Term

Definition

Effective communication strategies

communication

The ability to send and receive messages that are clearly

understood

preference

Something a person likes better; a favorite choice

response

The way a person reacts to a comment or action

Parents as volunteers
parent involvement

A pattern of participation in early childhood programs by

parents

volunteers

Those who offer to help or participate

orientation session

A meeting design to prepare parents for their volunteer roles

Parent-teacher conferences
assessment

Any form or method used to evaluate student;s growth or

performance

work samples

Any product or task done by a child that represents his/her

skills/abilities

developmental checklists

A form for checking off skills or milestones that a child has

accomplished

anecdotal records

Any notes kept by a teacher about childrens learning and

play behaviors

availability

The ability to come to a meeting

Additional strategies for positive relationships with parents

home visit

A trip to a childs home to talk with parents and see the home
environment

discussion group

Parents and teachers meet to talk about child-related issues

and topics
lending library

A place where parents can check out books and magazines

family resource center

A place to share with parents information about community

services

traveling backpack

A system for children to carry home favorite books, etc. to

share

problem-solving file

A file where parents borrow reading materials on parenting

issues

bulletin board

A place to post helpful information for parents

sunshine call

A telephone call to share positive comments with parents

theme bag

A bag of activities organized around a theme for children to

take home and share with parents and siblings