How to Instant Message- Room ECEs to Admin & Families

Step 1: Open the Messaging Area

Click the message icon at the top of the screen to open the messages area. The notification badge on this icon shows the number of unread message threads.

When you click the expand icon, the messages area will open in full-screen mode for easier viewing and typing.

You can also access messaging from the Communicate module by opening the messaging tab.

Step 2: Review Recent and Unread Messages

Use the Activity tab to view recent message activity with families.

You can click the unread messages area to quickly see any threads that you have not yet opened.

The All area will show messages from both staff and families.

Step 3: Search for Specific Staff or Families

Use the search bar to find a particular staff member or family by name.

Click the family member’s name in the list to expand and open the message thread.

You can now view the full conversation and respond to messages from this parent or portal member.

If you are sending a new message or reply within this thread, type your text in the message box and then click the green Send icon to send it.

Step 4: Compose a New Message from Messaging or Communicate

To start a new message, click the Compose tab at the top of the messaging area.

If you are composing a message from the Communicate module, first click Directory Hub at the top.

In the Families area, you can select or search for an individual recipient.

Click the Select Multiple icon if you want to message a group of people (for example, several parents at once).

For larger bulk messaging, use the Announcements option instead of individual or small group messages; this will be covered in a later step.

Step 5: Filter Families and Select Recipients

Open the filter options to refine your list of families by various parameters, including center groups and student status.

For example, you can choose to only view current students.

Your search results and selection list will now only include families that match the chosen group and status.

From this filtered list, select which family members you wish to message.

Please note: Room staff will only be able to see and message families or portal members in the group(s) to which they are permanently or temporarily assigned.

Step 6: Message Admin or Room Staff

To message an admin or another staff member, click the Staff tab.

From here, you can send a direct message to admin or to a staff member in your assigned room.

Step 7: Open the Announcements Tool

Use the announcements icon in the top right to send messages about events, important reminders, or other general information. This is ideal for bulk communication instead of sending many individual messages or emails.

This option is best used to message larger groups such as specific spaces or rooms, or all parents or all staff.

Step 8: Configure Announcement Recipients and Status

Use Target Groups to select which groups you want to send the announcement to. You will only be able to send announcements to groups you are assigned to.

When you select the Pin Announcement toggle, the announcement will stay pinned for everyone until it expires or is removed.

Select an expiry date if you want the announcement to disappear after a specific date.

Give the announcement a clear title and include any relevant text in the message body.

Note that unlike a individual or group message, families and staff cannot reply to an announcement.

Step 9: Review Sent Announcements and Notifications

To view any announcements you have already sent, click the Sent Announcements tab.

Any time a message or announcement is sent to a parent or staff member, they will receive an instant notification as long as notifications are enabled on their devices. For more details on enabling notifications, refer to the separate training guide on notification settings.