Best Practices
This is the most important quality in parent-teacher communication; without it, trust cannot be built. Provide an example of trust.
Trust? (Example: A teacher shares consistent updates like, "emma ate all her snack and loved story time today!")
Saying hello to parents at drop-off and pick-up helps establish this.
What is rapport/connection? (Example: "Hi Noah! | see you brought your dinosaur today — let's give him a spot at circle!").
If a parent becomes upset during a conversation, the teacher should do this first. Provide an example
I understand you're frustration about nap time. Have you noticed similar trends at home?
Once they provide context - share suggestions on how we can align with their priorities.
Responding calmly when a child throws a tantrum.
What is modeling self-control? (Example: Staying calm when a 2-year-old cries at drop-off: "I know you're sad. Mommy will be back after nap. What do you want to do while you're here?").
What are the minimum daily BKC updates we should be posting?
-Food
-Potty
-Naps
-Pictures and Videos (6) both in the morning and afternoon.
Teachers should share these regularly, not just challenges, to help parents feel connected. Provide an example of a positive update.
(Example: What are positive updates? (example Luca tried putting on his ow shoes today - he worked so hard!")
Using respectful language instead of sounding harsh. Provide an example of Redirection.
What is professional and kind communication?
(Example: Instead of "Don't grab!" say, "Let's use gentle hands — you can have a turn after Liam.").
This strategy allows teachers to soften feedback by sandwiching a concern between two
positives.
What is the "feedback sandwich"? (Example: "Sophie is so curious and loves asking questions. Sometimes she talks during circle, but I know she's excited to learn.
We're helping her practice raising her hand.").
Giving directions in a positive way instead of focusing on what not to do. Provide an example
Instead of "Don't run," say, "Let's use our walking feet." or "You can run, jump ,or skip - we are not running).
What is Learning Through Life Experiences?
LTLE is the purpose of the structures in our hallway. They are fun decor, but their is actually and 8 week hands on course per structure. The purpose is to offer learning in an interactive way, lean into the importance of role-play at this age, and expose children to communities outside of school.
This type of language focuses on the child's strengths instead of weakness. Provide an example of sharing a challenge positively .
What is strength-based language? (Example: instead of "Mila won't sit still", say "Mila has great energy- we channeled it into our movement game today!")
Guiding parents proactively instead of focusing only on problems. Provide an example.
What is offering solutions/guidance? (Example: "Zoe sometimes struggles with transitions - it may help to try two-minute warning at home to practice.").
Guiding parents proactively instead of focusing only on problems.
What is collaborative problem solving? (Example: "Luca has a hard time at cleanup
— maybe we can both try singing a cleanup song at home and school.").
Research shows the first 5 years of life are critical, and may even be more impactful than college years. The way we speak to them and about them to eachother matters. Labeling a child can impact their self-esteem. Provide an example of how to communicate challenging behavior without labeling.
When speaking about children to other staff members, instead of saying " They are aggressive." Or "I can't deal with this child" or "That child gives me a headache" Use direct and productive language.
"Aria is hitting her friends without being prompted. I'm having a hard time figuring out what's causing this and how to support her. I was wondering if you have any suggestions?"
What is Building Futures
Building Futures is the non-profit arm of BK. BK donates 25% of profits to organizations around the world that support underserved children. Being part of our school is not only about nurting the kids in our community, but kids around the world.
Before sending an email or note home, teachers should always do this to ensure clarity. Provide an example where proofreading is important.
What is proofread/review? (Example: Double-checking that a nap note says, "Slept 12:15-1:45" instead of 12:45-1:15")
Addressing a late arrival in a supportive way.
What is showing understanding while reinforcing expectations? (Example: "Thanks for bringing Ethan in - he'll join us at art and we'll help him catch up.") Please note that our cutoff times are in place to ensure consistency for children.
Addressing a late arrival in a supportive way.
What is empathy plus a gentle reminder? (Example: "I know mornings can be tough with little ones. Arriving by 9 helps Mia settle into circle time.").
Partnering with families to create consistent expectations between home and school.
Sharing with parents that you're working on "using gentle hands," or "Aria's hands stay on Aria's body" and encouraging them to use the same phrase at home.
What is Customized Curriculum?
Our curriculum is specific to Builiding Kidz, and was put together by industry experts who have worked with children for over 20 years. It is meant to teach children what they are developmentally capabale of learning. It is important to follow our curriculum as it builds over the year, and continues to build between classrooms. Daily activities are also shared with parents on BKC.
There is always room for teachers to add in or modify the curriculum, but we want to be consistent with clapper box subjects.
Keeping parents informed so they can continue the conversation at home.
What is providing follow-up communication? (example: "We sang the ABC song today - maybe ask Ava to sing it at home during bath time.")
"We wanted to share that Elena has started to use her hands when she is upset. We are practicing healthy ways to express our emotions, like using our words and squeezing a toy instead of a friend. It would be great if you can continue the conversation at home"
We are educators - updates about behavior should always include what we are doing to help.Please consider this anytime you encounter challenging behavior.
Encouraging parents to share their perspective before offering advice.
Could you tell me more about what you've noticed at home when Aria uses the potty?
Setting boundaries with natural consequences is a great way to promote autonomy and teach correct behaviors based on intrinsic motivation instead of fear.
Instead of yelling at a child, explain the situation to them with a clear natural consequence:
“These toys are yours to play with, but part of having toys is putting them away when you’re done. If we are not going to cleanup when we're done, I’ll put them away in the closet for the rest of the day. That way they don’t get lost or broken.”
This motivates them to put away their toys on their own so they can continue playing with them, with the reasoning of taking care of their belongings. This is applicable to children 18months+.
What are the 5 Differentiators of Building Kidz?
-BKC. This is a commitment to our community, so daily and consistent updates are critical.
-Performing Arts
-Customized Curriculum with a scaffolding approach. Spanish Integration
-Learning Through Life Experiences
-Building Futures