Hello Cynthia,
We just completed NAEYC accreditation last September and I'd be happy to help with your inquiry on 10B.20 "Show that your family handbook includes procedures for negotiating difficulties and differences that arise in interactions between families and program staff. Procedures include two or more techniques for conflict resolution that involve increasing levels of formality."
This refers to a series of steps that you outline in your handbook for addressing any issues between your teacher and parents. A few examples of this could be the following
- The Lead teacher is not in for the day when the parent drops off/ or has already left for the day when the parent picks up and there is a lapse in communication.
- The parent has communicated to the Lead Teacher that they do not want the child in diapers during nap and it continues to happen.
- The teacher has asked the parent to bring in a nap activity kit for their child who doesn't sleep and it hasn't happened.
- The parent is not responsive to the teacher when summarizing their child's day.
These would all be moments in which management would need to intervene. This is what needs to be stated in your hand book. Perhaps the first step is an email with a request for a conference call or meeting with the teacher, director (or other member of management), and the parent(s). During this meeting the break down in communication should be addressed and a set of solutions should be offered-a daily or weekly email to the parents from the teacher with the director copied. Perhaps you want to add a monthly check in as well.
You decide the steps that you want to implement and in what order, and then you briefly summarize it in your handbook.
I hope this helps! If not, please feel free to email me at dskokieil@goddardschools.com to set up a time for a quick chat.
Best of luck!
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Arianna Lopez
Executive Director
The Goddard School Skokie
Skokie, IL
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Original Message:
Sent: 01-03-2020 01:13 PM
From: Cynthia Bohrer
Subject: Accreditation Program Portfolio
Looking for help with Assessment Item 10B.20 "Show that your family handbook includes procedures for negotiating difficulties and differences that arise in interactions between families and program staff. Procedures include two or more techniques for conflict resolution that involve increasing levels of formality." Our center is having to add this to our handbook within our Parent Communication section. The conflict resolution part is throwing us. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you
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Cynthia Bohrer
Director
Kids International Early Childhood Education Cente
Ellisville MO
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