RELATIONSHIPS AMONG TEACHERS AND FAMILIES

How will my child adjust to preschool and kindergarten during the first few weeks? I'm concerned about separation

Please see the section on separation anxiety in the parent handbook. How do you feel about separation? We offer reassurances and hugs for parents, too.

If your child has been in a group care situation prior to coming to Purdue Riley, please make sure you and your child have said your good-byes to teachers and friends at her/his other school. We have brochures on "Managing Good-byes" in the center office.

If coming to Purdue Riley is a brand new experience, we suggest parents and caregivers talk about visiting Purdue Riley before the first day of school. We encourage a pre-enrollment tour for all new families and their children. By keeping a predictable schedule and discussing classroom activities you will be helping your child adjust to the classroom. Talking about what will take place at school will help your child know what to expect. Children who are familiar with the daily schedule and the classroom environment are less likely to feel insecure or ill at ease in new situations. Attending family center events may help you and your child become more familiar with new people and feel more comfortable at school. You can also help your child prepare for a new experience by encouraging self-help skills such as dressing and undressing and washing hands.

How can I tell if this child center is a good match for my child and me?

First, think about your needs and your child's needs. What is your child's temperament like? Has your child participated in group care situations before? What are you looking for in a preschool/kindergarten program? Second, spend time visiting the center and the classrooms. Watch, look and listen to teacher-child interactions. Do you like what you see?

Then after enrollment and parent orientation, stay tuned! You should feel a connection with your child's teacher very soon, and have a real sense of belonging within the first few weeks of school. It helps to ask questions. We are here to support you in your parenting role. If you feel good about your choices, your child will feel good and secure about being at Purdue Riley.

Can I visit my child at the center?

Yes! You are a welcome visitor at all times. You are welcome to join in on activities taking place in the center and in the classroom. Feel free to come in and observe any time. We have an open door policy for all enrolled families.

How will I be kept informed of center and classroom happenings?

You will receive a monthly center and classroom newsletter. There are parent bulletin boards and write on and wipe off boards in each classroom. Please check the information boards daily. Messages and notes may be picked up at the front desk. Most information will be shared informally in conversations with your child's teacher on a daily basis.

Do I have to attend a parent orientation?

Yes, it is required at the time of your child's enrollment.

Who can visit my child at the center?

Any adult you have authorized on your child's emergency pick up list can visit your child. Please make sure to introduce us prior to their visit. All visitors are required to have a valid driver's license (state ID) to enter the child center. Please make sure we have your visitor information on file. Check your child's classroom newsletter/calendar for more information on sibling days, grandparent days, etc.

Do you offer parent-teacher conferences?

We offer parent teacher conferences twice a year for children attending 20 hours or more per week(once per semester) and upon request. Feel free to see your child's lead teacher or administrative staff for more information on arranging an appointment with center staff.

Whom do I see if I have a concern?

Please refer to the protocol page in the parent handbook. Feel free to speak to your child's teacher, assistant director or director regarding any concern.

How can I get involved in the center program and/or classroom?

Please ask for a copy of the Riley Parent’s Group information sheet. This handout lists many ways you and your family members can participate at Purdue Riley. For instance, you can become a Purdue Riley Advisory Committee Member or a Classroom Resource Person. The choice is yours. We appreciate your involvement and input in our program activities. If you are enrolled in the program you are automatically a Purdue Riley Parent.

I am always looking for parenting tips and ideas. Do you have any resources I can borrow?

Our location on campus affords us the opportunity to connect you with valuable resources on parenting topics ranging from health and nutrition to discipline and self-esteem. We have a wealth of informational handouts available at the child center. We can also link you to web sites for parents of young children.

We provide each enrolled family a subscription to Parent and Child Scholastic Magazine and to the Well-Centered-Child newsletter. New editions of the magazine are available quarterly in the front lobby. The center newsletter is available on a monthly basis. Please help yourself to any or all brochures, magazines and informational handouts. There are some wonderful articles on child development and child rearing to read in your spare time.

Who should I notify if there are custody issues?

Please direct your concerns or questions to the center director or assistant director. If a court order exists that prevents a particular individual from having contact with your child, the center shall comply with the order. We need a copy of the court order on file. Unscheduled visits by a custodial parent or guardian of a child shall be permitted at any time the child center is in operation. Non-custodial parents will be provided newsletters and information on orientations and parent conferences upon request.

Can the center provide me with referrals to other family or child services in the community?

Yes. Our location on campus is ideal for networking purposes.