At New Horizon Academy, we understand the importance of building strong relationships between families and teachers, and research shows that when teachers and parents are aligned, children in daycare thrive. As a parent of a young child, you want your child to be competent, capable, fit in, and grow to their full potential. The best way to do that during your child’s earliest years is to build a healthy relationship with your child’s teacher.

Sometimes building strong relationships with your child’s teacher is easier said than done, so we interviewed a few of the teachers at New Horizon Academy and asked them to share advice to help parents build a strong relationship with their child’s teacher.

How to Build a Strong Relationship with Your Child’s Teacher

Here’s what our teachers at New Horizon Academy had to say about building positive relationships between parents and teachers.

Q: What suggestion do you have to help parents build relationships with their child’s teacher?

A: “I’ve been a childcare teacher with New Horizon Academy for over forty years, and the best advice I can share is to give grace and assume good intent. We see ourselves as partners with parents and are dedicated to creating a nurturing learning environment for the children entrusted to our care. We are invested in your child’s success.”-Darcy, Infant Teacher at New Horizon Academy –

Q: What tips do you have for families to help them build a strong relationship with their child’s teacher?

A: “Getting to know one another is critical for a successful relationship. Spend time chatting with your child’s teacher at drop off and pick up. Those times provide a great opportunity to share information about your child (i.e., ‘Chase is incredibly active and does best when he is moving and learning,’ or ‘Yaro loves reading. It is her favorite thing to do. She especially likes books about animals.’) This type of information helps teachers better support children. We enjoy getting to know both the child and parent better. A strong relationship helps us be better teachers.”-Joanna, Preschool Teacher at New Horizon Academy –

Q: What advice do you have for parents on building healthy relationships with teachers?

A: “I have two suggestions to help foster strong and healthy relationships with teachers. My first suggestion is connection. Connect with your child’s teacher. Whether at drop off or pick up, or via the communication app, work to communicate with your child’s teacher. Your little one didn’t sleep well? Tell your child’s daycare teacher. You are concerned that your child isn’t walking yet? Tell your child’s childcare teacher. Worried that your child bit you while playing last night? Tell your child’s teachers. The more we know as teachers, the better we can support you and your child. Often, we have access to resources to help answer your questions, navigate milestones, or address your child development questions. We are your partner and are always happy to help.

My second suggestion is to read and ask questions. Read our newsletters. Read our daily communications. Ask your child’s teacher about your little one’s day. We are thrilled to celebrate their successes with you, or brainstorm solutions to challenges, or share ideas on how to extend your child’s learning at home. Ask your child about their day. Get specific. What song did you sing at group time? What was your favorite activity today? Read the lesson plan and ask questions. Let us know what you and your child enjoy.

Again, the more we know, the better we can partner with you to provide the best early childhood education possible. We are here to help you and your child during these critical times in your child’s growth and development. Remember 90% of a child’s brain is developed by the time they are five years old, so your relationship with your child’s teacher is critical.” -Juan, School-Age Teacher at New Horizon Academy –

Q: What advice do you have for parents on building healthy relationships with teachers?

A: “Participate in classroom events, attend parent-teacher conferences, review the parent board, read the morning messages, check your child’s folder, read the monthly newsletter, and review daily communications. The best way to fully comprehend what your child is learning and to feel connected to your child’s teacher is to engage and participate in what is happening day-to-day. Being an engaged parent makes a world of difference in your child’s experience.”-Isabella, Pre-K Teacher at New Horizon Academy –

Q: What should a parent do if they must share difficult information or deal with something sensitive?

A: “In the case of a sensitive or challenging conversation, focusing on how to best support your child will ensure that you and your child’s teacher will land on the same page. Approach the conversation calmly, prepare your thoughts ahead of time, and set the goal of doing what is best for your child. Give teachers the benefit of the doubt. Of course, you would want them to do the same for you. Give your child’s teacher the opportunity to share their experiences and feedback. Work together to come up with a viable solution. If you and the daycare teacher are unable to come up with a solution, involve the director. The director will help deal with difficult situations.”-Heather, Toddler Teacher New Horizon Academy –

Q: What advice do you have for a parent who is upset or concerned about something their child shared?

A: “Teaching is a partnership. Approaching difficult conversations from a place of love and focusing on how to help the child will keep tough discussions from going off the rails. At New Horizon Academy, we learned that ‘Clear is Kind.’ Be clear about how you feel and give your child’s teacher time to reflect and share what they have experienced. You both want the same thing—your child to grow to their fullest potential, so let them listen and share their perspective. Then work together to come up with a viable solution to your issue. Together you will create a plan to do what is best for your child.”-Charlene, Pre-K Teacher at New Horizon Academy –

Use the wise advice of the teachers at New Horizon Academy to build relationships with your child’s teacher. Your child will benefit immensely when you and your child’s teacher are aligned and on the same page. Your strong and healthy relationship will ensure that your child has the best learning experience possible.