Preschool may be a more relaxed type of school environment--where else would you be encouraged to fingerpaint and play with pipe cleaners?--but you must put forth a professional image when greeting parents for a conference. Dress appropriately and start the meeting on time. Provide an adequate area for the parents to sit comfortably, and review any paperwork you have on their child's progress. Schedule plenty of time for the meeting so the parents don't feel rushed.
Before meeting with parents, meet with any other teachers or assistants who have regular contact and interaction with the child. Discuss any concerns or accomplishments these professionals can tell you about. Take the time to write out the details of behavior, interactions and progress you have seen, as well. You want to be prepared to show a child's progress and discuss it with the parents.
Not every child is a perfect student, and preschool children can be especially temperamental and challenging. If little Johnny is constantly biting the other children, discuss this with his parents without sounding accusatory or judgmental. Discover if Johnny has the same trouble at home and what's being done to counter it. Balance out discussion about bad behavior with some accomplishments or progress the child has made.
Children sometimes behave differently at home than they do at school. Let the parents know you are open to any suggestions in regards to behavior, and that you are available to listen to their comments and concerns. Two way communication is vital to a consistent teaching environment. Sharing techniques and strategies for controlling and minimizing inappropriate behaviors helps establish uniform rules at school and at home.
End the meeting on an encouraging note by providing the parents with a record of all you've discussed. Make a list of any concerns and the actions discussed to correct them, as well as a list of their child's progress and accomplishments. A third list detailing new goals and the actions necessary to achieve them will help parents stay informed and involved in their child's education.