I work to get them in my corner. I contact them often, even with not so good news, and tell them all the other positive things their student is doing to lay that groundwork of a relationship. Once that’s established enough, I start telling them little things that can be done at home and try to send home everything they will need to work with their child.

I also praise the parent/caregiver when they are successful at helping their child complete the tasks to encourage them to keep it going. It’s a slow start sometimes and I am careful to listen to the parent about their needs and try and take as many of those away as I can so they can engage with their child.
I will also let the following years teacher know what worked so there is some continuity when they move to first grade.

Positive phone calls/notes home the first couple of weeks of school. It is VITAL to get parents on your side. Some of the reason that parents get so upset and disinterested is because they only hear about the negative things about their child(ren). I would also be discouraged if that's all I received as well. Invite them in to observe or in for a special day so that they can see the great things their child is doing!