child care. Engaging parents in each step can increase parents' understanding of child development, enhance their self-confidence, and build mutual trust and respect between parents and staff. (NH)

Describes barriers to effective communications in parent-teacher conferences and the process of preparing for a conference. Emphasizes the need to set a positive tone for effective parent-teacher conferences. (DR)

Offers guidelines for childcare providers in working with parents to accomplish mutual goals. Focuses on building a relationship with families; articulating a clear philosophy; setting social, emotional, cognitive, and physical goals for the curriculum; using the environment to communicate the philosophy and goals of the curriculum; and…

Presents ideas from three early childhood professionals regarding the practitioner's role when a parent denies their child's special needs. Includes suggestions for validating parents' feelings, using a screening tool to identify their child's level of development, referring parents to local agencies, maintaining extensive anecdotal records for…

Contains four presentations on teacher professional and personal growth: "The Elephant's Child as Caregiver," (Elizabeth Jones) on the importance of curiosity; and interviews with several teachers--(1) "Teachers and Then Some: Profiles of Three Teachers"; (2) "Becoming Planners: Finding Time and Insight"; and (4) "Backing Away Helpfully: Some…

Discusses components of the parent cooperative model implemented at the Boston Children's Center. (BB)

Argues that the child care professional must create and maintain a collaborative relationship with parents based on mutual respect. Notes benefits of such a relationship, and provides suggestions in the areas of: (1) rapport; (2) intake interview; (3) support; (4) get-acquainted visits; (5) buddy parents; (6) excellent communication; and (7)…