Parents of kindergarten-aged kids may feel apprehensive about communicating with kindergarten administrators, and in many cases are reluctant to deal with them comfortably and are afraid to ask them questions or even express their concerns. The problem with this is that as a director of a kindergarten, you need to know all observations of kids’ parents to better reach your goals, foremost of which is helping children succeed. Are you a friendly manager? Here’s a quick checklist to discover how to best engage with parents.

1. Communicate via Email

The payoff of sending regular emails to the children’s families, sharing important dates and information related to their study, will be worthwhile. This behavior makes you a useful resource for parents and is the first step toward two-way communication with families.

2. Adopt open-door policy

You can walk around and appear in front of the parents at the time of their children’s drop off or even at the time of departure, as well as at all events whenever possible. At all times when parents are likely to be in your educational institution, there is a great opportunity for parents to approach you and talk to you about their observations or even inquiries and suggestions, be present for those moments and in a visible place where they can all see you.

3. Be friendly and cheerful

Yes, you are the principal, and you need to be seen as an icon of discipline, but if you appear in a very intimidating manner, administrators, parents as well as students may act to avoid communication with you. So, keep your smile in the halls, nod a greeting, and give a high five. There is no doubt that you can be reliable, effective but friendly at the same time.

4. Create a welcoming schooling atmosphere

Let parents trust that they are always welcome, both in the corridors of the kindergarten and at your office. Announce it in emails at the beginning of the school year and then emphasize this meaning over and over again throughout the year. Make sure your reception staff are friendly and courteous to parents and are not seen as a nuisance.

5. Invite parents to participate and interact

It is important that you invite parents to volunteer in the classroom and at school events and activities. Try to keep them updated about the activities and clearly explain how they can help.

6. Be one of the effective communication tools 

It is known that teachers are the main link between parents and their children’s school; so should principals. When parents contact the kindergarten by phone or even e-mails in order to get answers to their questions, respond in an explanatory, and accommodating manner.

7. Ask for feedback and opinions

Send an email, survey, or letter asking parents to share their opinions on their experience and their children’s experience at school so far. And keep those opinions confidential. If families know that you care about what they think, they are more likely to share their thoughts and perceptions with you.

8. Train your Teachers 

Train teachers to communicate effectively with parents without making them feel uncomfortable. The feeling of openness and productive communication between teachers and parents can translate into opening channels of communication with you directly.

9. Be yourself 

As an adult or perhaps a parent, you are naturally dealing with many of the same issues that parents face in your pre-school. So, connect with parents and build constructive relationships with them by sharing your personal experiences on topics raised at your kindergarten, whether it is a story to tell about your child or life in general.

10. Engage with parents

When you’re at a choral party or sporting event, don’t just watch from the sidelines. Take a seat in the crowd full of families and parents (if available) and actively enjoy the event. Next, talk to the students and families about what their impressions and interactions are about what you just shared together.