Preschool teachers?

Question

What is your perspective on relationships between parents and teachers.

Answer 1

I've had to take a different perspective recently, and quite to my disgust of where I work now.  I currently teach English in Taiwan after teaching in America for several years.  The biggest battle I have had is the parents.  Part of it is a language barrier, for when I talk to parents that do speak English, they end up loving my ideas.  The real issue, though, is that the Taiwan teachers are not able to speak up for themselves and say what is best for the child.

We could have a class of 20 students and 1 child says, "I don't like this teacher."  Maybe not liking that teacher means the teacher does not let the student cheat and copy someone's answers on the test (I don't teach preschool right now, obviously).  Either way, the school gets the complaint and the teacher gets transferred out of that class.

It makes for a very chaotic, and unsettled, school situation.  So as far as parents are concerned, be sure to be direct and honest with them (yet professional).  ALWAYS explain things in terms of what is best for the children and think things through.  Be willing to accept new ideas, but also willing to either say no (explain why) or to say you'll have to have more time to think about it.  If you say you'll think about it, get back with them in a day or two, even if it's just to clarify some of your new thoughts about it.  This shows that you are interested in what they have to say.

Always win the parents over by showing what you do for the child.

Always look at what is best for the child and be willing to let the parent decide to leave if you disagree on that.  Don't take offense at it - they want what's best for their children too.  Know that you both have the same goal in mind and wish them well and let them know they have a spot if there's one available, should they decide to return.

Love the children and the parents will love you in return.

Matt

Answer 2

Well, I think that your question leads to the obvious "I think that the relationship is important because....."  My perspective is like everybody else who will answer.  It is important, in consideration of the child, to foster open dialog between parents/teachers.  One aspect ,I was taught, is to remember (as a teacher or a parent) that you both should be coming from the same place.  This is to acknowledge the child as a unique individual who belongs to a community in which he/she gains knowledge/identity.  I could go on and on.  I think you already know this?  Go to NAEYC for schemes in parent teacher conf. methodologies.  This is a big topic, and a important one.

Answer 3

Family School communication is intregral to a child's success in preschool and throughout school.  Studies show that children who have parents who are involved in their education perform  better throughout their school career.  This relationship starts in preschool.   Teachers need to communicate with parents daily at arrival and dismissal time both verbally and with reminder notes, newsletters, calendars, etc.  Teachers can also provide parents with information parents can use to work with children at home.  Parents should also be encouraged to volunteer or visit the classroom as often as possible.  This also helps foster a positive relationship between the school and the families!

Answer 4

I agree with all of the previous answers. I also feel that it is important for the teacher to remember that the child is the most important person to the parent. No matter how much we feel we can help the child we must go about it with the parents feelings in mind too. The parents are trusting us with their child. I also think it is important for us to encourage and help to educate the parents on the development of the preschool child.

Answer 5

Communication is very important.  This means that a child will benefit when the parent and teachers are able to talk with each other. This can be done through face to face contact, e-mail (although not the best method), phone, newsletters, a note.  The children I know the least about in my class, it is hard to help them when they are having a problem, because we are not always sure what is causing it, especially when there is little contact with the parent.

Answer 6

great communication and relationships between parents and teachers shows the children that you are a team and will always do what's best for them.