Parent Survey Feedback 2022
Many thanks to all of the parents who completed our recent survey. Congratulations to the lucky winners of the Der echte Scout backpacks!
Receiving feedback is important to us. It enables us to better meet the needs of the CDC families and to hear your ideas.
Here are some of the issues that were raised, along with our responses and any actions:
The CDC Environment
Some parents suggested having a play area with toys and picture books to keep children busy whilst they are waiting. Unfortunately, we have a very small Centre and the waiting area is very limited. In addition, in the current climate of a pandemic, toys and books available in the lobby area would pose a hygiene risk. However, with regard to the request for seating by some other parents, we are looking into the possibility of providing a small bench or several seats in the lift lobby, subject to building management approval.
In-house assessments and the CDC Connects app
In general, satisfaction with the assessment process and reports was high. Receiving the report on the CDC Connects app was regarded as useful. A suggestion was made that an ‘export function’ to download the report so that it could be printed and read offline would be a valuable improvement. Downloading is, in fact, possible using the ‘Share’ button on your phone. If you need assistance with this, please don’t hesitate to contact us and we can help to show you how. In addition, we can always email a copy to you or print off a hard copy and hand to you in person. Please just let the office know.
Another parent felt that the reports do not highlight concrete ways to support their child. Although such activities are not included in the report, parent meetings are available where ideas for home can be discussed. In addition, the staff working with your child would be happy to send some ideas on request.
Some parents expressed that six-month intervals for assessment is too long and that their children achieve the goals before the next assessment is done. Meeting the goals is a very personal thing and children do so at different paces. Repeating the assessments more frequently than at six-month intervals should be avoided as it affects the validity of the scoring. Be assured that if the staff find that a child has achieved the goal, they will extend beyond that goal in the sessions. Unfortunately, updating the goals via the app is not a possibility at present. Again, please do book a parent meeting if you wish to discuss anything with staff members, including extending goals.
The Parent experience
Our admission process was regarded as friendly and smooth by 97% of parents. With regards to communication, parents appreciated the opportunity to attend parent meetings to discuss their child’s reports, goals and progress. As a reminder, these are held every Friday afternoon during term-time and can be booked through the App. Be assured that if Friday afternoons are not possible for you, then simply let your keyworker know and we will arrange a different day and time. In addition, we are, of course, able to hold these meetings via a Zoom call if this is more convenient. Furthermore, please do not hesitate to contact any member of your child’s team at any time if you have questions or would like feedback on your child’s progress.
One parent commented that it would be good to know more about the curriculum of the week and related things to do at home. Our Monthly Classroom News is posted on the website at the start of each month. This informs parents of our current themes, gives ideas of related activities for home and also suggests some books that you could read with your child. Find the Classroom News at our website under ‘News’.
The CDC holds regular parent workshops that are free for our families. We asked you which topics you would most like to see. Managing your child’s behaviours and supporting their social development were the most commonly mentioned. We will bear these in mind in our forward planning. Upcoming topics in the next few months include ‘Developing your Child’s Speech and Language’, ‘The Importance of Play’ and ‘Preparing your Child for Primary One’. One parent suggested that the workshops held by Zoom be recorded for later access. We are happy to look into this possibility. More parenting courses are also in the pipeline, both ‘Triple P’ (English) and ‘Happy Parenting’ (Chinese). These in-person programmes have had to be delayed due to the social distancing measures currently in place due to the pandemic. Keep a look-out in your emails for details and sign-up for our workshops and courses.
In conclusion, we would like to thank you very much for your many positive comments about the CDC and its staff. The most commonly-used words were caring, professional, loving and helpful. Staff members greatly appreciate receiving this feedback. As always, please do not hesitate to contact us at any time if you have any questions, concerns, comments or feedback.