See how one Sydney centre brings parents and educators together for the good of little learners.

BY HEJIRA CONVERY, KINDICARE

JANUARY 18, 2024

Although you don’t have to become BFFs with your child’s care-givers, it is important to put some effort into the parent-educator relationship. 

After all, you’re entrusting these people to look after your child for days on end in their formative years; and although it’s nice to be on friendly terms with your under-fives’s educators, you can also be powerful allies! 

A solid relationship will allow you to work towards shared goals for your child, navigating any challenges along the way; and whether you are super friendly with your educators or a little more circumspect, a great parent-educator relationship is one that’s mutually respectful.  

You will be recognised as your child’s first teacher – the person who knows your under-five best and has their interests closest to heart.  

While your child’s educators will be respected as early learning professionals, with expert knowledge and a genuine commitment to your child’s learning, development and outcomes.  

At quality early learning centres, this kind of relationship is actively nurtured, and Learning Wonderland in Sydney is a great example of how this happens.  

Managing Director, Athanasia (Sia) Papaspiropoulos and her team understand that mutually respectful parent-educator relationships support children’s wellbeing and education, and they know that the best experiences with children happen when there are strong partnerships between families and educators. 

For these reasons, the centre puts a real focus on relationships, and although every person has their own personality and time can be tight, here are four ways that they build collaborative partnerships between parents and educators for the good of the children:  

1. Learning Wonderland ensures that everyone gets off to a great start. 

Mrs Sia explains that, “First impressions matter, and whether a parent is enquiring by email or a family is arriving for a centre tour, we ensure that they feel welcome and feel free to ask questions, provide information and share their family’s needs and wants.” 

She says, “Our educators introduce themselves at the first possible opportunity and take the time to really get to know each family – not just on paper, but in person.”  

These connections deepen as families attend the centre more and more, and Mrs Sia says, “We always try to remain open and agile, whether that means adjusting the learning program to fit with a child’s changing needs, or working towards a new shared goal with a family.”  

2. Educators and parents use everyday moments to connect in meaningful ways.  

Although it’s always nice to say, “Hello” and “Goodbye” at drop-off and pick-up, Learning Wonderland’s educators and families go the extra mile and use these times to share information that supports each child’s learning and wellbeing.  

Mrs Sia says, “This might be as simple as an educator asking whether the child has had breakfast yet, or if they will need a sleep soon. Or a parent might mention something more complex, like a specific goal for their child or behaviour.” 

She explains that, “Learning Wonderland's educators can arrange another time to talk, if the matter needs deeper discussion, and as Managing Director, I am also available as a sounding board and support to families.” 

3. Kinderloop is used to keep the lines of communication open throughout the day (or night).  

Educators use this online communication platform to document the program, children’s activities and their observations, and parents are also able to share photos from home and add their comments. 

Kinderloop keeps all this data secure and private, and as well as showing families what their children are up to during the day, Kinderloop also helps to build parent-educator relationships.  

Mrs Sia explains, “When parents acknowledge the photos, videos and developmental learning we load to the parent app, educators know that the work they do is valued. This feedback also gives educators the confidence to make decisions and introduce strategies to help children.” 

4. Educators make a concerted effort to incorporate each family’s culture and practices into centre life.  

This gives the children a sense of belonging at the centre, and it also shows families that they are a respected and valued part of the childcare community.  

Mrs Sia says, “We are always including exciting and educational celebrations in our programs, which families can contribute to and inform us about.  

“As well as making families feel valued, knowledge-sharing helps us to create a rich early learning environment, and we love to invite families to the centre for special events, such as Chinese New Year celebrations and Easter bonnet parades.”  

All in all, Learning Wonderland is a beautiful community to be a part of.  

They do everything with the children’s best interests in mind, and if you’re keen to experience their early learning approach first-hand, it’s easy to connect with them via KindiCare and start building a relationship that’s enjoyable for you and highly beneficial for your under-five.