Design a handbook for parents in your service or one that is familiar to you.

Aim:

The aim of this assignment is to give students the opportunity to put their theoretical knowledge and experience into practice through

1. Writing a theoretical section on the importance of building relationships with parents for the benefit of their child and
2. Designing a handbook for parents that outlines the ethos of the service, the approach to the role of parents, the curricular approach, service policies, and practical information.

The assignment should include

Introduction

Introduce the assignment, saying how you will cover the theoretical section and the handbook. Give a brief description of the service and numbers of children attending.

THEORETICAL SECTION

Discuss the importance of building relationships with parents for the benefit of their child, based on reference to the literature. Describe your criteria for successful parental partnership.

HANDBOOK FOR PARENTS

The areas should include

Introduction to the service: aims of service, approach to early childhood education and care, the image of a child, roles of parents and practitioners….

People section: manager’s name and contact details, staff names, members of the board of management, contact details of the chair (Use pseudonyms for names and contact details)….

Curricular approach and reference to Aistear, Síolta, Preschool Regulations and play….

Practical information: opening hours, payment of fees, how service settles in a new child, daily routine for the relevant group, how transitions within and out of the service are managed, attendance, drop off and collection of a child, links to the community (cultural groups, therapeutic services, social services, libraries, schools, etc.), availability of extra-curricular activities, appropriate clothing for indoor and outdoor play, calendar of closings (bank holidays, staff training, etc.), fees for late collection of child…..

Policies: What policies have the service developed and how are they made available to parents? Describe two important policies in 100 words each (= 200 words in total) and list other policies.

Examples of policies could include policies on a partnership with parents (including communication); admission and withdrawal; child protection; record-keeping (GDPR regulations); Policies on behavior management; child protection; complaints procedure; medication; photography of children; health and safety (including dealing with infection); nutrition; fire drills; how service is funded; how service deals with children who have experienced significant family changes; inclusion of all children; language policy for children who are learning a second language (English as an additional language, Irish in naíonraí, other languages)…

Conclusion

Link back to your introduction and summarise how your parental approach and booklet fulfill your criteria and/or identify any barriers to a successful partnership.