Simple Strategies for Reaching Families in a Tech World
Recognize Generational Differences
As providers for a new generation, we must stay up to date with emerging technology and with new methods for reaching all parents in our center, given the many ways we can communicate today (email, text, social media, smartphone apps, etc.).
Tech-savvy parents are becoming the norm, but you still have to think about the children raised by grandparents or older relatives who may not be so tech-savvy. This creates a new dynamic in how we, as teachers or directors, can communicate with our parents most effectively.
That said, there are ways that you can reach them all. You can implement the following techniques to help you assess the needs of your clientele and provide the best options for them.
Survey your Families
Find out what works best for each of your families, and try to accommodate them all. Ask questions about their communication preferences, availability/schedule, and daily routines. Also, provide an opportunity for parents to share their concerns or any additional information they think you should know. You can then consolidate the responses to get an idea of what communication methods would suit the majority of your parents best.
This may sound time-consuming, but it is beneficial for determining what fits your facility. What works for one program won’t necessarily work for another, so identifying what works best for your facility is key. Your needs may change each year as your clientele changes, so make sure to repeat the survey regularly.
For more tech-friendly parents, you can send a Google Form or SurveyMonkey; or, for a less high-tech option, you could make a simple paper-and-pencil survey that allows the families and children to complete it together.
Have Different Options for Families
Sometimes parents need several reminders to stay on track (I know I do). Everyone is so busy these days, and it is hard to keep track of everything going on and remember what is further down the schedule.
Just because something is important to you does not mean it will be a top priority for parents, especially when they are already worried about everything else that has to be done that day. This does not mean they think it is unimportant; it simply means they have other things on their plate demanding their attention. In fact, most parents will be disappointed if their responsibilities prevent them from participating, as they would much rather spend that time with their children. Be sure to keep this in mind when working with families and give them grace where needed.
Providing opportunities for communication or involvement is a key part of serving all parents. Using multiple forms of communication, rather than just one, is the best way to ensure all parents can access the information and resources you share. For example, you could utilize:
- Paper newsletters and e-newsletters
- Digital calendars and paper calendars (hung on the center’s bulletin board)
- Automated text/email reminders or message services (send a pre-recorded message via phone call)
- Paper progress reports and digital progress trackers
- Center-specific social media groups (e.g., member-only Facebook groups
These suggestions are just the tip of the iceberg; with modern technology, there are so many options for you to use that the possibilities are nearly endless. Be creative and use critical thinking skills to discover new ways to communicate with families.
Send Reminders
Centers do not have to rely solely on email for reminders; they can also use social media or text messaging services to send automatic reminders to parents. Band or Remind are both text messaging services that allow you to send individual texts to a large number of people at one time. Mailchimp is an email service that lets you send separate emails to a large number of people at one time (i.e., they will not appear as mass emails, where all recipients are CC’d at the top). There is also Class Dojo, a free online tool (and smartphone app) for schools that enables parents, students, and teachers to all communicate on the same platform.
Connect the Classroom to the Parents
As a parent, I feel more connected to my child when I can see what is happening in their classroom and stay up to date on their schoolwork. This allows me to enhance their learning at home and engage in meaningful conversations. Instead of the usual “I don’t know” when I ask what they did at school, I can ask, “What was it like being the circle time helper this morning?” This approach fosters deeper discussions about their experiences.
Utilizing technology to connect parents with the classroom can significantly increase their involvement and help them feel more engaged in their children’s education. Sharing the curriculum with parents and providing them with access to classroom activities are both essential. There are several pre-made curricula available that offer parents insights into the themes, activities, and books their children are reading in class, making them excellent resources for families to support their child’s literacy development.
However, many childcare centers may not have access to these types of curricula, and that’s perfectly fine. You can still provide valuable resources for parents through your classroom blog or Facebook page. Platforms like Class Dojo allow you to share activities and resources that families can use together at home. There are various ways to share information, so it’s important to identify the system that best fits your needs and the needs of your program.
Show Off Your Classroom’s Hard Work
Once you set up your chosen system for granting parents virtual access to the classroom, don’t just stop there! Make the most of these programs by showcasing the children’s achievements. Whenever possible, take photos of the students’ work and upload them for parents to see. By doing this, you not only inform parents about their children’s learning but also build their confidence in you, as the teacher.
Give Parents Information about Early Education
As a provider, it is your responsibility to supply parents with information on what Early Education is and what it should look like. You should also provide videos or photos of what you are doing in your classroom and explain why these activities are crucial to their child’s development, including what they are learning from these activities and why.
Respect Technology, but Know When Enough is Way Too Much
Technology is a valuable tool for our classrooms in various ways. It can enhance communication and provide educational benefits for children. However, I often observe that some teachers misuse technology, treating it more as a babysitter than an educational resource.
Children need to play, as this is the most effective way for them to learn. They should be able to manipulate their environment and explore how things work. If they spend too much time looking at screens, they miss out on valuable playtime that supports their learning in real-life situations.
It’s important to limit screen time for children. It is recommended that children should not spend more than 15 minutes per day using tablets or computers.
Promoting Information in a Fun Way
For parents who are not tech-savvy, create a flyer or an eye-catching note that clearly conveys the information you want to share. Keep your posts fun, inviting, and frequent. Consistency is key! If you provide informational posts, aim to share them weekly or even daily. Posting infrequently will lead to parents ignoring your updates, as they won’t be in the habit of checking for new information. By posting regularly and making the content engaging, parents will be more inclined to seek out the updates you provide. Consider adding pictures of your classroom or using colorful text to make your posts visually appealing. Create something that truly catches their attention!
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