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Making the most of meet the teacher night
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Traditionally, parent–teacher meetings didn't begin until a child entered formal schooling. However, an increasing number of early childhood education and care providers are now offering and conducting regular parent-teacher meetings to families of preschool children.
An effective parent–teacher meeting can significantly boost a family's involvement in the preschool classroom and support a child's learning at home, as well as promote open discussion and keep parents informed of a child's progress. Preschool is now recognised as an important bridge between early childhood and formal education and these meetings can also be a valuable assessment tool to prepare you and your child for taking the significant step into school.
What does a preschool parent–teacher meeting look like?
Usually happening once or twice a year, a preschool parent–teacher meeting is a short meeting of approximately 15 minutes in the classroom. Time slots are made available by the centre and families can reserve the time that suits them. During the appointment, the educators talk parents and carers through their child's behavioural, social and academic progress, as well as discuss any strengths and challenges. The areas covered should include:
Cognitive development. Referring to the ability to process and apply information, your child will have undertaken several activities in the classroom that have given the preschool teacher a detailed picture of their cognitive development. It is a great opportunity for you to find out more about how your child understands the world, and what you can do to further support growth.
Play and social skills. This is a chance to chat about your child's style of play, how well they share and cooperate, and if they are particularly attached to certain toys or activities. This is an area that is important for transition into formal primary education.
Physical development. Coordination, balance, fine and gross motor skills, the teacher will know your child's abilities in detail from the many activities and opportunities children have to exercise their physical skills in care. From these observations an educator will be able to advise on areas your child is strong at, and things you can do to help develop those skills at which they might be weaker.
Language. Though your child might be very chatty at home, in care it could be a different scenario. A teacher can provide insight in to your child's comprehension and language skills, and raise any concerns about their level of understanding and vocabulary.
Behaviour. You will never have seen your child in a learning environment and they might display different behaviours from at home, so take on board what the carer says. A confident child might be shy at school; a quiet child might become bossy. Talk to the educator about the different environments to compare behaviours and address any problems.
Areas for growth. An educator's job is to help your child grow and extend, so this is where you can discuss areas your child might need encouragement and nurturing. This could be practising certain skills at home, or simply working on focusing and listening. All children develop differently, so don't worry about these areas, just support your child to learn and develop in their own time and at their own pace.
Immediate concerns. This is to focus on concerns in the current day-to-day. Maybe your child is distressed at drop off or is struggling to share. By sharing personal insight with the teacher, together you can address any pressing issues.
How do I prepare for the meeting?
For many parents, this is the first experience they have of a parent–teacher meeting, so it is natural to be a little nervous! Allow yourself enough time for the meeting, turn off your phone, and try to go to the meeting without children so you can focus on everything discussed without distraction. Go with an open mind and a positive outlook and remember an early childhood education and care provider will see a different side of your child and can offer great insight.
Have a few key questions prepared that target any questions and/or concerns you might have. Some example questions to ask could include:
- How does my child interact with others and what are their friendship groups?
- Can my child follow instructions?
- Does my child share?
- How is my child doing emotionally and socially?
- What are my child's strengths?
- What could my child improve?
- What can we do at home to keep our child excited about learning?
- What activities does my child prefer?
- Is my child meeting milestones and on track to start school?
- What goals do you have for my child?
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