This is the second article in our series explaining how we put our mission statement into practice at New Hope Preschool. The introduction to the series can be found here.
Children thrive when families and teachers are partners for their education and development. Parents are a child’s first and most important teachers. We are honored to support families in building their children’s foundations in faith, character, and skill.
A True Partnership
Partnering with families isn’t just an empty phrase. From even before your child joins our preschool, we aim to build a strong, collaborative relationship with you. We communicate regularly through parent updates, and we welcome opportunities to meet individually during conferences. Parents’ classes, outings, and special events provide another way for families to connect. Parents are welcome to spend time in the classroom. And we are always available for a quick chat when you drop off or pick up your child.
Not long ago, during a curriculum unit about trees, a parent who is a woodworker brought samples of different kinds of wood for the children to touch, as well as some fragrant wood shavings, and photos of some of his projects. The children were impressed with the woodworker’s skill, and his son was happy and proud to show off his father’s work.
Why It Matters
When parents and teachers work together, children experience consistency and encouragement. Home and school feel like extensions of one another when parents and teachers are a team. Children see the same values and habits reinforced in both places, so they feel especially supported in their learning and growth. Parents support their children at school, and teachers support families outside the school whenever possible. For example, we’ve been to dance events and music recitals, and we’ve provided support for families who were preparing to move overseas.
Our partnership also allows us to understand each child more deeply. Parents know their children better than anyone else. Parents’ insights help us tailor learning experiences that meet their children’s unique gifts, interests, and needs. One mom told us that her child had become very interested in drawing, so we encourage him to use the classroom art materials during free choice time to create art.
Everyday Connections
Partnership isn’t only about formal meetings or events — it happens in small, everyday moments. A shared goal, like helping a child with toilet training, looking people in the eye when talking, or practicing kindness toward siblings, is strengthened when teachers and parents communicate and celebrate together. We encourage families to be actively involved in their child’s preschool experience, because when we work together, children thrive.
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