A newsletter allows you to reach every parent, even the ones you do not see at drop-off each morning. Use this opportunity to ask for volunteers and donations for things you need. Write up a note asking for parents to bring in empty tissue boxes for an upcoming craft project or seek chaperons to help with a field trip. Put these requests inside a text box that is a different color from everything else on the page so it will be noticed by parents.
Letting parents know what your plans are for the coming week or month allows them to help you prepare children. For instance, if you let parents know that you will be talking about insects next week, they will have a chance to let you know if a child has a fear of anything that crawls. Parents may be able to talk to their children to prepare them for what is coming. You may also find that parents have insight or materials that relate to the topic that they are willing to loan you for the week.
Giving a struggling mother direct advice may offend or anger her, but putting information about parenting resources in a newsletter does not single anyone out. Write a short paragraph in each newsletter about a topic that parents commonly struggle with, such as potty-training or taking pacifiers away from children. Give some advice from your own expertise, then list the titles of books or websites that offer further help. Keep this section upbeat and jokey, so parents do not feel as though you are talking down to them.
If you have the resources to print color newsletters with pictures, take advantage by filling your letter with pictures. Include photos of art projects the children made, activities they have done together and the children playing happily. Include captions explaining each photo. Parents who are separated from their child all day will appreciate seeing what she is up to and may be reassured by seeing evidence that she is happy at day care. Get written permission from parents to publish photos of their children when they first enroll in day care.