Parent Partnerships
There are many ways you can participate in your child's activities at the ISU Child Care Center. Your involvement at the Center can improve your child's education and child care experience. We are eager to welcome your family to our program.
Throughout our partnership, we encourage you to confer with the Director and Team Teachers about your child's development. We may be able to give you tips on handling separation anxiety and your child's adjustment to the Center program. You will be able to give us tips on the best ways to nurture your child's overall growth and development!
In order to be aware of your child's daily experiences, we prominently display daily activity highlight sheets, children's project work and play activities.
We have an open door policy for parents so please feel free to stop in any time. You may choose to participate in classroom activities such as story time, meal time, outdoor play or field trips. If you have something unique to your family that you are willing to share with the children, please contact one of our staff.
Parent-Staff Communication
Parent-Staff communication can take place at arrival & departure, or through e-mail & phone calls. Near the entrance is our parent communication area where you'll find:
- Daily attendance sheets
- Weekly lunch & snack menus
- Notices of upcoming events
- Highlights of the children's day
- Message notebook
- File for notes
- Digital photo gallery of daily activities
Classroom Visits
Visit your child between classes and experience the many activities they are involved in. Playing with your child, reading them a story, or joining them for snack/lunch can be fun and relaxing.
Observation Booth
The Center has an observation booth which allows you to view your child's activities without them knowing you are present. The Director must be notified when you are planning on taking advantage of this feature.
In-Class & Field Trip Participation
Sharing your talents with the children can be a great way to become more involved with your child . Field trip volunteers are always welcome. If you are interested please inform a staff member.
Parent-Child Events
You can join your child in various events throughout the year, such as family nights, children's concerts, and other fun activities.
Annual Program Evaluation by Parents
Yearly, parents have the opportunity to provide child care staff with feedback on program features and operations. However, parents are encouraged to share compliments, concerns or suggestions at any time.
Parent Conferences
Parent-teacher conferences are held once each semester. You can sign up for a time to meet one-on-one with a team teacher to discuss your child's progress. Conferences can also be requested any time of the year. To arrange a conference, please contact a team teacher.
Parent Newsletter
You will receive a newsletter to inform you of the daily classroom activities, upcoming events, favorite day care recipes, activities you can do at home with your child, and informational articles.
Lending Library
The center has books, articles and other materials available to parents on child growth, development, discipline, and educational activities to enjoy at home with your child. There are also many children's books to help them understand and cope with special circumstances, such as death, divorce, or fears. You may check any of these books out through the director.
Agency Referrals
Child Care staff can be helpful with referrals to various agencies based on family needs that include, but are not limited to:
- Nutrition for children
- Child care subsidy
- Housing & utility assistance
- Assistance for children with disabilities
- Family & child counseling
- Health care systems
- School screening centers
- Speech & language screening centers