In person (formal meetings and conferences):
· Before a school year begins, contact or visit children and their families to introduce yourself. Give each child something small to bring the first day; even a simple pencil provides a sense of belonging and knowing at least one thing to do and something to look forward to.
· When visiting a family in the home, avoid turning it into a parent-education experience. Go there to learn as well as to share.
· Several days before scheduled conferences, it is helpful to send home a note that asks parents to consider what they would like to discuss at the conference, including goals for their child for the year, questions they have about the program, and things they would like to share about