Family & Provider Partnerships

Your child will have the best child care experience possible if you and the child care provider work together to meet his or her needs. Sometimes this partnership evolves naturally simply because you and the provider “click.” Your personalities may be compatible and beliefs about child rearing may be similar. More typically, this relationship, like most human relationships, takes a conscious effort. Below are some things you can do to help foster a good relationship with your child care provider.

Talk to your provider

• Ask when would be a good time to talk
• Bring up concerns right away
• Share information to help your provider understand your child
• Ask your provider what she is learning about your child

Know and follow your provider’s policies

• Drop off and pick up on time
• Pay in full and on time
• Help all children stay healthy by keeping sick children home
• Call if there is a change of plans

Make sure your child is ready for care

• Allow enough time so that children aren’t rushed
• Bring a change of clothing
• Bring clothing for changes in weather

Show appreciation for your child care provider

• Recognize that child care is a hard job
• Take the time to say “thank you”
• Remember your provider on holidays and his or her birthday