How Daycares in Chicago Suburbs Foster Engagement Between Kids and Parents

Open communication between a child and their parents can be incredibly important throughout their entire lives. It can also influence how the child interacts with others they encounter, including friends and authority figures. 

Since many kids go to daycare for several hours most days each week, the centre can play a vital role in helping to foster positive interactions and engagement between children and their parents. It’s yet another benefit that daycare centers can provide to families in the Chicago suburbs. 

Let’s discuss a few ways daycare centers can bring families together in Illinois. 

Planning Activities and Events for the Whole Family

Many daycares will have family-friendly activities and events throughout the year that parents and children can attend together. For instance, there might be an arts and crafts night where kids and parents can paint like Picasso or learn to crochet. It’s a great chance to engage in fun activities together as a family while also getting to know some of the other children and parents who are part of the daycare family.

If there’s an event or activity you think would be a wonderful idea for the daycare to set up, consider mentioning it to see if they would be willing to do it. Daycares are typically open to hearing about any ideas that could help foster a stronger sense of community while also establishing stronger ties between the parents and their children.

Hosting Holiday Events

It’s heartwarming when a child is performing at a holiday event, and they get super excited to see their favorite people supporting them from the audience. Some daycares will host holiday events such as a concert where the little ones get to put on a show. 

Other daycares host events that range from a tricky tray to a book night where a volunteer will read a holiday story out loud. These events provide enjoyable opportunities for everyone to gather together. 

Allowing In-Person Interactions

Some Chicago suburb daycares allow parents to have in-person interactions with their children throughout the day beyond drop-offs and pick-ups. For instance, parent volunteers may be allowed to schedule themselves to come in to spend a little time helping out, such as with arts and crafts time. 

Some daycares may also allow unannounced visits. However, there will likely be stipulations that parents must adhere to. For instance, daycares may only permit parents (no extended family members or friends) to visit and only at certain times, such as when the kids are not eating or napping. 

This could be a fantastic way for parents to spend a little extra time with their children when they are able, especially for those who work non-traditional hours. It also helps provide a better work/life balance.

Rather than permitting unannounced visits, some daycares may authorize visits only with advanced notice, such as if the parent texts at least an hour before arrival. 

Providing Communication Starters

Any daycare that sends crafts or artwork home with children is providing parents with communication starters. Asking something like, “What made you want to draw this today?” or “How did you make this?” could be an excellent way for children to learn to express themselves verbally and think critically. It can also help parents gauge how their kids are feeling. 

Sending Frequent Updates

Chicago suburb daycares typically send out updates throughout the day to parents so they can be aware of how their children are doing and if anything is going on they need to know about. While these may seem to be strictly for the parents’ benefit, these updates can foster positive interactions and engagement with their kids. 

For instance, a staff member informing a parent that their child discovered a love of hummus might not seem like much, but it opens up a wonderful opportunity for an activity. The parent can then make hummus at home with their child, teaching them a new skill while spending time together. 

The mode of communication varies, but text or apps are more popular than ever before. For example, some schools, like LadyBug & Friends Daycare and Preschool, have a mobile app for parents to receive updates and pictures throughout the day. 

The Last Word: Daycares Fostering Engagement Between Kids and Parents in Chicago

Daycares in Chicago suburbs are more than places for children to stay while their parents are at work or getting things done. They are mini-communities committed to providing a safe space for kids while encouraging family togetherness. LadyBug & Friends Daycare and Preschool loves the little community we’ve built. It’s wonderful to see parents and their children build stronger bonds that continue to develop over the years. 
Sandra Chiu works as Director atLadyBug & Friends Daycare and Preschool.