💬 Direct Messaging with Parents

Direct Messaging allows managers to have private, one-on-one conversations with parents directly from AcornCloud. Messages are linked to a child and sent to all parents with Parent Portal access for that child.

Open the Messaging Screen

• From the menu, go to Messaging

Start a New Conversation

• Click Start a New Thread

Select a Child

• In the popup, select the child you want to message about

Note:
This will send the message to all parents linked to that child who have Parent Portal access.

Name the Thread

• Add a thread name (e.g. “Settling In”, “Nap Times”, “Upcoming Trip”)

• Click Start Thread

Send Messages

• Your new thread will now appear in the list

• Click on the thread to open it

• Type and send your message

Find Conversations

• Use the search bar to quickly find specific message threads

Good to Know

• Messages are linked to the child, not individual parents

• Only you and the child’s parents/guardians (who have parent portal access enabled) will have access to this message thread

• All linked parents will receive the message

• Great for sharing messages you don’t necessarily want to share with the rest of staff

• For service-wide messages, use Broadcasts instead

What it looks like to Parents

Parents can’t start threads with managers themselves - they can only respond to threads that managers have started.

Parents can find the direct messaging thread in the Parent Portal App by navigating to Messages. The new thread will be under the heading “Message Management”