Role of a parent in early childhood education

Starting preschool is one of the most important developmental milestones in a toddler's life.?Research?shows Preschool education not only works great in developing critical social and emotional skills, but it also helps in making a solid partnership between a child, their teacher and their parent as well.?

But apart from selecting a preschool, is there an active role that a parent should play in ensuring this early learning period is seamless and impactful??

When parents are involved in early childhood education

1.?????It helps holistic development of a child

2.?????Puts a positive impact on the child’s learning ability

3.?????Helps establish a connection between a child’s classroom and at-home learning

4.?????Develops better attitude towards education

5.?????Strengthens parent-child bond among other things.

The role of parent in early childhood education is that of a facilitator and a guide who help children in reinforcing concepts, creating routine and guiding their actions. It is the parent who stimulates the child and works with the pre-school teachers to help them perform better academically.?

Tips to increase parental involvement in child’s early childhood education?

●??????Maintain open communication with your child’s teacher?

Maintaining open communication channels helps keep parents and teachers on the same page. A parent can share their observations and concerns and similarly a teacher can suggest ways to strengthen socio-emotional skills.

●??????Attend child-parent conference?

A parent teacher conference helps both parents and teachers take stock of the child’s academic and personality development and find areas where they can contribute to improve things.?

●??????Ask open-end questions, when your child comes home from school?

Asking open ended questions helps you understand a child’s thought process, their observations and makes them more curious and engaged. So instead of just asking how was your day at school today? Follow it up with Wow! Tell me more about it...

●??????Help them with homework and support your child, whenever it is needed

Parental support is crucial for a child’s development. When you help them with homework or support them from a young age, they consider you as a natural ally and will come to you without fear or inhibitions later.?

●??????Participate in school events and extracurricular activities.??

Children love it when they see their parents involved in school activities. It has an overall positive impact on the child and increases academic achievement and classroom behavior.?

In conclusion, parents can play an important role in a child’s early childhood education. Their active participation not only improves children's academic skills but keeps them ahead of curve as well.??