Parents know their child deeply, while educators bring valuable expertise in supporting children’s learning and development.
An effective and consistent partnership among the important people in a child’s life, rooted in trust, respect, and empathy, helps them feel secure and ready to learn.
Beanstalk gathered insight from five parents on how they maintain strong relationships with their children’s educators.
GROW TRUST WITH COMMUNICATION
Trust is a fundamental component of all relationships.
Ms Teo Seow Ying (top right) with her family on holiday, on how a partnership built on trust benefits children.
For Ms Teo Seow Ying, trust is something precious built over time through consistent communication and emotional encouragement by her children’s educator at Star Learners @ Upper Bukit Timah.
“Principal Wendy is approachable and responsive to any queries I have,” she said. “When my first child entered playgroup, I was pretty clueless about what to expect and trusted in her guidance. She was reassuring and gave constant updates on the progress of my child.”
To Ms Teo, transparency and candidness are crucial. “Communicate openly with your child’s educators to build trust, and work together as a team to support your child’s growth.”
What a strong partnership built on trust looks like to Mr Norvin Cheng (bottom right) and his family.
Meanwhile, Mr Norvin Cheng encourages other parents to listen to what their children have to say about their day at preschool.
“You know they adore their teachers when they proactively share the joys they’ve had during their class activities with you,” said Mr Cheng, whose two children attend E-Bridge Pre-School Sengkang Square.
His children’s enthusiasm toward preschool reinforces his confidence in the educators and their care.
VALUE EDUCATORS' EXPERTISE
Beyond trust, a successful partnership is built on respect. A key part of achieving this, said parents, is to see them as professionals.
What respect looks like to Ms Geraldine Tay (right), with her daughter and her daughter’s preschool educator.
Ms Geraldine Tay recalled how this came into play when her daughter returned home upset after preschool one day.
Rather than jumping to conclusions, she reached out to her child’s educator at Kindle Garden Preschool to find out more. The educator explained that there had been a dispute during an activity in class, and described how it was resolved.
"I respect and trust the educators' professional judgement and approach them directly when I have any concerns," Ms Tay shared. "I value their experience and dedication, and believe open communication, rather than assumptions, builds mutual respect and keeps the focus on supporting my child."
What a respectful parent-preschool partnership looks like to Ms Rebecca Tan (left), with her child’s preschool educator during Sports Day 2026.
For Ms Rebecca Tan, whose children attend Greenland Childcare @ Sumang Walk, respect comes from valuing educators’ efforts, trusting their judgement and acknowledging the care put in for every child.
“Educators provide guidance to our children at preschool, but it’s up to us to carry those lessons into our home,” she said. “I am grateful for what they have to share with us, and show respect by listening to and accepting their advice.”
Equally as important is valuing educators’ expertise in bringing out the best in your child, said Ms Tan. She believes parents can demonstrate their appreciation for their educators’ professional work by supporting the preschool’s efforts wherever possible.
“Try to participate in events that the educators organise. This is a small action but one way to affirm their hard work.”
PUT YOURSELF IN THE EDUCATORS' SHOES
Patience and understanding are also essential qualities that strengthen a meaningful partnership.
Ms Revathy D/O Pachamuthu recommends practising these values by keeping communication within designated work hours, and contacting educators through official channels.
“Perhaps I’ve noticed a mark or rash on my child that wasn’t there before, and it’s already after working hours,” she said. “I’d share my concern in the official communication group with them the next day.”
Ms Revathy (second from left) with her family, shares the benefits of a relationship built on empathy.
Educators are busy, added Ms Revathy, who teaches at a primary school herself. “They are constantly tending to the children, and you can’t expect them to reply straight away. You can leave a note instead.”
In her eyes, empathising with your child’s teacher can cultivate a stronger partnership where both parties can work together more effectively in the long term.
Ultimately, the well-being and growth of children is a shared responsibility between families and teachers. These parents show that small efforts can make a lasting difference to the learning and overall well-being of their children.
