Parent involvement

Parents are their children's first teachers. The most important thing you can do for your child is take time to talk with them. Language and the ability to communicate with others (which includes sign language and using augmentative technologies) is essential for learning.

Parents are encouraged to read to their children every day, to play simple games, explore outdoors looking at nature and encourage children to talk about what they see.

Everyday experiences around the home also present important opportunities for learning. Setting the table, helping with the grocery shopping, gardening and tidying up all help children to understand the ways in which our homes and communities operate.

Early childhood education and care services value the interest and contribution of families. They recognise that families want to be involved in their children's education and provide a range of ways in which families can be involved.

Services recognise that some families can participate in the kindergarten program while others, due to work or other commitments cannot be part of the day-to-day program. Families can approach the staff of the service and ask how they can be involved. You can offer your particular skills and expertise, your time and energy or your interest in your child and what they are learning and experiencing.

The service may run parent information sessions or formal parent meetings, seek support in raising funds for the program through events or activities, seek parent volunteers for decision-making committees or canvas parents for their views about the program through surveys or interviews.

Your service also wants you to know what is happening and may provide a number of ways to keep you informed including 'communication books', information boards, digital photos or emails.