Kiddie Academy Offers Parents Tips for Communicating with Their Children's Teachers

August 27 - 2009

 
Kiddie Academy Offers Parents Tips for Communicating with Their Children’s Teachers

BALTIMORE (August 27, 2009) - The start of the school year comes with new clothes, new books and, of course, new teachers. As students settle in and acquaint themselves with the change, there are critical things parents can do to support their children’s success in school: the most important of which centers around communication with their child’s teacher.
      "One of the most important things a parent can do as their child begins a new school year is to establish a line of communication with his or her teacher," said Laura Olson, vice president of education for Kiddie Academy International. "Initiating a dialog indicates to the teacher that the parents are involved and are active participants in their child's education. It also helps teachers better understand how their children behave in the classroom."
      Olson notes that when parents communicate with educators, they are better able to support the learning process at home by following up with their children about particular assignments or developments. This creates an element of consistency in the child's life, which can make it easier for him or her to relax and concentrate on learning.
      Olson recommends that parents keep the following tips in mind when it comes to approaching teachers:

• Speak Up – If something worries you about your child's progress or the classroom environment, don't hesitate to voice your concerns. Parents and teachers should both feel as though they can ask and answer questions comfortably.
• Keep an Open Mind – Before approaching a teacher with your thoughts, remember that what you may have heard from your child is only one side of the story. Ask the teacher to explain a situation or circumstance before presenting your case.
• Don't Hesitate to Share – Changes in a child's home environment, such as divorce or the arrival of a new sibling, can have a major impact on a child's performance in school.  As long as you feel comfortable doing so, share any details that you feel may be affecting his or her mood or behavior.
• Be Prepared – Regardless of the nature of your meeting with a particular teacher, be sure to write down any and all questions you may want to address.  Doing this will ensure that you get a chance to ask everything.
• Stay Up to Date – Keeping on top of homework assignments and school activities will eliminate unnecessary confusion between you and your child's teacher.  Make it a point to become familiar with the school's preferred method of communicating these details, such as a daily homework folder.

      Being a well-informed parent is essential to open communication with your child’s teacher.  Read your academy’s monthly newsletter for current information and stop by bulletin boards outside your child’s classroom.  Kiddie Academy offers a monthly e-newsletter that features parenting and learning topics to help parents with everyday successes and challenges.  Subscribe by visiting your academy’s Web site. 
      Olson notes that at Kiddie Academy, teachers keep regular communication with their students and their parents as they grow from infancy through twelve years of age.  The school's curriculum features a well-balanced mix of enrichment, including programs that focus on cognitive, social, physical and emotional development. 
      For more information about Kiddie Academy, please visit www.kiddieacademy.com.

About Kiddie Academy®
For more than 28 years, Kiddie Academy® has been a leader in education-based child care.  The company serves families and their children ages 6 weeks to 12 years old, offering full time care, before- and after-school care and summer camp programs.  Kiddie Academy’s proprietary Life Essentials® curriculum, supporting programs, methods, activities and techniques help prepare children for life. Kiddie Academy is using the globally recognized AdvancED accreditation system, signifying its commitment to quality education and the highest standards in child care. For more information, visit www.kiddieacademy.com.

About Kiddie Academy® Franchising
Kiddie Academy International, Inc. is based in Maryland and has 103 academies located in 22 states, including 98 franchised and five company-owned locations.  Approximately 70 additional academies are in development, with 15 to 20 new locations slated to open each year.  Kiddie Academy intends to reach 200 Academies by 2012, with all future growth coming via franchising. For more information, visit www.kafranchises.com.

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