Qualification: NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Educator
Unit: Unit 3.5: Develop emergent literacy skills of children
Learning outcome: Be able to work with parents/carers in a way which encourages them to take an active role in their child’s play, learning and development
Assessment criteria: Work with parents/carers in a way which encourages them to take an active role in their child’s play, learning and development
Working in partnership with a child’s parents/carers is a key responsibility of Early Years Practitioners.
Practitioners may have more knowledge and understanding of child development, which they can share with parents and carers. For example, a practitioner might explain the importance of conversation and interaction with children to help them to develop their language skills.
Some parents/carers may not know how to support their child’s communication development, so practitioners may share ideas for activities appropriate for the child’s age, stage of development and interests. Examples of activities to do at home could include:
- Mark-making
- Interaction (e.g. mealtime conversations, playing together, peek-a-boo etc.)
- Singing and reciting rhymes
- Reading and asking questions/sharing thoughts about a book that has been read together
- Re-enacting stories with dolls
They may also provide resources for children to take home, such as books.
It is important for practitioners to ensure that communication with parents and carers is two-way. Parents/carers can often have valuable insights into what their child enjoys doing, as well as any situations at home that may affect their mood or behaviour.