Family Communication & Support

A strong, trusting partnership between families and caregivers is essential to creating a high‑quality early learning environment. At SELC, we value open, ongoing communication because it helps families and teachers understand a child’s interests, routines, concerns, and developmental needs. When families and educators communicate effectively, children benefit both at home and at school.

Open communication also models positive, healthy interactions for children and supports their social and emotional development. When teachers understand what is happening at home—and families understand what is happening at school—everyone can work together toward shared goals for the child.

SELC uses Brightwheel for all parent communication, including messages, announcements, and daily updates. Please check Brightwheel regularly and use it to contact your child’s teacher or the director. Teachers may not be able to respond during class time but will reply as soon as they are able. Please turn on Brightwheel notifications and keep them on throughout the school year and over the summer, as important updates may be sent during breaks.

SELC is committed to supporting families by ensuring that important information is communicated clearly and respectfully in their home language. When language differences create barriers to understanding, SELC will provide access to a bilingual teacher or translator to support effective communication.

Translation services are available during enrollment, as well as for future communication when needed. SELC reviews its interpreter policy annually to ensure that the language needs of families continue to be met. All translation and interpretation costs are covered by SELC.

When your child first joins SELC, and at the start of each school year, families complete a “Getting to Know You” form. This helps us learn about your child’s routines, interests, cultural practices, priorities, and family goals. Understanding this information strengthens teacher interactions, instruction, and support. Just as families share information with us, we also share information with you throughout the year.

Teachers observe each child’s social‑emotional, cognitive, and physical development on an ongoing basis. Staff make careful notes, conduct screenings and assessments, and identify strengths as well as potential areas of concern. We share these insights during family conferences, held twice a year, and at any other time a family or teacher requests a meeting.

Daily and Weekly Updates

SELC believes that regular communication is essential. Our policy includes:

• Toddlers: Families receive a daily written log tracking meals, rest, diapering/toileting, and areas of learning.

• Preschoolers: Families receive a weekly written summary of activities, learning, and interests through Brightwheel.

Families may also communicate with staff by phone, email, or by requesting a meeting with a teacher or the director at any time.

SELC is committed to supporting the well‑being of every child and family in our program. At the beginning of each school year—and for every new family—we provide a “Getting to Know You” questionnaire. This helps teachers and the director understand your child’s development, learning needs, routines, and family preferences so we can better support your child.

If your family is experiencing trauma, stress, or other challenges, SELC can help connect you with community‑based resources. These may include:

• developmental screenings and early intervention

• mental health supports

• housing, food, or job assistance

• parenting, nutrition, and child development information

For more information on available community resources, please click on the link following this section.

Families may request support at any time by speaking with their child’s teacher or the director, or by contacting us by phone or email. Pamphlets, brochures, and other materials are available in the front lobby, and additional resources can be emailed or mailed upon request.

SELC recognizes that trauma can significantly impact a child’s emotional, social, and developmental well‑being. Trauma may involve a single event or a series of events that are physically or emotionally harmful or threatening. SELC is committed to maintaining a trauma‑informed system for all staff, children, and families.

Our trauma‑informed approach includes:

1. Adopting a trauma‑informed culture that prioritizes safety, trust, and practices that prevent re‑traumatization.

2. Conducting an annual organizational self‑assessment to evaluate and strengthen our trauma‑informed care.

3. Ensuring staff are trained in Trauma Responsive Care.

4. Implementing strategies to prevent and address secondary trauma among staff.

5. Informally screening for trauma exposure and related symptoms in children, when appropriate.

6. Connecting families with community resources when trauma or hardship is identified.

SELC covers all costs associated with translation or interpretation services for families who need support communicating in their home language.

SELC values families as equal partners in supporting children’s learning, development, and well‑being. We believe that families bring essential knowledge, strengths, and perspectives, and we encourage active participation in both daily communication and program decision‑making.

Opportunities for Family Participation

Throughout the year, SELC offers many opportunities for families to be involved in school activities. Specific dates can be found on the SELC calendar. Families are invited to participate in:

• Parent activities such as our Open House & Curriculum Overview, Fall Program & Art Show, Kite Day, and Family Movie Night

• Classroom celebrations including Halloween, Christmas, Valentine’s Day, and End‑of‑Year parties

• Educational sessions on topics such as child development, learning, and assessment, aligned with the Early Learning and Development Guidelines

We welcome families to join us for these events and to engage in the school community in ways that feel meaningful to them.

Families as Partners in Learning

We believe that families are active participants in setting goals and making decisions about their child’s education. Through daily two‑way communication and teacher‑family meetings, teachers and families work together to:

• set shared goals for children’s learning

• support development at home and at school

• discuss progress, strengths, and areas of need

We recognize that any family member—parent, grandparent, foster parent, or another caregiver—can serve as a family leader and contribute to the “parent voice” within our program.

Parent Voice and Leadership

To ensure that families have meaningful influence in program decisions, SELC reserves seats for parents on the Board of Directors Advisory Board. Parent representatives help guide decisions related to:

• curriculum

• quality improvement planning

• fundraising

• family events

• parent education opportunities

Families interested in serving on the Advisory Board are encouraged to share their interest with the director. Even if you do not wish to join the board, we welcome your ideas, feedback, and participation as a short‑term volunteer. Your voice is important to us.