---
title: "Message a teacher"
description: "Send a message to your child's teacher or the daycare office from the app, add a photo, and fix a message you sent."
type: guide
updated: 2026-10-18
canonical_url: https://help.nestlicare.com/parents/messaging/message-a-teacher
roles: ["parent"]
platforms: [ios, android, web]
---
Use the **Messages** tab to reach your child's teacher without using their personal phone number. Messages go through the daycare, so the right staff see them and nothing gets lost.

Short version first: this narrated video sends a message to a teacher and gets a reply.

<VideoEmbed
  src="phone-parent-message"
  title="Message your child's teacher (narrated, 35 seconds)"
  captions={false}
/>

Every family member has the Messages tab.

## Start a new message

1. Open the **Messages** tab.
2. Tap the new message button at the top right.
3. The **New Message** list opens. Pick a teacher or someone from the office. You can search by name.

<ScreenshotWithPointers
  src="/screenshots/parents/messaging/new-message.png"
  alt="New Message contact list in the parent app"
  pointers={[
    { x: 1, y: 15, caption: "Search contacts. Type a name" },
    { x: 1, y: 25.9, caption: "Support: NestliCare Support, for problems with the app (not daycare questions)" },
    { x: 1, y: 35.9, caption: "Staff: teachers and the office at your child's daycare. Most messages go here" },
  ]}
/>

4. Type your message in the box at the bottom.
5. Tap the send button.

## Reply to a message

1. Tap the chat in the **Messages** tab.
2. Type your reply at the bottom and tap send.

## Add a photo

Tap the photo button next to the message box. Then take a photo or pick one from your phone. You can send photos, like a rash or a signed note. Other files can't be sent.

## Edit, delete or react

Press and hold a message you sent:

- **Edit** to fix a typo. The teacher sees the new text with an **Edited** label.
- **Delete** to remove it.
- Tap an emoji to react to any message.

## Message or phone call?

- **Message**: everyday things. "Sally forgot her water bottle." "Can you add sunscreen?"
- **Call the daycare**: emergencies, custody changes, running very late, anything that can't wait.

Teachers check messages during the day, but they're busy with the children. Call when minutes matter.

## Both parents in the loop

You can only start chats with one person at a time. If both parents want to hear the answer:

- Each parent messages the teacher, or
- Ask the teacher to start a group chat with both of you.

Each parent needs their own account. If your partner isn't on the app yet, ask the daycare to invite them.

## Troubleshooting

**"No Contacts."** Your child may not be enrolled yet in the daycare's system. Call the daycare.

**The teacher didn't see my message.** Their phone may be off, or they're out today. For anything urgent, call the daycare.

**I can't find an old message.** Scroll up in the chat, or search on the **Messages** tab.

**I messaged the wrong teacher.** Delete the message, then send it to the right person.

**I can't attach a file.** Only photos can be sent in messages. Email other files to the daycare, or ask if they can send you a document request.