Parents, grandparents, siblings, and kin of the children you serve. They're the people dropping kids off at your door and picking them up, wondering what they've spent the afternoon doing. They are the people who trust you with their kids.
They've got the kids and they know how to use them. They're the ones making sure your students keep coming back. And they're the ones who will spread the good word about you throughout the community.
We can’t overstate how important it is to know that you are being entrusted with people’s kids. You are a trusted adult in this child’s life. Know that your actions have big implications. Parents place their trust in you. They bring their children to you (or at least know that you're one of the places they might find them if they're not in school or at home) and expect them to be kept safe, happy, and engaged.
Schools, fairs, and walking down the street. Put up flyers. Get the word out and into their hands. Get in “mommy blogs” and post on event calendars for kids. This is where social media can really come into play for reaching out to folks! Does your local school’s Parent Teacher Association have a Facebook page? Post your fantastic free events on there!
Think of them as your co-teachers. Let them know what their children are learning and how they're doing. Point out what the kids seem really interested in and suggest ways to encourage that interest. Ask them about what they want for their children and brainstorm ways to make that happen.
Let parents and family members know how great and creative their child is! Share with them the growth you’ve seen their child go through over time. Give them vocab words to ask their kids later to overcome the call “What did you do today?” and response “Nothing, mom.” We all know that is not true, but sometimes kids are exhausted after an awesome experience. Using a “word of the day” during your programs is a way for parents to connect with their kids AND to surprise their kids with their parents knowing something that they just learned about!
Continuously collect contact info and student info. This is important for the child’s wellbeing and security for their own permissions, info about their allergies, and approved guardians. Also, that info is how you will be able to reach back out to them for future programs. Remember its really about reaching out versus outreach.
Whatever you do, take every opportunity to keep lines of communication open. Trust is earned. Are your actions helping to build their trust? Do you know their names? Remember their kids' names?
Some family members might want to get more involved. Consider inviting them to join an advisory council or coming in as Guest Experts.