Stay in the know with the TLC newsletter

 

Welcoming families and children into your program should be a top priority. Yet, with so many daily responsibilities, it’s easy to overlook this essential part of building a strong, supportive program community.

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Establishing meaningful relationships with families creates trust and opens lines of communication. When families feel connected to your program, they’re more confident in the care and education their child receives. They’re more likely to ask for help with developmental concerns, feel reassured that another caring adult is looking out for their child, and are better equipped to manage transitions. Families also gain insights into their child’s behavior and learning styles, receive support in their caregiving role, and can more effectively collaborate with staff to support their child’s growth.

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Educators also benefit from strong family relationships. These connections provide valuable context for understanding a child’s background, personality, and behavior. Staff can better appreciate and plan for cultural values, learning preferences, and family routines. When families model positive relationships with staff, children often respond with greater trust, cooperation, and engagement. Families may also offer support by volunteering time, donating materials, or sharing skills and interests.

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Strong adult relationships positively influence children. When children observe friendly and respectful interactions between their family members and program staff, they feel more secure, understand that their needs are being considered, and experience consistency between home and their classroom environment.

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Creating Connections: Practical and Creative Ways to Build Relationships with Families

Building strong partnerships with families doesn’t need to be complex—it just takes a little creativity, intention, and consistency. Here are a variety of ways to help families feel seen, heard, and welcomed in your program:

 

 

Back-to-School Night

Hold multiple sessions early in the year so families can:

• Tour classrooms, meet staff and ask questions

• Learn about the daily schedule and upcoming projects

• Participate in mini “try-it” stations where they do a sample activity their child enjoys during the program

To make it more engaging, offer refreshments, child-led tours, or family photo booths.

 

 

Family–Teacher Associations

Create opportunities for families and staff to come together regularly. These sessions can focus on:

• Co-planning events

• Reviewing curriculum ideas and brainstorming enrichment activities (e.g., art, music)

• Identifying community partnerships (like local libraries, artists, or businesses)

You can rotate meeting times or offer hybrid options (in-person and virtual) to accommodate working caregivers.

 

 

Family-Led Committees

Encourage families to take leadership roles in areas that interest them, such as:

• Fundraising Committees – Plan bake sales, school merchandise, or a fun run.

• Event Committees – Organize multicultural nights, seasonal festivals, or literacy fairs.

• Wellness Committees – Host yoga nights, cooking demos, or health education sessions.

• Beautification Days – Invite families to help spruce up playgrounds, plant gardens, or paint murals.

When families help lead, they build ownership and pride in the program.

 

 

Educational Evenings

Offer monthly or quarterly workshops and learning sessions for families. Topics may include:

• Supporting learning at home

• Positive discipline strategies

• Understanding child development

• Supporting social-emotional learning through transitions

Bring in guest speakers, local experts, or even host roundtable discussions where families can share wisdom with each other.

 

 

Family Fun Time

Plan interactive family events like:

• STEM Night – Families build bridges from straws or test balloon rockets.

• Art Showcases – Children display their art, and families contribute a piece too.

• Board Game Night – Set up stations with games for different ages and family match-ups.

• Cooking Together – Children and families prepare simple no-bake recipes or favorite cultural dishes.

These shared experiences strengthen bonds and create lasting memories.

 

 

Family Photos

Invite families to submit photos and share who they consider “family.” Display them in:

• Classroom photo walls

• Digital photo slideshows

• Family “tree” murals

• Storybooks made by children using their own family photos

Set up a printer station or offer staff support to print phone photos on-site during pick-up hours.

 

 

Wall of Fame

Dedicate a space to celebrating each family. Encourage children and family members to co-create:

• A mini bio with favorite activities, family traditions, and fun facts

• Drawings of family members (including pets and anyone considered family)

• A scrapbook page to add to a community album

Highlight a different family each week as the “Family of the Week,” and offer small tokens like handmade thank-you notes from children.

 

 

Family Hobbies & Talents

Ask families to share their skills or interests in hands-on ways. Examples include:

• A grandparent leading a knitting session

• A sibling showing dance moves from their cultural background

• A family teaching simple sign language

• A caregiver doing a music jam session or karaoke hour

• A relative leading a cooking demonstration for traditional dishes

These activities enrich your curriculum and validate family strengths and identities.

 

 

"Ask Me About..." Boards

Place a dry-erase board at sign-out that says:     "Ask me about today’s science experiment!"
This encourages conversations between children and families and keeps families informed in a fun, informal way.

 

 

Suggestion Box or Digital Survey

Offer ongoing ways for families to share ideas or concerns anonymously. Use their feedback to adjust programming or initiate new projects.

 

 

Family Resource Corner

Set up a small area with brochures, flyers, and take-home materials about:

• Community resources

• Parenting classes

• Local events

• Job postings or food access programs
  Include a bulletin board where families can post or take helpful information.

 

 

Final Thoughts

When families feel welcomed, respected, and included, they become empowered partners in their child’s growth. Building those relationships may take time and creativity, but the rewards are far-reaching: children thrive, families feel connected, and programs grow stronger together. Whether it's a warm hello at pick-up, a shared meal, or a collaborative event, every gesture of welcome strengthens your community—and helps every child feel that they truly belong.

 

Share with us some of the ways you Put Out the Welcome Mat for your families! Send activities to Teaching Leading Coaching (TLC) at info.teachingleadingcoaching@gmail.com.

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