Orientation

Why it matters

Families who understand how the days and the thinking work can become partners in the inquiry. When they meet our image of the child early, they begin to see their own child as capable and curious too. Knowing other families from the start makes it easier to ask questions, offer help and stay connected all year.

What it holds to

• Families leave feeling known and welcome.
• We share our image of the child, the year's focus, our principles and how we observe, plan and document.
• Families meet one another as well as us.

Before

• Set the date with the director and add it to the calendar.
• Send the invitation. If your program tracks family participation hours, note that the evening counts.
• Prepare what families will see, such as documentation from each class and the year's focus.
• Ask families about childcare needs and plan for children if they come.

Set up

• Chairs in a circle where possible.
• Documentation displayed where families walk in.
• A welcome table with name tags and a sign-in list.
• Water and a simple snack that follows your program's allergy plan.

Who does what

• The director welcomes families and shares the principles and the year's focus.
• Each class team meets its families and shares how the day flows.
• One educator welcomes families at the door.

How the evening flows

• Welcome and a chance for families to meet.
• Our image of the child and the year's focus.
• How the days, small groups and documentation work.
• Time with each class team.
• Questions and goodbye.

What families take home

• Where to find what, such as your family communication app, newsletter and email.
• Family participation and how to log hours.
• How to reach their class team and the office.

Cleanup

Put away chairs and displays, and collect the sign-in list.

Afterward

Note the questions families asked and anything to follow up.