At Otter Creek we can help you to establish a network of love and support for the tricky business of parenthood.
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Parents at the Center
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Parents are warmly encouraged to spend as much time as possible at the Center. Your children, especially if they attend full time, spend many hours at Otter Creek. We feel that it is crucial to develop a strong link between the Center and home in order to provide the best possible care for all of the children. If you can, spend time with your child's group occasionally. Participate in the activities, talk with the teacher. It is important for you to know what your child's day is like at child care and it is important for us to know how your child is at home. Good communication means good childcare! We strongly encourage your participation in our program and welcome your suggestions and comments. |
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Parents' Meetings |
We plan parent meetings throughout the year. They include discussions on topics of interest and concern, speakers, and an opportunity to be involved in planning Center activities. We hope that you will be involved in these meetings. |
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Parent Conferences
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We schedule conferences at the beginning, middle, and end of each session. This is the time to sit down with your child's teachers to discuss your child's growth and development. Conferences can also be scheduled at any time during the session when there is a concern or if you just want to talk with your child's teachers about how your child is doing. Teachers will always make time for these conferences. |
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Parent Participation
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Each year, the Center organizes two "Parent Help Days." The work might include seasonal cleaning (such as washing windows and shampooing rugs), painting, small construction projects, or caring for the children who come with their parents. We expect each Otter Creek family to contribute to two (2) such days per year. This is one way we can all help the Center keep costs down, and it is also a way for parents to get to know one another. Please sign up to do your share. |
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Parent/Teacher Communication
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If parents have issues to discuss with teachers, often it is better to make an appointment to discuss them, rather than try to find time during drop-off and pick-up; arrival and departure times tend to be hectic and teachers need to focus their attention on the children at those times. Parents can also leave a note; there are message centers in each program. We believe that the key to having a happy and well run Center is direct and open communication between people, so please ask about anything and everything. Often the way we do things in a group setting is not the way you might do things at home. If you have a concern, we encourage you to speak directly to your child's teacher about it. We welcome the opportunity to explain why we do things a certain way and to learn about other ways that you have found successful. If you need support in approaching your child's teachers, you can ask
the Director for help. Should you still have questions after speaking
with your child's teacher's and the Director, a meeting will be arranged
with the chairperson of the program committee. |