In this story, Jada Alleyne, School Age Program Manager at the Community Arts Center, tells us about how she communicates with parents. When partnering with parents, it’s important not to be intimidated and to keep lines of communication open. A good way to stay in contact is using multiple forms of communication. When checking in with parents, especially if sharing a difficult subject, staff should begin with something positive before sharing a challenge or problem. And they should always end on a positive note. Jada says it is important to remember that “Parents are our allies and this is a partnership.”

​To support you in using these resources with your staff, download our UPDATED Facilitator's Guide here!   

If you are exploring these Stories of Family Partnership on your own, here is a link to a Self-Paced Participant Study Guide. 

Guiding Questions

• How can you create a trusting relationship with parents?
• Why is it important to make face to face connections with parents?
• How can you approach families about issues and/or difficult topics?

Our Takeaways

• Remember, communication with families is key to creating a good partnership.
• Good communication means continuity. It’s important to keep in communication with parents though good and bad moments and days.
• Use a compliment sandwich approach: Share something good, then a challenge you want to work with a parent to solve, and always end with something good.
• Remember details about children and families to better connect with them.
• Use multiple forms of communication.