9.2.2.3: Exchange of Information at Transitions

A written communication policy should be in place to describe needed communication between parents/guardians and caregivers/teachers during transitions that occur at times when children are being dropped off or picked up and other interactions with parents/guardians. When several staff shifts are involved, information about the child should be exchanged between caregivers/teachers assigned to each shift.

RATIONALE

Personal contact on a daily basis between the child care staff and parents/guardians is essential to ensure the transfer of information required to provide for the child’s needs. Information about the child’s experiences and health during the interval when an adult other than the parent/guardian is in charge should be provided to parents/guardians because they may need such information to understand the child’s later behavior.

COMMENTS

A sample of issues that should be communicated and exchanged include change in routine at home/program, change in child’s health status, recent problems sleeping/eating, or change in family routines or family health.

TYPE OF FACILITY

Center, Early Head Start, Head Start, Large Family Child Care Home, Small Family Child Care Home

RELATED STANDARDS

2.3.1.1 Mutual Responsibility of Parents/Guardians and Staff
2.3.3.1 Parents’/Guardians’ Provision of Information on Their Child’s Health and Behavior