Official Child Care Notice to Parents

What a good one includes

• Start with a direct, warm opening statement that clearly states the purpose of the notice.
• Highlight the exact effective date of the policy change or the specific timeline for the upcoming event so parents can plan accordingly.
• Include a brief, positive explanation of why this change is happening, focusing on how it benefits the children or improves the program's quality.
• Outline clear, step-by-step instructions on what parents need to do next, such as signing a return slip or updating emergency contact info.
• Specify how and when parents can reach out to you with questions, setting clear boundaries for these conversations.
• Close with a sincere expression of gratitude for their ongoing partnership and trust in your care.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Apologizing excessively for necessary operational changes like rate increases, which can undermine your professional value.
• Burying the most important details, like dates or fee changes, under paragraphs of unrelated introductory text.
• Using a defensive or overly aggressive tone that makes parents feel targeted rather than partnered with.
• Leaving deadlines or policy rules vague, which leads to inconsistent compliance and awkward follow-up conversations.

Frequently asked questions