Examining parents' and teachers' opinions about parent-school collaboration in pre school education

The purpose of this study is to investigate the existing collaboration between parents and schools in the kindergartens by considering parents' and teachers' views. This is a an example of a quantitative study, and in this study, phenomenological pattern and maximum variety sampling techniques were administered. The participants of the study were nine teachers who were currenty teaching in a total of four elementary and kindergarten schools in the district of Şile, İstanbul. Additionally, 18 parents selected from these four schools were included as participants of the study. The data were collected by administering the semi-structured interview handouts created by the author of this study. The collected data were analyzed by using descriptive analysis with considering the titles used in the interview handouts.Direct quotations were included, too. The results of the study has shown that there are differences between teachers' and parents' views about (1) the existing deficiencies and (2) possible suggestions for improvements in regard to parent-school collaboration. The results also showed that parents' meetings happen twice in a fiscal year and mostly the school expenses are discussed in these meetings. The expectations of parents from teachers were found as quality in education and discipline. The findings of the study represented that parents and teachers communicate each other by using phones or letters. These letters generally consists of daily informing letters for parents. Home visits do not happen unless it is necessary to talk to parents in person. Based on the findings, activities which suits parents' educational levels and exprectations need to be organized so that parents and teachers come together. Keywords: Pre-schooling, parent-school collaboration, teacher, mom, dad, phenomenological pattern.