Family Communications

FAMILY COMMUNICATIONS

Parents are and always will be the primary caregiver for their child. They have chosen TOPP KIDS as a place to bring their child to be cared for during the day. As a caregiver, you are to assist the parent in caring for their child. Educators are to provide regular feedback on each child. Parents like to hear what their child learned, or how much fun they had. Employees are to encourage, welcome and immediately respond to all parent comments or concerns. TOPP KIDS will maintain an open-door policy at all times. Parents are to be invited and encouraged to join in any and all activities happening at program. Parents are to be personally reminded of and invited to participate in special events.

NEW FAMILIES
The Room Lead will ensure that each new parent receives an orientation to TOPP KIDS, information about how to access the Family Handbook, completes registration forms and is introduced to the caregivers at the program.

ALL FAMILIES

Written Communication:

Items of communication that pertain to all families will be made available on a consistent basis, distributed either through email, our parent board, Facebook page or website:

• Newsletters – will be emailed from programs and posted on our Parent Boards each month
• Notification of program staffing or program changes – distributed within one working week of the change
• Family Handbooks
• Children’s weekly leader calendar
• Notices of NSF Fees/ Late Fees or Account discrepancies
• Weekly updates

Verbal Communication:

• When a parent enters the program, at least one Educator is to speak, greet, and/or ensure eye contact with a wave or smile
• All employees are expected to know parents on a first name basis and greet them accordingly
• Open communication with all families and sharing of relevant information about their child’s day
• Educator interactions and communication with families will be intentional and facilitate positive, respectful relationships
• When talking to a parent about a potentially negative situation involving their child, employees must ensure that the entire conversation is not negative. As a general rule, Educators should give equal positive and negative feedback.
• All potentially sensitive issues must be discussed with parents in a non-public place
• Communicate daily with the school teachers to help keep communication open between all three parties (parents, TOPP KIDS and school) when consent has been given

Parent Participation and Feedback:

Parents are encouraged to offer their feedback regarding the program in a variety of ways:

• Speaking with one of the “family members” (Educators)
• Parent Suggestion Box
• Email
• Family Nights (ex. Hockey Night in Canada, Christmas Party, Year End BBQ, etc.)
• Parent Surveys (found on the website www.toppkids.com)

If a staff member is concerned about a child’s development or behaviour; they should be discussing concerns immediately with the Program Coordinator. From there an action plan will be put in place to ensure the health and safety of the child, other children, and Educators.

Individuals interested in our program should be given the information in a way that reflects positively on the program. Information gained from parents will be reviewed at staff meetings and changes to the program may be made accordingly. All comments and suggestions will be considered on an individual basis.