Raising and educating children is truly a team effort, as parents and teachers bring unique insights and strengths to a child’s life. When these two worlds work together, children feel more supported, confident and ready to learn. Building a strong partnership with your child’s teacher can be simple, and it starts with small steps that nurture trust and collaboration.

Stay Connected

Strong partnerships begin with open communication and involvement. Teachers appreciate knowing about the little things, like a child’s favorite book, a new sibling at home or even changes in sleep or appetite, that might affect their day. 

Likewise, parents benefit from hearing about how their child is engaging with lessons and friends or showing new skills at school. These conversations don’t have to be long. Sometimes a quick note, a short email or a two-minute chat at drop-off is enough to make a difference.

Connection also comes from showing up when you can. Attending parent-teacher conferences, school events or classroom activities at your child’s care center sends a clear message to your child: their learning matters. 

Even if your schedule doesn’t allow for frequent volunteering, choosing small ways to be present (reading a newsletter, asking thoughtful questions, etc.) strengthens the bridge between home and the classroom.

Work in Harmony and Show Respect

Children thrive when home and school values feel consistent. If kindness, curiosity or problem-solving are emphasized in the classroom, parents can reinforce these same habits at home. Asking about your child’s day, celebrating their milestones or encouraging them to use their words to solve conflicts are simple but powerful ways to show that the classroom lessons apply in the “real world.”

At the same time, it’s important to respect that parents and teachers may see things differently. Teachers bring professional training and daily classroom observations, while parents bring intimate knowledge of their child’s temperament and family culture. Both perspectives are valuable. Approaching conversations with patience, curiosity and respect helps ensure that even when challenges arise, the focus remains on helping the child succeed.

Act as a Unified Team

When parents and teachers work together, children benefit academically, socially and emotionally. They gain confidence knowing the adults in their lives are cheering for them together. 

Families can strengthen this sense of unity by modeling teamwork. Healthy collaboration is often simple and can take many forms: 

• Responding to teacher feedback with openness
• Supporting early learning projects and lessons at home 
• Celebrating progress alongside educators

After all, we see education as a shared journey. By staying connected, working in harmony and building trust, families and teachers can create a true partnership that helps children learn, grow and flourish both inside and outside the classroom.

Discover the CDC Difference!

At Children’s Discovery Center, our award-winning early childhood education teaching staff is ready to support your child and family. Contact us today to learn more about our Reggio Emilia approach to learning, register your child and tour our facilities.