This book has been designed to serve as a communication instruction resource for the entire spectrum of child
care professionals, from directors to owners and teachers. The industry of child care is one where communication
is crucial to the success of a business. Contained within Effective Communication Techniques for Child Care is
a step-by-step plan for designing family-friendly newsletters, handouts, and other forms of written communication.
Instructions on making the most of your staff meetings, ways to ensure the lines of communication remain open between
center management and staff are also included. Over 25 role-playing exercises and examples of effective communication
in action aid readers in applying concepts provided.
Table of Contents
Preface
Acknowledgments
Chapter 1 Defining the Communication Needs of Your Audiences
Audience No. 1 Current Students and Families, Your Primary Audience
Audience No. 2 Staff
Audience No. 3 Future Students and Families
Audience No. 4 Neighbors
Audience No. 5 Vendors
Ten Common Pitfalls in Effective Communication for Child Care Centers
Chapter 2 The Six C's of Communication
Positive Communication Element No. 1 Clarity
Positive Communication Element No. 2 Consistency
Positive Communication Element No. 3 Caring
Negative Communication Element No. 1 Confrontation
Negative Communication Element No. 2 Conflict
Negative Communication Element No. 3 Carelessness
Chapter 3 Essential Communication Skills in Staff Training
General Operations
On the Job
Center Policies
Benefits
Time Away from Work
Chapter 4 Understanding Diversity and Multiple Perspectives
Diversity
Role-Playing
Chapter 5 The Ultimate Reference: Creation of a Family Handbook
Introduction
Policies and Procedures
Curriculum
Extras
Chapter 6 Using Handouts and Newsletters to Keep Your Audiences Informed
Handouts
One-Page Policy Statement
Peanut Policy
Child Abuse and Neglect Policy
Emergency Procedures
Confidential Staff Policies
Welcome Pack
Program Calendar
Program Curriculum
Newsletters
Coming Attractions
Health Alerts
Tuition Reminders
Director's Newsletter
Chapter 7 Projecting the Right Image: A Look at Visual Communication
Logo
Name Tags
Letterhead
T-Shirts and Hats
Student "Mailboxes"
Motivational Charts
Awards and Diplomas
Bulletin Boards
Staff Biographies
Scrapbooks
Family Resource Library
Suggestion Box
Chapter 8 Using Progress Reports to Evaluate Learning and Family Satisfaction
First Progress Report
Second Progress Report
Family-Teacher Conference
Family Evaluation Form
National Accreditation Criteria
Chapter 9 Planning Successful Special Events
Informational Events
Performances
Curriculum Enhancement
Community Involvement
Chapter 10 Getting the Word Out: Effective Advertisement and Marketing
Marketing Strategy
Print Advertising
Marketing in the Community
Advertising On-Line
Summary
