Parental involvement and input should be welcomed by day care providers whenever offered. The rewards of this parental participation is mutually beneficial and makes for a positive experience for the children and all concerned. The provider gains a holistic picture of the child from the valuable personal information donated by the parents and in return the day care can pass along a wealth of knowledge gleaned from daily observation.

The opportunity to share ideas and methods about what works and otherwise regarding individual children can be achieved by this mutual cooperation. Respecting, valuing and listening by both parties enriches the day care experience for all concerned. Provider can take into account family values and beliefs whilst parents can learn much about their newly independent, interactive child from the carer. Information sharing should be ongoing and opportunities for communication should be provided formally and informally.

Staff assessment in the area of working and communicating with parents may be required in order to maximise the effectiveness of this sharing process. In order that they can communicate effectively and professionally they may need further training and guidelines. Support your staff so that they feel encouraged to participate in this process. You need to ensure enough time is allowed for parent consultation and subsequent follow ups so you may need to consider your current timetable and staffing levels. If parents have particular interests or areas of expertise e.g.storytelling or music encourage them to share it with the children as a kind of guest speaker. You should have a complaints procedure in place that allows parents to air their grievances easily and without feeling judged. You should be seen as open, friendly and professional and as such, should view complaints as constructive criticism and a means to improving the quality of your day care service. Thank parents for bringing issues to your attention and deal with the problem immediately. It is important to have a complaints procedure in place so that staff are empowered to deal with certain issues whilst management step in for more serious incidents. Perhaps have a suggestion box where parents are welcome to offer suggestions/criticism anonymously.

Have parents involved from the outset by including them in an orientation visit and the settling in procedure. Form a parent's committee so they have a collective voice thus encouraging positive interaction. Integrate a key worker system into your day care so parents have a daily point of contact regarding their child. Provide information about weekly scheduling and activities either by posting details on the noticeboard or sending out a newsletter. Share daily information both verbally and writing so that there is no misunderstanding or confusion as to meaning. Have a website with a blog where you can post comments about goings on at the day care and parents can, in turn, post comments. Include a staff page with information and photos.

Parental involvement in your day care can potentially provide you with untold resources heretofore untapped. If parents feel valued and supported they will in turn want to give back. Opening up channels of communication and sharing can avoid many misunderstandings and conflicts that are borne out of lack of information. So, make sure your day care is friendly, welcoming and open. A relaxed parent is a happy parent.