Redleaf Press (RLP): Why did you write The Parent Newsletter: A Complete Guide for Early Childhood Professionals?

Sylvia Reichel (SR): Several years ago, I was a member of a preschool teachers' group that met monthly. On one occasion, we took turns sharing what facet of teaching we enjoyed most and what we liked the least. I was surprised to learn that most of the group dreaded writing their monthly newsletter columns. Some of them used their columns to ask parents for craft materials rather than capitalizing on this opportunity for parent education. I wrote The Parent Newsletter to inspire all child care providers to use their newsletters to educate parents. I also wanted to share my ideas for creating a newsletter every parent would be anxious to read.

RLP: Why is a newsletter a good way for providers to communicate with parents?

SR: Parents can read the newsletter at their own pace—all at once or one article at a time, first thing in the morning or during children's naptime. It can also be saved and reread if the parent wishes. In contrast to telephone calling or verbal communication, you can be assured that every parent receives the same information at the same time with a newsletter.

Most providers have at some time been caught off guard by an unexpected question from a parent. Writing about that topic in the newsletter gives the provider time to formulate an expanded and researched response, in addition to his or her spur-of-the-moment answer. The newsletter is also an excellent way to reinforce the school's or center's philosophy or to deal with a sensitive issue.

RLP: You say in your book that a parent newsletter can build community. Can you expand on that?

SR: The people in any kind of community—church, neighborhood, school—share bonds, and the stronger the bonds, the stronger the community. One bond the teachers and caregivers of a school or center share with parents is their interest in the well-being of the children. The newsletter can serve as a way to reinforce this bond. Each newsletter issue can highlight some aspect of the school's philosophy or a topic in parenting to build upon this common interest.

These bonds are also strengthened each time parents and caregivers discover something else they have in common. The newsletter can serve as a means for this discovery. For example, some newsletters publish a getting-to-know-you column about a particular family in each issue. Suppose a family that enjoys camping learns through that column that another family also enjoys camping. That might lead to an outing together. As relationships grow among the members of the group, these bonds create a strong sense of community.

RLP: Early childhood professionals are busy people. What do you tell providers who say they don't have enough time to write a newsletter?

SR: How many times do you answer the same question verbally? How many telephone calls do you field? Seeing that everyone receives the same information in a newsletter may make for less stressful days. You may actually save time in the long run!

What role does parent education play in your program? The newsletter is one of your best ways to deliver parent education. Having parents as allies to reinforce what you do in the classroom is an invaluable asset, and satisfied parents will help market your program.

RLP: Is it hard to write a newsletter?

SR: If you were beginning an exercise program, an hour of aerobic exercise would probably appear to be hard work. You might be advised to begin your program with a walk around the block. If the thought of publishing a newsletter seems overwhelming, consider preparing a shorter newsletter or publishing it monthly instead of weekly. Recruiting parents or other staff to help with its writing or printing may make the task less challenging.

RLP: What do you tell providers who say they don't know what to write?

SR: Go to a playground. Go to the mall. Go anywhere where there are children and parents, and observe their behavior. Ideas are everywhere. If you have children, think about one of your own parenting challenges. Or think of some incident from your childhood that you think your parents handled well—or poorly.

Ask to see other center or school newsletters. Look at the columns in parenting magazines or on Web sites. Ask parents for topics of interest. Then buy a small notebook to keep in your pocket or purse to jot down the many ideas you have.

RLP: Do you need any special programs or equipment to write a newsletter or use your book?

SR: No. The book is written so that lack of equipment is not an obstacle. At the most basic level, a child care provider can create a handwritten newsletter and have copies made at a print shop. I have seen very adequate newsletters that were one-page, handwritten copies. The book does include information on using a simple word processing program to create and format your newsletter. Those who have the latest equipment and more experience will also benefit from the ideas, suggestions, and sample newsletters included in the book.

Ten Tips for a Great Parent Newsletter

• Make your newsletter attractive. Pay attention to its appearance. Will parents be enticed to pick it up and read it?
• Be consistent. Use the same color of paper, style of print, nameplate (name of your school and date published), and publication schedule each issue so that it is readily identified as your school or center newsletter.
• Know your audience. Use information written in an appropriate style and at a reading level that will appeal to the parents in your setting.
• Personalize it. People like to see their names (or their children's names) in print. Interview parents and children. The newsletter is also a great place publish thank-yous for contributions to your child care.
• Share what is going on in the classroom and how parents can reinforce and extend your classroom goals in specific ways. Consider, for example, publishing the words to songs and fingerplays your class is learning.
• Be sure that what you print is timely. Do not print outdated information.
• List Web sites, books, and magazine articles that relate to your newsletter article, so that interested parents can seek more information on the topic.
• Begin the habit of recording ideas for future newsletter columns. Keep a small notebook in your pocket or purse for jotting down your observations.
• Look at other newsletters to see what their strengths and weaknesses are. What makes them more attractive or less attractive? How would you improve them?
• Solicit feedback. What do your readers like? What would they like to see changed?

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