That slight hesitation before calling a parent — the mental rehearsal of what you're going to say — is a feeling many educators know well. But not every call signals a problem, and silence doesn't always mean smooth sailing either. The most meaningful connections between educators and families are built not in moments of crisis, but through consistent, everyday communication.

This is why effective parent-preschool partnership requires a supportive system, where preschool operators and centre leaders create an environment for trust, transparency, and mutual respect to grow, where parents and educators can work through challenges together and make connections to the preschool and wider community.

The We Are Wonderful Partners! Parent-Preschool Partnership Guide, launched by ECDA in July 2026, shares how operators and centre leaders can build strong parent-preschool partnerships.

  
LAYING THE GROUNDWORK

The 17 Little Seeds Preschool centres, which operate under Anglican Preschool Services, hold their Parent-Teacher Conferences in March and September, up from the usual June and December.

This is done so that educators can set goals with parents early and learn about their family context upfront to build rapport.

“We are connecting and building relationships first, proactively,” said Mrs Dianne Seet, Senior Executive Principal of Little Seeds Preschool. “When parents see how their input has informed their children’s learning experience, there is transparency.”

“A strong partnership starts with a shared goal. When we work together consistently, parents can see that we’re all on the same side —– we want the same things for their child. The Parent-Preschool Partnership Guide reminds us to be more thoughtful about creating real opportunities for parents to get involved. We believe that parents are their child’s first and most important teacher.” — Mrs Dianne Seet, Senior Executive Principal, Little Seeds Preschool

Not all conversations with parents are easy. To prepare educators for more challenging moments, Ms Amy Wee, Centre Leader of Carpe Diem Childcare Resort, one of the 26 Carpe Diem centres, runs practice sessions where she walks through how to approach difficult topics and role-plays as the parent so educators can practise their communication skills.

Every two to three months, educators also work through possible scenarios during operations meetings — from addressing concerns about a child’s development to navigating how to share news of a classroom dispute with parents.

  
LEARNING FROM EACH OTHER

Parents Partnering Preschools From Storytelling to Football Camps Img03Parents and educators working together to develop learning resources for children at Carpe Diem Childcare Resort.

Sometimes the best way for parents to work with educators is to experience the job firsthand. Carpe Diem Childcare Resort and Little Seeds Preschool invite parent volunteers to host storytelling sessions in school to help them appreciate what educators manage every day, including a room full of excited children.

These interactions build mutual respect and empathy on both sides. Parents gain a deeper understanding of educators’ work, while educators find valuable partners in parents.

“Parents feel more informed, valued, and connected to the preschool. They also gain a deeper understanding of our curriculum and the approaches that we use in class,” said Ms Wee. “It creates an opportunity for educators and parents to learn from each other.”

“The guide is a helpful reminder of what we already do every day. It affirms that building relationships intentionally really does matter, and encourages us to keep nurturing trust, respect and empathy —– because these are at the heart of a meaningful parent-preschool partnership.” — Ms Amy Wee, Centre Leader, Carpe Diem Childcare Resort

  
LESSONS BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

Parents Partnering Preschools From Storytelling to Football Camps Img05Children on a field trip organised by Skool4Kidz Preschool, made possible through a strong partnership between parents and educators.

Partnership extends beyond the school gate. At Skool4Kidz Preschool, educators and parents work hand in hand to bring learning to life. Mr Timothy Chan, Skool4Kidz's Director of Operations & Corporate Support, says this shared effort helps break down barriers between preschool and home.

"We value this partnership — it is one of our core values and what we are looking for is to establish sustainable partnerships with parents," said Mr Chan.

A recent field trip for football training brought this spirit to life. Parents and children took part in this learning collaboration with the wider community, featuring a trainer from the Real Madrid Foundation Football School.

Parents helped prepare their children for football training. Educators then joined in on the ground to facilitate the training and cheered the children on throughout their sessions and games. Nothing beats the power of play for lessons that stick and bonds that last.

“The guide connects the dots and makes our efforts more tangible. Every early childhood operator has the intention of building positive relationships with parents. With the guide, the impact is multiplied, so partnerships are more intentional. It augments what we do day to day.” — Mr Timothy Chan, Director of Operations & Corporate Support, Skool4Kidz Preschool

Ultimately, all these efforts share the same goal — building a secure and consistent environment for a child's holistic development. When parents and preschools work together, learning can continue seamlessly both in and out of preschool.