DON'T

Parents--please don't talk on your phone as you're dropping off  your children in the morning.  All your attention needs to be 100% on that child.  Unless you are a doctor and you have a major medical emergency, I cannot imagine any conversation being more important then your precious one.  You're probably not going to be seeing your little one for the next 8 to 10 hours, so put that phone down!  Better yet--leave it in the car so you won't be tempted to answer it if it rings.  This is the time to focus totally on your preschooler.
It's also the time to connect with the teacher.  It allows you to keep them up-to-date with things that are going on with your child--and vice versa.  Maybe Susie is a little grumpy today (not enough sleep); or Johnny's pet is sick; or maybe Billy just has a fun story he wants to share with his teacher.  These are things we want to know about.
The same goes with the afternoon pick-up time.  Stay off the phone!  Make sure"your face lights up" when you see that baby after a long day.  They deserve nothing less from their mom or dad.  Once again this is another opportunity to visit with the teacher.  You'll be able to find out exactly how Susie's day was--not just read about it in her daily sheet.  As a teacher I love to talk with the parents at the end of the day.  It's such a great way to get to know the family better and for them to know you as well.
OBTW--this goes for parents who are picking up their kids in grades K-12.  I can't tell you how many times I see parents yapping on their phone while their children are getting in the car after a long day at school.  And worse, they continue to talk as they drive away--barely acknowledging their child.  What a great opportunity to talk with these children at the end of the day--especially with teenagers.  There's something about talking to kids while sitting next to them in a car without looking directly at them that seems to open them up.  They might tell you about an issue they need advice with or share something fun about their day. Do you really want to pass that up for an unimportant conversation?  I hope not.