Parent conferences
The purpose of parent conferences at Bright Beginnings is mainly just continued conversation that we normally have anyway to discuss goals and expectations for the children. Usually I have data to present such as assessment results. I always warn my parents that I truly believe assessments at this stage are not always indicators of where a child actually is. For instance, if I ask them to count to 10 and they really are just in a hurry to get back to the dress-up area they may only go to three. Then when you come in for the conference you’re like… ” I know they can count to 30. ” Hence, these assessments just give us a baseline of where we might start. At conferences I base my goals off of the observations that I make and these assessments. My most important goals will always be social growth oriented but if I know a child is ready for it – may include some academic rigor. Example, if I know a child is ready to write their name I may have that as a goal. I still would encourage that through play and intentional material placement. Knowing a child is ready doesn’t change HOW I teach.
What are some things you can do to get ready for a parent conference ? Give genuine thought to what your goals are for your child this year. Are there still questions about the program you don’t have answered ? Is there anything going on at home we need to be aware of ?
This conference lasts approximately 15 minutes. A small investment to make sure we are all on the same page.
