Many of the guiding documents for our sector highlight the significance of relationships between professionals and the families attending services. As educators, our skills are often centred on our ability to work with children; however, the way we engage with families is equally important.
Version 2.0 of the EYLF acknowledges families as ‘children’s first and most influential educators’ and champions partnerships which ‘provide opportunities to explore the learning potential in everyday rituals, routines, transitions and play experiences to ensure active participation and engagement in learning is inclusive of children with diverse backgrounds, family structures and capabilities’ (AGDE, 2022. Belonging, Being and Becoming: The Early Years Learning Framework for Australia, p.15).
Adapting to the challenges of building relationships in a rapidly changing environment
With economic pressures driving more families to include two working parents, many services (including my own) are experiencing a significant decline in family engagement, requiring a shift in how we structure communications.
As parenthood continues to evolve and families spend less in-person time with their child’s educators, our communication strategies must become both flexible and innovative.
Digital platforms, when used effectively, can help bridge this gap, allowing meaningful one-on-one interactions between educators and families around a child’s progress, development, and wellbeing. These tools offer a valuable solution for busy families, providing an easy way to stay informed about what’s happening within the service through shared programs, photos, and reflections.
Beyond digital platforms, I strongly believe in the value of a personal phone call. I set aside time each day to call families who I feel may have concerns, feedback, or contributions to make. I schedule these calls during planning time or quieter parts of the day, like snack or rest time. Families are often grateful for the personal outreach, and I find they’re more likely to open up to me than they might in the busy service environment.
Simple strategies for promoting trust when interacting with families
As with everything, we need to be intentional in the way we communicate with families. Simple strategies to promote these trusting relationships may include:
Using strength-based language
As a profession, we’re used to framing everything in a strength-based way, where we view the child as a whole person. When forming relationships with families, it’s important that they see our role as both an education professional and someone who can support them — and if negative language is being used, this simply will not happen. Families want to know that we see their children as they do, so it's important that we acknowledge the multitude of strengths we see.
Demonstrating how well you know their child
Each day, I try and tell parents about a little quirk I’ve observed, something their child achieved that day, or even a noticeable moment that took place. These little anecdotes are intentional practices to highlight the close relationship I have with their child.
Acknowledging family emotions
We need to remember that families often have anxiety around their child attending an early learning service. For many families, educators may be the first non-family member to care for their child. It’s important that we acknowledge this emotion and respond with kindness. Often on a child’s first day or week at a service, I’ll ask the guardian how they feel about their child’s transition. This shows yet again that I’m there to support the family as well as the child.
Focusing on more than just routine
I always try and put the child at the centre of my discussions with parents and guardians rather than their routine. Of course, if prompted, I will discuss routine tasks; but I work hard at ensuring that the child is the heart of the relationship between myself and the family.
Asking questions and acknowledging difference
It can be easy to avoid topics that may acknowledge differences in culture, behaviour, language or appearance. However, recognising the difference in a positive way shows families that you care about each child’s uniqueness and that you’re willing to work in partnership with them to ensure that all children's families feel a sense of belonging.
Overall, the most effective way of establishing a positive relationship between yourself and a child’s family is showing them the shared interest you have — that you both want the best for their child. A trusting relationship will generally follow with ease if we approach families and their children with empathy, openness, kindness, and respect.
New PD relating to this topic
FIND OUT MORE
About Meg
Meg is an Early Childhood Teacher in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne on Wurundjeri land. She has worked across a range of settings throughout her decade of work in the early learning sector, and is now pursuing postgraduate study in adult education. Meg is very passionate about advocating for the early childhood profession in a way that both challenges and empowers educators.