Parent Teacher Communication in Preschool: Building Trust

Children do best when the important adults in their lives work together. In the preschool years, a warm, open relationship between parents and teachers helps children settle, feel secure and make progress. Yet many parents are unsure how much to share, what to ask or how to raise a worry without seeming critical. This guide looks at parent teacher communication in preschool: everyday conversations, useful parent teacher meeting questions, what daily updates from preschool can include and how to raise a concern with the teacher in a constructive way.

Why communication matters

Young children cannot always tell parents what happened during the day, or explain to teachers what is going on at home. Adults sharing information fills that gap. When teachers know that a child slept badly, has a new sibling or is anxious about something, they can offer extra comfort. When parents know what their child enjoyed, who they played with or what they ate, they can talk about the day at home and support learning.

Good communication also builds trust. Parents feel more confident leaving their child, and teachers feel more able to share small concerns early, before they grow. Children notice when the adults around them are friendly and working together, which helps them feel safe.

Everyday communication

Most communication happens in small moments: a quick word at drop-off, a chat at pick-up, a message or a note. At drop-off, it helps to share anything that might affect your child's day, such as a poor night, a change in routine, a mild cold or an exciting event. Keep it brief, as teachers are welcoming several children at once.

At pick-up, ask a simple question about the day, such as how your child ate, how they slept or what they enjoyed. Many settings also share information in other ways, such as a communication book, messages or a parent app. Ask how your preschool prefers to communicate, and which channel to use for urgent matters.

Daily updates from preschool

Daily updates from preschool vary from setting to setting. For younger children, updates often cover practical care: meals, drinks, sleep, nappies or toilet use, and mood. For older preschoolers, updates might focus more on activities, friendships and learning.

Updates are most useful when they spark conversation. Instead of asking your child "What did you do today?", which often gets the answer "nothing", use the update to ask specific questions: "I heard you made a volcano. What happened?" or "Who did you sit with at lunch?"

What to share with teachers

• Changes at home, such as a move, a new baby, a separation or a bereavement.
• Health information, including allergies, medical conditions and medicines.
• Sleep patterns, comfort objects and how your child likes to be soothed.
• Your child's interests, fears and favourite activities.
• Languages spoken at home and any words your child uses for important things, such as the toilet.
• Any concerns about development, behaviour or wellbeing.

Food information is especially important. Share allergies and dietary needs in writing, and ask how they are managed. Our guides to food allergies at preschool and the role of a dietitian in a preschool explain what good practice looks like.

Parent teacher meeting questions

Many preschools offer regular meetings to talk about each child's progress. These are a valuable chance to understand how your child is doing and to share your own observations. It helps to prepare a few questions in advance.

1. How has my child settled and how do they seem in the group?
2. Who do they play with and what do they enjoy most?
3. How are they developing in language, social skills, independence and physical skills?
4. What are they finding challenging, and how are you supporting them?
5. How do they manage routines such as meals, rest and tidying up?
6. What are the next steps for their learning, and how can we help at home?
7. Is there anything you would like to know about my child that would help you?

Understanding what your child is learning also helps. Our main site's guide to the preschool curriculum explains the main areas of learning in the early years.

How to raise a concern with the teacher

Sometimes you may be worried about something: your child seems unhappy, has been hurt, is not eating, or you disagree with how something was handled. Raising a concern early is almost always better than letting it build up. Most teachers welcome the chance to address worries and would rather know.

Choose a good moment. Drop-off, when teachers are busy with several children, is rarely the right time for a detailed conversation. Ask for a short meeting or a phone call instead. Start by describing what you have noticed rather than making accusations: "My child has been saying they don't want to come in the mornings. Have you noticed anything?" This invites the teacher to share their perspective and work with you.

Listen to the teacher's view, agree on some next steps and arrange to check in again after a week or two. If you feel the concern has not been resolved, ask who else you can speak to, such as the head of the preschool.

When your child is struggling to settle

Settling in is one of the most common reasons for extra communication. Teachers can tell you how long your child is upset after you leave, what helps them calm down and how they spend the rest of the day. This information is often reassuring. Our partner site's guide to separation anxiety at nursery has practical ideas for making goodbyes easier.

Communication across languages

For international families, language can make communication feel harder. Ask whether staff can talk with you in a language you share, and do not hesitate to ask for clarification if something is unclear. Written messages can be easier to understand than quick conversations at the door. It also helps to share key words in your child's home language with the teachers, especially for needs such as drinking, the toilet or feeling unwell.

Being a positive partner

Small gestures help build a strong relationship: saying thank you, sharing something your child enjoyed at preschool, reading notices and responding to messages. Teachers appreciate knowing when things are going well, not only when there is a problem. Attending events and meetings when you can also shows your child that you value their preschool life.

Remember that teachers see your child in a different setting from home. Children sometimes behave differently at preschool, for better or worse. Sharing both perspectives gives everyone a fuller picture of the child.

Try to avoid discussing concerns about the preschool or its staff in front of your child. Children can feel torn between the adults they love and trust. If you are unhappy about something, talk it through with the teacher privately, and keep your words about preschool positive and reassuring at home.

Mealtimes and communication

Food is a frequent topic of conversation between parents and teachers, especially for young children or those with fussy eating, allergies or special diets. Ask to see the menu, share what your child eats at home and ask how staff encourage children to try new foods. Our guide to a healthy preschool lunch menu and our article on the vegetarian child at preschool have more on this.

Talking with the team at Altın Anahtar

At Altın Anahtar in Alsancak, our team can talk with parents in English. We welcome children in the nursery from 12 months to 3 years and in preschool from 3 to 6 years, Monday to Friday from 07:30 to 18:30, and the menu is planned by our dietitian. You can contact the Altın Anahtar team to arrange a visit by appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions