Helpful Parents Build Strong Foundations for Early Learning Success

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Parents shape the earliest experiences of a child’s life and those experiences matter. At Collaborative for Children, we believe that helpful parenting is the cornerstone of early childhood education. When parents are present, engaged, and intentional, children grow in both structured child care environments and at home.

Helpful Parents Practice Active Listening and Emotional Support

Children don’t always need solutions, but they need to be heard. Helpful parents listen without immediately fixing problems, allowing children to build confidence and problem-solving skills. This approach aligns with our certified early childhood education (ECE) curriculum, which encourages emotional resilience and self-awareness.

“Listening is the first step to learning,” says Dr. Melanie Johnson, CEO of Collaborative for Children. “When parents give children space to express themselves, they’re building trust and lifelong learning habits.”

Helpful Parents Choose Quality Child Care Over Convenience

Drop-in daycare may offer flexibility, but it often lacks the developmental structure children need. Collaborative for Children’s Centers of Excellence provide certified ECE training, STEAM-based curriculum, and family engagement strategies that support whole-child development.

Parents who partner with these centers are choosing a learning environment that prepares children for kindergarten and beyond.

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Helpful Parents Set Boundaries and Encourage Independence

Helpful parenting means knowing when to step back. Our programs teach parents how to support independence through guided exploration. Also, through our Collab-Lab mobile classroom or in-home learning kits, we help families create environments where children can safely stretch and grow.

Learn More About The Collab-Lab

Helpful Parents Stay Informed and Involved

From literacy workshops to STEAM pop-ups in the Collab-Lab, Collaborative for Children offers resources that keep parents engaged. We encourage families to attend events, ask questions, and use our online tools to find high-quality child care providers in their area.

Resources for families

FAQs

What makes a child care center a Center of Excellence?

A Center of Excellence meets high standards in early childhood education, including certified teacher training, STEAM curriculum, and family engagement practices.

How can I support my child’s learning at home?

You can support learning by listening, setting boundaries, and using resources like Collaborative for Children’s in-home learning kits and parenting workshops.