Parents can sometimes be surprised when we announce parent-teacher conferences. Some think it is only for elementary school children, others are surprised we hold them for infants and preschool alike.
As a teacher, conferences were one of my favorite times of the year. Connecting with parents is one of the most important parts of being a teacher, and doing it during drop-off and pick-up can be a lot. Sometimes parents are in a hurry, or there are multiple families at once. Occasionally, I would be wrapped up in an activity or kissing a boo boo and could barely do more than a wave.
Conferences, as a teacher, were a time when I could show parents what I did every day. My job was more than just moving children from one task to another. I could tell them about the lessons their child connected with best. I could tell them what I had observed and what skills their children needed to strengthen. We could compare notes, often discover a child had skills one of us did not know about. It was an opportunity to “prove” to parents that I knew their child for the unique individual they were.
It was also an opportunity to plan for the next few months. I could tell parents about what we as a class were going to be exploring and what personal goals I had for their child. Whether it was potty training, social skills, or increasing their literacy, I could present to parents a road map of where we were going next.
Taking time, as a professional early childhood educator, to talk to my parents felt incredibly important to me. And as a parent, I enjoyed sitting down with my child’s teacher and hearing about her.
Conferences are an important part of our Celebree culture. This isn’t a form, shoved in a backpack, sent home to tell you where your child is or, worse yet, isn’t. This isn’t information in a vacuum, context-free and occasionally jarring. Conferences are an opportunity for parents and teachers alike to ask questions, take time to discuss topics that may feel sensitive or overwhelming, and navigate together the next steps. When parents are confident their child is seen and loved, for exactly who they are, then we can work together to help them become the best they can be.
