The communication accretion spiral : a communication process for promoting and sustaining meaningful partnerships between families and early childhood service staff

Findings of an investigation of parents' perceptions of early childhood service quality identified limitations in staff-parent communication which inhibit the development of a shared parent and staff approach to children's care and education. These findings have informed the development of an accretion model of communication for crossing the boundaries which hinder the promotion of relevant communications. The Communication Accretion Spiral process explains how the accrual of information and knowledge of parents and staff is built up over time. These communications are the basis for shared understandings of children's learning and development across home/service contexts, promoting and sustaining meaningful communications which lead to informed shared decision-making.