Good for you for looking to create a positive and open relationship with your gym parents! Yay!
Things that come to mind...
You came from a 'strict' environment coaching girls with ambitious, time-sensitive (high level for age) goals into one that was not so developmentally focused. This probably means there was less conditioning, possibly more generous 'move ups', probably older girls for level overall, and probably less focus on scoring super well. Usually philosophies in these gyms align more with a positive, social experience that focuses on overall health & fitness, and 'whole person' type goals (rather than getting to L10 by age 11, making D1, or the national team at all costs).
Though some parents in these types of gyms understand that their daughter is "not going to the Olympics" (and usually not going to D1, etc), note that MANY DO NOT! Many parents in these types of gyms have no idea what 'elite' means, and still think their 13 year old L5 has just as much of a shot as anyone at college or beyond. Now an exceptional athlete could always happen, but generally speaking, these are not programs who track many (or any) athletes to the higher echelons in womens gymnastics.
For this reason, it is very important for you, as the new coach, to sit down with EACH FAMILY and discuss the athlete's personal goals. In that first conversation, do NOT tell Mr. and Mrs Johnson that Suzie is not going to the Olympics or to D1 if they seem to have some lofty ideas of where Suzie could be headed. Simply thank them for those insights, tell them you are talking to everyone, and aiming to help make the program support the athletes as best you can after understanding everyone's needs. Also ask them the question suggested above about what they would like to see more/less of in the program and from you specifically. Other parents may tell you they just want their daughter to have fun and be fit, etc. Once you have understood the range of goals, talents, suggestions, and expectations, think about what you can realistically do. If pretty much everyone is in the 'have fun, don't care if she only reaches level 8 ever" camp, then you can make different choices than if half of your girls and families would really like to push harder and try to make up more ground. Consider how to structure your groups or how you will balance different goals within a group.
Once you have a plan, have a group meeting with families and explain your coaching philosophy, the goals for the athletes (in general terms - individual goal meetings are a great follow up), and what actions you will take in class to help achieve the goals. For example, if "Fun" is a big theme, perhaps talk about team-building events, fun 'competitions' in class, spirit days, etc. If "more progress" or "Scoring better" is a theme you heard, talk about how you will focus on conditioning, and how that leads to higher skills, or how you will add a dance component for more artistry, etc. If "moving up" is going to be different (or even if it is the same), be clear on how that will be determined and communicated. And if college/elite/etc is a theme on parents' minds, talk about the different pathways - don't automatically kill all dreams by characetrizing it as "impossible", but don't be afraid to be clear what additional hours/work/pace/expectations might be required for a more demanding path, etc. Don't be afraid to state what you know about college recruiting in a general way, such as "typical" age for level expectations for D1 schools, but always turn to a positive note that some girls can progress quickly with talent and hard work and you will be challenging each girl to the extent that she is open to challenge and progressing. Talk about burnout and what to watch for. Make sure to note all the benefits of gymnastics beyond college, etc. Thank the parents for trusting you to care for and build their young athletes, and end on a positive note that you are excited to help their daughters reach their goals.
Most of all, parents want to know that:
1) first and foremost you care about the athletes' safety, and their well-being as people/children in your care
2) you understand and care about their daughter's unique strengths, challenges, goals, and what motivates her (not just team trophies, though if that is going to be a focus, definitely give your take on that).
3) you are creating a thoughtful plan for not only the group, but her as an individual, and will adjust this plan as her progress dictates
4) you are open and available to talk through any concerns
Other points to address parent anxiety include:
5) being assured that you don't play favorites based on talent or progress - everyone is valuable
6) knowing that though each athlete and case may vary and there will be exceptions, you have a clear philosophy and process for deciding moveups / skills to compete
7) If there are any 'special' programs (tops, hopes, advanced class, etc) at some point, you will be clear on criteria for invitation, advancing in the group, etc.
I could probably type 100 more things I wish a new coach would do, but I think I've already started a novel.
