Researchers studied 61 schools and early education centres across New York City over four years, following approximately 4,500 families—most from low-income backgrounds with Black or Latine children. Half the schools received special teacher training called ParentCorps, designed to help educators build stronger relationships with families. The other half continued with standard teacher training.
The question was simple but important: does training teachers to genuinely connect with families actually change how parents experience their child's school?
When teachers are trained, parents feel genuinely heard
Schools using the ParentCorps training showed clear improvements. Parents reported stronger trust in their child's teacher, increased confidence in school leaders, and felt their family was genuinely included—not just tolerated. Crucially, researchers asked parents directly, rather than relying on teachers' self-assessments. Parents completing surveys consistently noted that their teachers communicated better, listened more carefully, and showed they valued family input. These improvements were statistically significant, meaning the results were genuine rather than coincidental.
What this means for Singapore's diverse nursery families
Singapore's nurseries serve families from Chinese, Malay, Indian, expat, and mixed-heritage backgrounds, each with different parenting approaches and priorities. Many parents also navigate Singapore's competitive education landscape while balancing demanding work schedules. This research suggests that nursery quality isn't only measured by curriculum or facilities—it hinges on whether educators genuinely see your family's unique context and respect your choices as a partner in your child's development. When teachers receive training to communicate across cultural differences and build inclusive environments, all families benefit, particularly those from minority backgrounds or non-traditional family structures.
Strengthen your nursery relationship
- When selecting a nursery, ask specifically what professional development teachers receive in family communication and cultural responsiveness.
- Notice whether your child's teacher initiates two-way conversations about your family's values and your child's individual needs, not just school announcements.
- Share feedback about what works for your family and observe whether teachers genuinely incorporate your input into their approach.