When should child care providers communicate with parents about their child's development?

Regular communication between child care providers and parents about a child's development is essential for fostering a collaborative partnership focused on the child's well-being and growth. Scheduled conferences and check-ins provide a structured opportunity to discuss milestones, behaviors, and any developmental progress observations. This ongoing dialogue ensures that parents are well-informed about their child's experiences and challenges, enabling them to support learning and development effectively at home.

Regular communication also builds trust and transparency. It allows educators to share successes and positive experiences in addition to areas that may require further attention or intervention. This proactive approach enhances parental engagement, making them feel invested in their child's education and development, rather than only reaching out when problems arise or at predetermined times like the end of the year. This indicates to parents that their child's development is a continuous process that they can be an active part of alongside their caregiver.