Family Involvement

We are eager to welcome your family into our program, and we offer many opportunities to participate in your child’s early learning experience and connect with other families.

Family Communication

We believe that children thrive when the family and center partner. We have an open-door policy; parents and guardians are always welcome at the center. Just let us know when you’d like to come and say hello.

We strongly believe in positive two-way communication. Families are encouraged to communicate with teachers and administration in whatever is most convenient. This may include by phone, notes, email, or in person.

Information is shared with families through verbal conversations, the Brightwheel app, newsletters, flyers, family bulletin boards, notes, phone calls, posters, conferences, and e-mail. Your involvement can improve your child’s education and childcare experience.

Observation Resources

We have an observation window and a complete video monitoring system in each classroom. Parents can schedule an appointment to view their child’s activities through the observation window. Please feel free to stop by Room 127B to see how your child has adapted to their classroom or to experience their daily activities! The Center Manager can assist you with these unique features at any time.

How to Participate

• Family Meetings

  Join us for collaborative Family Meetings held at least two times each semester at the East Peoria Campus. Family conferences offer family support and communication.

  Family conferences are designed to:

  • To guide families and teachers in sharing valuable information about their child.
  • To individualize the planning process for each child in the context of their family, culture, and community.
  • To explore ways to use a child’s family’s strengths to promote growth and development.
  • To create an ongoing process for recording the growth and development of the child.

  We schedule two formal conferences each school year, but we encourage you to contact your child’s teacher if you have questions or concerns or want an update on your child’s progress. While conferences are not mandatory, they are encouraged, even for our youngest students, as they allow parents the opportunity to follow the progress that their child is making. During these conferences, you will be provided with a written report about your child’s strengths and areas for growth.
• Family Supports

  While we specialize in providing high-quality early childhood education, we recognize that our students and families may have needs outside of early education. We have a variety of ways that we can support our families. These include:

  • Assist families with locating community resources
  • Help families obtain emergency assistance in areas such as food, clothing, utilities, housing, and counseling
  • Assist families with a successful transition to school
  • Access to a Family Resource Lending Library

  Please contact the Manager or your child’s teacher if you need support.
• In-Class Participation

  We welcome parents to come and share about their talents, jobs, and interests. Email [email protected] if you’re interested in getting involved!
• Family Events & Outings

  Picnics, pizza parties, scavenger hunts, and ice cream socials are ways we welcome family members into the children’s environment. If you have an idea for a family open house, please let any teacher know, and we choose to hold your event.

  We also occasionally plan Family Outings. Let us know if you would like to assist in planning an outing or have a suggestion of where to go. These optional outings serve to help families become better acquainted.
• Lending Library

  We have books, toys, games, videos, and other helpful materials on child growth and development available to parents. Stop by our Library next to Room 128A today!
• Other Ways to Help

  Thanks to the generosity of parents, we can support our teachers and give our kids special experiences now and then. Check out our Wish List to help contribute!