Parent Teacher Conference

In order to continue to provide the best communication between teachers and parents, it is the expectation of PCA that Parent-Teacher Conferences will be held twice yearly.

The Parent-Teacher conference offers an excellent vehicle to share information about a child in our care. These conferences are also a prime opportunity to learn more about the child, the family and to forge a partnership and bond with the parents. In addition,conferences are also a great tool for getting feedback on our programs. With a little pre-planning these conferences can be successful and productive by joining with parents to gain insight into their needs, and their child’s needs. If possible, provide the parents with a simple Conference questionnaire a few days before the conference-this can be a valuable resource for further understanding the child.

When holding Parent-Teacher meetings, a variety of times should be offered that are convenient to the parent. During the conference the teacher will meet with the parents for approximately 15-20 minutes and using the Developmental Portfolio or Report Cards review the child’s progress. If possible, the meeting should be held in private. The tone of the meeting should be informal and relaxed. Please remember that for many of our parents this is their first experience with a Parent-Teacher conference and they may be nervous. The teacher should begin the conference by sharing positive comments about the child. They should have available the Developmental Portfolio, Report Card, papers and artwork- if these are part of the program. It is important to provide the parents with facts and examples. To keep the meeting on a positive note, the teacher should refer to the child’s skills as “mastered” if the child is successful or “emerging” if the child is still growing. It is very important that teachers take the time to listen to the parent.

At times there may be criticism about the program or about another teacher or child in the program. The teacher needs to listen respectfully and respond in a professional and positive way.

At the end of the conference the teacher needs to be sincere, supportive and encouraging to the parents and to express appreciation and gratitude for the opportunity to have the child in their care. End the meeting on a positive note.

Parent-Teacher Conference Questionnaire

Child’s Name______

Parent’s Name______

Classroom______

  1. What activities does your child enjoy at home?
  1. What are your child’s strongest qualities?
  1. What concerns do you have regarding your child’s care at the school?
  1. Does your child enjoying coming to school?
  1. What areas would you like to see your child grow in?
  1. What would you like to see your child do at school?
  1. What activities does your child enjoy the most at school?
  1. In what ways can we better care for your child and help he/she grow?