Be clear with parents about behavioral expectations and consequences. Communicate with parents at the beginning of the year by meeting with them in person and by putting the rules in writing. Express what sorts of behaviors will not be tolerated in your daycare and how you will deal with misbehavior. For example, let parents know that children are expected to put toys away at the end of the day and that those who don't will lose their toy privileges. Emphasize that providing a daycare environment where children feel safe and comfortable is your top priority.
Develop a regular communication process with parents across a variety of media. Make use of phone, email and face-to-face meetings to involve parents as much as possible. Instead of only contacting parents when their child misbehaves, be in constant contact with parents about how their children are doing. Meet with parents regularly, or give each child a notebook through which you and parents can communicate.
Encourage parents to tell you about any past behavioral problems their children have had. Ask parents about behavioral history involving not playing cooperatively with other children in social situations, not coping when separated from a parent or problems listening and following rules. Get suggestions from parents for what works at home for dealing with these issues. For example, a parent might tell you that his child needs to be talked to and encouraged while eating.
Be positive when a behavioral problem arises. Call the parent at the first sign of a problem and set up a face-to-face meeting. Talk to the parent and emphasize that you want to work together to come up with a solution. Never blame the parent for her child's misbehavior. Give the parent an active role in helping deal with the problem, and come up with a strategy that involves both home and daycare. For example, a child who bites others might need to be reminded in daycare on a daily basis not to do it, while a parent can talk to the child at home to look for underlying problems causing the behavior.