How Do We Engage New Families?

There has been meaningful learning about the opportunity for Home Sweet Home to reflect on how we welcome new families in to our learning community. As we understand our best practices and reach out and support their transition, we can reflect on what works, why it works, and where we may want to grow our capacity around this important piece.

There is this process of acculturation - even as parents (and children) newly engage with their closely vetted choice of preschool there are unknowns and not fully knowns about the learning community that are only remedied through relationship and experience. What level of intentionality do individuals bring to knowing and being known by others? How can we offer the gift of our best selves to support welcome and transition?

Home Sweet Home communication strategies:

Parent Handbook

daily whiteboard update

AIA Facebook page

HSH blog

monthly Parent Advisory Committee meetings

HSH Parent Google Group

Home Sweet Home arc of Parent Education:

July - New Parent Orientation

September - Back to Preschool Night

November - Parent-Teacher Conference

March - Parent Education Night

May - Parent-Teacher Conference

Home Sweet Home recurring alumni-inclusive events:

triannual BUILDs

September - Big Friend Reception

October - Harvest Festival

December - Joy Through Music

March - Sweet Moments

May - Big Friend Presentation of Learning

June - Key Ceremony for HSH Graduates

July - Friendship Party

How do we open the door of welcome to Alternatives in Action's Home Sweet Home Preschool? There is an opportunity for continued dialogue on this important piece.