QR3 Family Communication Instructions (School-Age Only)

Communication Policy (School-Age Only)

Quality programs recognize the importance of open and shared communication. Their policies and practices promote communication between program staff, families, teachers, and others in support of children’s learning and development.

Two-way communication allows you to connect with families and teachers, and for them to connect with you. As a result, everyone gains a deeper understanding of a child’s background, interests, and strengths, as well as areas of concern. Shared communication gives you an opportunity to exchange information, develop common goals, collaborate to address concerns and partner to support a child’s progress. At the same time, you are able to keep families and teachers informed and involved in your program’s plans.

What does the documentation look like?

Your Communication Policy should clearly explain that staff members communicate with families and teachers about a child’s progress, areas of concern, and program planning. You may include information about the different ways families and teachers can expect to receive communication from you and your staff such as phone calls, emails, or written communication. In addition, you may include ways families and teachers can communicate with you and your staff. For example, information about the best days and times to reach you, or the best method to contact you (phone, email, notes), is often helpful for others to know.

If you offer family conferences, you may include information about how often conferences are held, how families are informed about conferences, and how they schedule conferences with you.

Policy or Statement Builder

Develop a statement that describes your program’s approach to family communication. The Reflection Questions below will help you think about what you do in your program to capture it when creating your policy. Once you have spent time reflecting on the questions below, you’re ready to build your Family Communication Policy.

Did you know that if you include the Optional Questions in your statement that you may be approved for a Level 5 in ADM 6?