Developing a positive relationship with your little one’s carer or preschool/kindergarten teacher is an important way you can support your child’s learning. Here are some tips to make the most of your first meeting.

Talk about it

If they are old enough to understand, let your child know that you are meeting their teacher or carer. Ask them how they are feeling about childcare/preschool/kindergarten – what they like and don’t like, and if there is anything they would like you to talk about with their teacher or carer. Let your child know that there is nothing to worry about – you just want to help them learn.

Be on time

Start the meeting off right by making sure you arrive on time. Teachers and carers are busy people and will often have meetings with parents scheduled back-to-back. Being on time shows respect for the teacher/carer and other parents, and helps to start the meeting off on a positive note.

Be prepared

Each child is different, and no one knows your little one better than you do – what interests them, what they’re good at and what they struggle with. Make a list of things you think the teacher/carer should know, such as your child's interests, talents and needs. Include anything that might affect your child’s learning or development, such as any major changes in your family, or anything that’s worrying you or your child.

Have questions ready

Preparing a list of questions will help you make the most of your time with the teacher/carer. For example:

• What is my child expected to learn this year?
• Is my child participating in group activities?
• How is my child getting along with the other children?
• Does my child seem happy?
• What can I do at home to help support my child’s learning?

Ask the questions that are most important to you first, in case you run out of time. You can always ask for another meeting to talk about anything you didn’t get to cover.

Follow up

At the end of (or after) the meeting, write down the things that you and the teacher or carer will do to support your child’s learning, and arrange to check in with them later in the year. Ask how you can contact them and let them know how they can contact you.