How to Team Up WIth Your Toddler's Teacher

Toddlers begin school with fear in their hearts and excitement in their brains. Teaming up with their first teacher is vital in helping them feel adjusted and safe. Here is how to team up with your toddler's first teacher.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Email
• Telephone
• Willing teacher
• Persistence

Your Toddler's First Teacher and You

1. Visit your toddler's teacher before the school year begins and talk to her about your toddler. This is a great time to get to know the teacher, and get a feel for what she is hoping to teach your toddler. This also gives the teacher a chance to talk about how you can help her out.

2. Express to the teacher that you wish to be a partner in your toddler's education. This is a great help to the teacher and will be welcomed in almost every case.

3. Exchange email addresses and phone numbers with the teacher and tell her to please feel free to contact you. Encourage the use of email as this allows for a transcript of your communication to refer back to.

4. Offer your services to the teacher and let her know that you intend to help out in every way possible. Sign up for any volunteer services with the teacher, and let her know to please ask if anything is needed.

5. Inform your toddler that you have met her teacher and you are friends. Explain that your child can trust the teacher. The toddler will be wary of the teacher at first and this is normal. This is why visiting the school on the first day with your toddler, and beforehand, without your child, is a great idea.

Tips & Warnings

• Follow through with the promises you make to teachers.
• Be a regular visitor to the school.
• Become familiar with all the key school officials.
• Do not try to step on the teacher's toes. She's the boss. Allow the teacher to teach the class and only offer support.