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Parent Communication with the Center

Parent Communication with the Center

It is important that parents and staff work cooperatively and communicate freely with one another. Many things can influence a child's emotional state when he/she arrives at school. It is often helpful for us to understand the reason for your child's excitement or upset so that we can better respond to his/her needs. Written notes work well in communicating this type of information. You are also welcome to call during nap time (1:00 - 3:00 p.m.) to inquire about your child's progress or to discuss a concern with your child's teacher. If the staff isn't available when you call, your message will be given to the teacher who will return your call as soon as possible.

Electronic mail (e-mail) distribution lists are established at the beginning of each school year, and maintained throughout the year with changes to parent's contact information.  The Center maintains an e-mail list (based on classroom lists) whereby the Director sends communications on an as-needed basis.

The Association's Board of Directors

The Board of Directors is an elected body of volunteers, serving 2-year terms. The membership consists of a President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, Personnel Chair, Fundraising Chair, and two at-large members. The current Board membership is listed outside the Director's office. Should there be a concern by an Association member believed to warrant the Board's attention, please raise it to any Board member. Board meetings are held once a month and all CCA members are welcome to attend. The date and location of each Board meeting will be included in the Center's monthly newsletter.

Messages for Staff/Changes in Schedule

A notebook is located on each foyer table for the purpose of leaving a note should there be a change in your schedule or telephone contact number for the day. Please inform the staff of any changes as it is imperative that we have an accurate emergency phone number if you plan to be at an alternate location for the day.

Absence from the Center

Please call the Center office if your child is going to be absent from the Center. A phone call helps us in food preparation, staffing and planning the activities for the day. Call (301)975-2152 for Building 308 or (301)975-5315 for Building 419, and leave a message anytime.

Parent Information Board

Items of interest to parents are posted on the parent information board, located outside the Director's office in Building 308. Please take the time to check the board periodically.

Parent-Teacher Conferences

At the NIST CCC, ongoing communication between families and staff contribute to the success of our program. Official parent-teacher conferences are offered twice a year. Our preschool staff schedule phone conferences in the fall to discuss the child's progress and meet face-to-face with parents in the spring. The kindergarten staff offers face-to-face conferences in the fall and spring to discuss the child's progress. The toddler staff offers conferences regularly, at least twice a year. All staff will be happy to meet with parents throughout the year, if the need arises. We'll arrange to meet in person or by phone at a mutually convenient time.

Newsletters

Newsletters are published monthly to keep you informed of current events and issues at the NIST Child Care Center. Individual classrooms distribute weekly or monthly newsletters with specific items of interest to their room. These newsletters are your link to the program. Please read them carefully to keep updated on Classroom and Center happenings.

Daily Activities

Information about your child's day is shared with parents in a variety of ways. Our toddlers and 2's have individual daily reports sent home. For preschoolers (3 and 4 year olds), your child's day is posted in the classroom. Please take the time to read the note. Our kindergarten class has a weekly newsletter that discusses the weekly activities and events. Please take the time to read the daily or weekly newsletter since it will enable you to more easily discuss the day's events with your child.

Created August 13, 2009, Updated October 5, 2010