Communication Between Parents and Preschool Teachers

The best school either of my kids ever attended was Kid Time in Walnut Creek. Their method was to write a note about the incident, including what happened, where it happened, how it was resolved, and if any first aid was given. The teacher who witnessed the incident would fill it out. I think they were called "Oops" notes or something (it's been a few years). You'd get the note that same day.

Additionally the teachers made a point of telling the parents at pick up time what the kids did that day, and anything worth noting (they didn't sleep at naptime, or they wouldn't eat the lunch that was served, or whatever).

Hi There,

At our preschool, there is a notebook next to the sign in sheet for parents to jot down any issues the kids are having as they come into class. In terms of behavioral issues, our preschool teacher have always been really great about verbally letting us know the same day as the occurrence. I haven't had any notes come home.

They have a 4 to 28 ratio ( I think). The teachers are really on the ball about communication, and aware of what is going on with the kids.

Good luck!

It depends on what preschool your child is attending. Some of the nicer ones (Phoenix and Brighton) will send home owie reports, and make every effort to talk to you. I know at the Phoenix Schools a lot of the teachers have been through something called PCIT training, and it is geared towards kids with behavioral issues. Also, just talk to them. They want to help you, so they are more then willing to hear what you have to say. If the problem is persistent they will call you with each incidence.

If you are at somewhere like a Kindercare or La Petite you may not get the note. Still, just talk to them. Also, I have worked at preschools for over 5 years, and unless your child is between 18-24 mos they are at a 1 to 12 ratio. Babies through 2 are a 1 to 4 ratio. If there is a separate room for 18-24 mos its 1 to 8, and anything higher is 1 to 12. Some preschools strive for a 1 to 9 ratio, but I am pretty confidently able to tell you that its not a 1 to 7 ratio. If there are 28 kids in the room then there should be 3 teachers.

But, pull your director aside, express your concerns with communication, and I'm sure she will talk to the teachers and make sure that there is ample communication.

At my son's preschool, Merryhill, they make records of any incidents and they send notes to the parents the day of the incident. I've never been contacted by my son's school so I had to ask about their policy :-D They said if there were behavioral issues they'd give me a note the same day describing the issue and how it was handled.