Child Care-Parent Partnership Opportunities:

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 Head 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!

• So you can keep up on your child's Center experiences we prominently display: daily activity highlight sheets, children's projects, and photos of children's project work and play activities.

• We have an open door policy for parents; you're welcome anytime! Please feel free to participate in classroom activities, whether it be storytime, meal times, outdoor play or field trips.

• If you have a cultural celebration or unique recipe you're willing to share with the children, please contact one of the Teachers. Children love to learn about how other families live, they also feel a special pride when their parent(s) become involved in their "Center life."

Advisory Board:

Consider being active on our Advisory Board. Parent representatives on the board meet once a semester and have the opportunity to provide feedback on and guidance to child care policies and practices.

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

• Bill due dates & payment drop box

• Evening & weekend child care providers

• Basket for notes & forms for the director

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 and/or window that 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 unique feature.

In-Class & Field Trip Participation:

Sharing your talents with the children can be a great way to become more involved with your child and his/her friends. 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 the ISU Homecoming parade, 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 head teacher to discuss your child's progress. Conferences can also be requested any time of the year. To arrange a conference, please contact a head teacher.

Parent Newsletter:

You will receive a monthly 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.

Parent-Teacher Monthly Meeting:

Based on parent interest, each month, parents are encouraged to attend a meeting about the center's activities. You will be able to talk to teachers about child development, guidance, current classroom activities, and suggestions you may have. Also, talking with other parents about child rearing issues, such as bed times, and morning routines can be a great help.

The center provides FREE child care during these meetings for enrolled children and their siblings age 2 and older. Meetings will be held in Turner 104A. 

We look forward to having you join us! Meetings dates and times are posted in the classroom.

Lending Library:

The center has books, articles, videos 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 from 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