A Parent’s Guide To Family-Friendly Child Care Centers HOW DOES A GOOD CHILD CARE CENTER Support BECOME A GREAT CHILD CARE CENTER?

How does a good child care center become a great child care center? It doesn’t happen overnight, but good child care centers are transforming themselves Child care staff are listening into great child care centers by letting go of outdated expectations of families that are not compatible with today’s complicated and diverse family life. Respect to parents* in a way they Child care staff are listening to parents in a way they may not have listened before. They are becoming more aware of the many pressures that affect may not have listened before. families today: lengthy commutes, the need to work faster and smarter, and simply having too much to do. They are becoming more The traditional focus of child care staff on teaching children for parents is shifting aware of the many pressures to working with parents. The child care center is becoming an environment in which parents and teachers learn from one another. What is commonly referred that affect families today. to as “parent involvement” or “parent support” is evolving into a new relationship between parents and center staff because the nature of today’s families has changed — there are now dual-career families, single-parent families, same-sex partner families, immigrant families, blended families, and grandparents and other family members raising children.

Is your center ready to go from good to great? Then read on. Great child care centers are taking a down-to-earth, individualized approach that leads to what great child care has always been about — a true collaboration between families and staff with children as the focus.

This resource guide is designed for you to use to evaluate your current child * Parent is used to mean care center or to bring along as you observe and evaluate centers you may use any primary caregiver who has in the future. or shares full responsibililty for raising a child.

Goals of the Family-Friendly Child Care Study Develop an audit tool for centers to Identify the key elements of use to assess the family- friendliness of family-friendly child care their programs and services

THE FAMILY-FRIENDLY CHILD CARE STUDY The Family-Friendly Child Care Centers The study identified six elements of family- Audit Tool was developed to help centers friendly child care, which are presented gather information about how well they are in detail in this guide. serving working families. The tool is Before it was applied to child care, the term family-friendly was coined to available to centers interested in identifying describe some companies. Companies that were family-friendly trained Understand the business impact of specific gaps in their services and promoting their managers to be sensitive to family needs and began offering family- family-friendliness on child care centers conversations between administrators, friendly benefits such as flexible work arrangements, family leave time and parents’ employers teachers, and parents about family-friendly so parents could care for new children in the family, and allowing employees services and behaviors. See the last page to use their own sick time to care for ill children. One significant finding in the study of this guide for information on how to obtain was that there is a link between high-quality, the audit tool. IBM is one company that strives to be family-friendly. IBM has long under- family-friendly child care and reduced stood the connection between its business success and high-quality parental work/life stress. In other words, child care for its employees. In the past few decades, IBM has funded and parents whose children are enrolled in high-quality, family-friendly centers are supported activities and research to improve the quality of child care. OVERALL QUALITY COUNTS TOO somewhat more likely than others to report One such project, called the Family-Friendly Child Care Study, was recently reduced stress and better concentration The researchers conducting the Family-Friendly conducted to identify the specific characteristics of family-friendly child at work. They also have fewer instances of Child Care Study made an important discovery — care and to encourage parents and child care centers to work together to leaving work early, arriving late, and that overall high-quality care (defined by the make their centers’ programs and services more family-friendly. missing important meetings. teacher:child ratio, the quality of the educational program, and the level of training and experience Another important finding was that higher of the staff) serves as the foundation for ratings of quality and family-friendliness family-friendly care. In other words, all child care are associated with higher job satisfaction centers must have a basic level of quality in among the staff at child care centers. order for the family-friendly elements to develop. Typically, greater job satisfaction among Family-friendly elements are enhancements or teachers and administrators translates into improvements to high-quality care that can make reduced staff turnover. Staff who remain a good center a great one. at a center over time are more able to focus on improving programs and services, which helps a center go from good to great. High-quality, family-friendly centers not only serve families better, but they also tend to have more satisfied employees. Communicating WHAT IS FAMILY-FRIENDLY CHILD CARE?

Family-friendly child care begins with the premise that families are the center THE STUDY IDENTIFIED THE FOLLOWING of children’s lives. METHODS OF COMMUNICATION AS MOST Family-friendly programs reflect and respect VALUED BY BOTH PARENTS AND STAFF: Family-friendly child care the unique characteristics of all members I Written notices placed in cubbies or posted of a child’s family. This includes not on the doors to children’s rooms. focuses on building a only the child and the child’s mother and I Conversations at drop-off and pick-up time. father, but all other significant adults I Individualized written notes. culture of strong support who are involved in caring for the child as I Individual parent conferences. well. Family-friendly child care focuses for working parents. on the needs of the whole family, on building a culture of strong support for working parents with an emphasis on parent Although it may seem subtle, shifting the connection and participation in the center. discussion from what constitutes a high-quality center (staff:child ratios, teacher training, and the educational program) to Family-friendly child care centers adopt what constitutes a family-friendly center policies that put family needs first. changes the focus from what the center as an A family-centered program is one that organization does to provide care for provides services that give you more time to the children to how well the center works Caring spend with your children when you are together with families to provide care at home and one whose staff can “put them- for the children. Focusing on the joint selves in your shoes.” The family-centric, responsibilities of the center and the rather than center-centric point of view children’s families addresses the needs of shapes policies and practices in order to help both parties while keeping the focus on you feel good about the care your child the care of the children. receives and reduces parental stress. 1. Positive Relationships Between 4. Respect for Diverse Families Teachers and Children and Cultures

Family-friendly teachers pay attention Family-friendly programs embrace the and respond to children’s ideas and feelings diversity of the families they serve. Teachers and provide closeness, cuddling, and a respect the goals and values families have feeling of safety and trust. Warm, sensitive, established for their children, and the kind THE SIX ELEMENTS OF FAMILY-FRIENDLY and responsive interactions help children of people they hope their children are develop a secure, positive sense of self and growing up to be. Staff also individualize CHILD CARE encourage them to respect and cooperate their interactions with people at the center with others. Children who see themselves as whether they are stepmothers, fathers, highly valued are more likely to feel like grandparents, children, or other staff. part of the community.

1. Positive relationships between teachers and children. 5. Responsiveness to Family Needs 2. Meaningful Interactions Between Staff at family-friendly centers actively plan 2. Meaningful interactions between teachers and parents. Teachers and Parents ahead for the needs of the families in 3. Quality relationships between staff and families. The connections between staff and parents their care. It’s important for the administration are key to creating a positive and relaxed and staff to be aware of what’s going on in 4. Respect for diverse families and cultures. atmosphere in the center. Think about your family in order to be responsive to a recent, meaningful conversation you had your needs. They use this information to plan 5. Responsiveness to family needs. with a child care provider at your center. Did programs that address the broad needs she or he take the time to really listen to of all the working families in their care, and you? Did you feel as though you were working to keep resources on hand about community 6. Communication between staff and families. together to solve a problem or that she or he programs that may be helpful to you. understood your request or your child’s needs? If the answer is yes to these questions, the staff of your center are probably tuned in 6. Communication Between Staff to family-friendly interactions. and Families Communication is an essential element of family-friendly care. Talking with 3. Quality Relationships Between administrators, staff, and other parents is Staff and Families the way you build relationships in centers. Staff at family-friendly centers actively build Never underestimate the power of a quality relationships with families. This good conversation! For example, take the means making you feel welcome and included time to greet staff at drop-off in the morning at the center, both in your interactions or spend a few minutes chatting at evening with staff and in your interactions with other pick-up. Exchanging written notes, parents. You should feel a sense of e-mails, or phone calls are also valuable partnership and mutual support. ways to connect about a specific issue, or just get to know each other better.

WHAT FAMILY-FRIENDLY FEELS LIKE Meaningful Interactions IN A CHILD CARE CENTER 2. Between Teachers and Parents

Young children’s learning and development I Staff ask parents for information are integrally connected to their families. about their child and the child’s interests Consequently, to support and promote to help plan daily activities. Positive Relationships children’s optimal learning and development, I Staff and parents work together to solve Between Teachers and staff will recognize the importance of 1. children’s families. They will establish problems such as finding a child’s lost Children relationships built on mutual trust and respect belongings, long naps that interfere with and invite all families to fully participate in evening bedtime, or a child who bites. Family-friendly staff understand the impor- the program. Family-friendly staff I Staff take the time to help parents tance of sitting on the floor with children will intentionally plan daily schedules and understand how the center’s curriculum and providing low tables for them. curriculum informed by what they know and activities contribute to their FAMILY-FRIENDLY CLASSROOMS MIGHT They also know that couches, stuffed chairs, about individual children and their families. child’s learning and development. PROVIDE A JOURNAL FOR PARENTS plants, and soft lighting go a long way They will be approachable, wanting to TO WRITE NOTES TO STAFF ABOUT THEIR toward making child care rooms feel friendly hear what parents have to say, whether it is CHILD. FOR EXAMPLE: to the children and adults who use them. positive or negative. They will listen carefully, picking up on what parents say Charlotte likes to count the ducks on I Staff respond quickly and sensitively about their children, and be able to respond to children’s requests and nonverbal cues. her bath towel and lately she only wants to in a flexible and sensitive manner. For example, they offer affection, count in Chinese. If you’d like to count help with toileting, and they spend time along, here’s a rough pronunciation guide: answering and expanding on children’s 1 ya chat (like the English word yacht) questions. 2 yee I Staff demonstrate that they know and 3 sam (rhymes with mom) appreciate each child in their room. 4 say For example, they integrate individual 5 mmm (as in mmm, good) children’s interests, friendships, 6 look temperament, food preferences, and SOME FAMILY-FRIENDLY CENTERS USE DIGITAL 7 chut CAMERAS TO SHARE CHILDREN’S DAILY ACTIVITIES napping habits into all activities. 8 bot (like the end of robot) WITH PARENTS. 9 gao (rhymes with cow) I The center has a relaxed and cheerful 10 sup Using e-mail, staff can periodically send digital photographs atmosphere. Children seem to be home to parents showing their children at work and play. comfortable, engaged, and having fun. Quality Relationships Respect for Diverse 3. Between Staff and Families 4. Families and Cultures Staff efforts to connect with families Staff understand the concept of empathy — Family-friendly programs are constantly are critical to building a sense of community. standing in someone else’s shoes. striving to better understand how FAMILY-FRIENDLY ALSO No matter what the level of parental Their efforts to deepen their understanding parents think about their children and their MEANS FATHER-FRIENDLY OR involvement — whether parents visit for of families constantly improve the work and family life, which helps them GRANDPARENT-FRIENDLY. lunch, bring photos to post on the children’s experiences and the family’s find common ground and improves their Family-friendly centers help fathers, bulletin board, or participate on a policy comfort level. ability to respond appropriately. Relationships grandparents, and other family committee — staff assure parents that are based on mutual respect, trust, and members feel welcome in what is they will go the distance so that the whole I Staff encourage parents to express their cultural sensitivity. often perceived as the female family feels like part of the child care own feelings of sadness or concern when a world of young children. What center community. child is adjusting to the center. I The staff respect and value the unique characteristics and circumstances of all can a center do to make all I Parents feel welcome to suggest ways they families at the center. family members feel involved and can be involved in the life of the center connected?

and feel that their opinions are welcome. I Staff are empathetic and understanding I about parents’ schedules and the demands Meet and greet dads and grand- I The center values and appreciates on parents’ time. parents at the door. parents’ efforts to donate their time and I Engage them in conversations

skills and to share their various cultural I The center respects the confidentiality about children’s progress. experiences at the center. of parents and children. I Recognize unique contributions of various family members. I Take an interest survey to find out interests or skills of dads or grandparents. I Display images of men and grandparents with young children IT’S THE LITTLE THINGS THAT COUNT . . . around the center.

Like making sure the administration of the center introduces every staff member to new families, from the director to the cook and custodian. This both validates the team it takes to manage a center and gets new relationships off to a good start. Responsiveness to Communication Between 5. Family Needs 6. Staff and Families

By asking questions or creating opportunities Family-friendly child care is all about I Staff greet parents and children in the for parents to share relevant information, relationships, and relationships are all about morning and say goodbye in the evening. staff help ensure that the center is communication. The most important I Parents and staff share information about responsive to parent needs. Confidentiality, goal in family-friendly centers is for staff and meaningful daily events related to the flexibility, and sincerity are the parents to work in partnership. Staff child. For infants and pre-verbal toddlers, characteristics that define the interactions regularly involve parents in decisions about there is daily written communication THE STUDY ASKED PARENTS WHAT between staff and parents that help staff their child’s care and education. In to parents about the child’s daily activities. SERVICES THEY WOULD BE respond to parents’ needs. Staff members have addition, they keep parents informed about For older children, there is daily written INTERESTED IN THAT WERE NOT open minds and take a “why not?”approach, their child’s daily life and progress in the communication about the group’s activities. OFFERED AT THEIR CENTER. which legitimizes parents’ concerns and classroom in order to increase the parents’ requests. A “why not?” approach leads to understanding and appreciation for what At the top of the list: I Parents have more than one way to innovation and better care. is going on with their child. Staff keep the I Information on community activities for communicate with the center children and families. lines of communication open in a variety (e.g., notes, phone calls, and e-mail). I Staff ask parents questions about their jobs I of ways: by phone or e-mail throughout the Information on support services and family circumstances so they can bet- for families. day or by leaving notes or questions in ter understand the needs of the family. journals or logs used by parents and staff. I Computers with software for children.

I Enrichment classes (for a fee) I Staff work with each family to create a such as dance, martial arts, music, or personalized transition plan to help each gymnastics. new child adjust to the center. I Flexible payment plans. I When a parent inquires about a service I Food programs with hot meals. the center currently doesn’t offer, staff are I Backup child care for enrolled children on unscheduled days. open to new ideas. I Occasional social activities for center staff and families.

STARTING A FAMILY-FRIENDLY CONVERSATION AT YOUR CENTER

Although the number of working mothers Although the value of high-quality, family- has increased dramatically in recent years, friendly care seems clear, the transformation the attitudes of child care staff have not of a center from good to great will depend There are a ways to jump-start the quite kept up the pace. Caring for children on the unique culture and circumstances all day is hard work. Sometimes child of each center. There is no such thing as a process of transforming your center care providers feel that their job is to save “one size fits all” child care center. Keep or rescue children. Sometimes when staff in mind that financial or staffing constraints from a good to a great center. have had a difficult day with a child, they may prevent a center from offering certain have strong feelings. It may be easier for services. Timing is also important – Teamwork them to direct negative feelings at a parent there may be other important center activities rather than the child. But when parents going on like fundraising or physical value the teachers’ work and role, improvements. On the positive side, however, their relationships with teachers are more many of the elements of a family-friendly constructive. Similarly, when teachers value center cost little or nothing. working with parents, it makes for a better relationship. By planning ahead for a dialogue with your center’s administrators about family-friendly programs and services, there are ways to jump-start the process of transforming your Diversity center from a good to a great center. Tips to Help You Prepare for your Conversation

I Consider the family-friendly elements and I Ask the administrators of your center if ideas presented in this guide to clarify they are ready to engage in the process and expand your own thinking about what and if they can allocate some resources for is reasonable to expect from your center. the process.

I Determine the level of overall quality I Use the Family-Friendly Audit Tool that exists at your center. How would you to help initiate the process and start rate your center on staff:child ratio, the a conversation. educational program, and the experience level of staff? If its rating is only poor I Use the Family-Friendly Audit Tool or good, your conversation should focus results to develop a training plan for staff on improvements in basic quality first. and an improvement plan for the center.

I Encourage the administration to commit I If the level of quality at your center HOW DO YOU THINK STAFF AT YOUR is excellent, start a conversation with the in-service training time and resources for CENTER WOULD ANSWER THE FOLLOWING administrators at your center. Discuss professional development of staff. QUESTIONS? with them the family-friendly elements I Modify the existing performance review Do we… presented in this guide. Acknowledge the system to ensure that family-friendliness I Use what we know about each child to make elements that are already present in becomes integrated into the culture activities feel special for all children? the center’s program and plan together how of the center. I Work with families to build trust? to incorporate others into the program I Avoid making families feel vulnerable or and get staff and parents involved. Today, the diversity of families and inadequate? their ever-changing needs challenge child I Work as a team with parents to solve problems? I Use your own experiences to “bring the care centers to respond to each family I Try to find out what families think is important? elements to life.” Tell stories about individually. The shift in focus to working I Communicate in a variety of ways with as many your own communication with staff or a with families is an idea whose time has families as possible every day? time when you felt your family values come and an opportunity for your center to were honored. make the leap from good to great.

IF YOU ARE LOOKING AT NEW CENTERS FOR YOUR FAMILY: To download a copy of Family-Friendly Child Care Centers: An Audit Tool Use the family-friendly elements described in this guide as your criteria go to http://www.abcdependentcare.com for selecting the right center for you. As you tour potential centers for your and click on Tools and Assessments. infant or look at new centers for an older child, determine whether the elements are present. Ask administrators about the elements that are most important to you.