KU PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AND LEARNING
Quarterly
KU Children’s Services
APRIL 2018
ENGAGING FAMILIES IN OUR SERVICES
BY LARRAINE BROWN
F
amilies, like people, are unique. They all have their
own routines, traditions, ways of communicating,
behaviours, social skills and belief systems. The list
of how families are different from each other is
endless. For staff in early childhood centres, building
relationships and engaging with families is pivotal to
children feeling welcome, valued, accepted, happy and
self- confident which in turn leads to good outcomes
for children, families and staff.
Young children are dependent in so many ways on
the emotional wellbeing of their family. They are
keen observers and listeners and can quickly pick up
on joy, excitement, calmness, surprise, contentment,
unhappiness, anger, doubt, fear and confusion.
Children observe and listen wherever they are and
gauge whether this is a place in which they feel safe
and valued or whether their family members, usually
the parents, are letting them know they are unsure and
uncomfortable.
It is very important that early childhood centre staff
engage families in ways that encourage and nurture
relationships that are built on honesty, a shared
interest in their children, open communication, respect
and sensitivity.
The following ideas are good places to start and can
be discussed at staff meetings and implemented by all
the team.
Acknowledge all families when they arrive and
leave the centre. This may be a verbal greeting, a
IN THIS ISSUE :
wave or a smile. Acknowledgment signifies “I see
you” and “I welcome you” or “goodbye and have a
safe journey home”.
Listen, because it is paramount to a relationship.
Trying to listen and respond appropriately when
working can be challenging. Listening requires
eye contact, concentration and a response that
matches the information we are hearing. You may
need to make a time to meet with parents if the
issue is complex or requires more time than you
have when families arrive or leave a centre. There
are always exceptions if a family is in a crisis or an
issue has arisen that is causing distress. All teams
should have a plan that enables a staff member
to engage with a family in times of need. Having
a prepared list of where families can access more
formal support is always a good idea.
Think about the information you request from
families. What is essential to you may appear
intrusive and at times upsetting for parents.
Take time to explain what you need and why. A
parent who is unwilling to fill out forms or provide
information may need your assistance to do so. Be
patient and offer your support. We have all been
in a situation where having someone sit beside us
is all we need. Keep in mind that every family has
had experiences that cause expressions of joy or
sadness when they talk about them. Always be
prepared for a reaction that may be different than
the one you expect.
RETHINKING RELATIONSHIPS WITH FAMILIES AT KU CHATSWOOD COMMUNITY PRESCHOOL