Your toddler is two-and-a-half and you realize you've hit a new stage.
She's been attending some parent-child drop-in programs and while she likes them, she's looking for more. She seems ready for some structure, enjoys being with other kids and, while you hate to admit it, is ready to spend some time without you.
But you figure that there's plenty of time to think about this. After all, the new school year is not until September, which is nearly six months away.
So, you'll handle this in the summer.
Not a good idea. Preschools are registering now and if you wait you may find that there's no spot for young Lindsay. Get busy today.
I am a great fan of Parent Participation Preschools (cpppreschools.bc.ca). When you choose parent participation you are joining an organization that has been operating in British Columbia for more than 60 years and you'll have more than 25 schools to choose from.
One of the first considerations when choosing a preschool is the teacher. And the teachers at the Parent Participation Preschools are special. Pat Muller was a parent at Seymour Heights PPP and took the Early Childhood Education training at Capilano University. She started working at a PPP school on the North Shore in 1986 and this year, after 29 years, she is retiring. Teachers in the PPP movement are used to seeing the children of past students show up in the school. It is such a special experience that parents who attended as kids decide to bring their children. I recall speaking at a Richmond school a couple of years ago and a mom and grandma were both present. Three generations were involved in that school.
And the schools have staying power. Queen's Park PPP in New Westminster not only has seen many examples of second-generation students, they are about to celebrate their 50th anniversary. The Council of Parent Participation Preschools has been in existence since 1946.
The two components that make PPP schools special is that they are run by the parents and are based on learning through play. Pat Muller observes that technology has made a large change with the children in the school. Multimedia gadgets have given kids access to more ideas than ever before. But the schools maintain their basic value of play-based learning.
In these schools, parents are involved in the administration of the school; they are with their child at preschool for a half-day once or twice a month and also attend monthly meetings with other parents that offer free parenting education along with a business meeting.
In my experience, parents who start participating with their children at the preschool or daycare level continue to do so through elementary and high school. Research shows that parent involvement is a major factor in child success. The children really do benefit.
The preschoolers are engaged in a quality program with a qualified teacher. Teachers who choose to teach in parent participation schools bring an appreciation for the role of parents into the school situation. They are not only committed to quality early childhood education, they are committed to partnering with parents to make the experience for all parties the best it can be.
Each parent's involvement in the school will take into account your particular schedule and abilities. You'll meet other parents who share many of your values about the importance of quality parenting, learn more about child-raising and work with like-minded and usually nice people toward joint goals. And, you will make friends for life.
There is also a second option for the schools. They can choose to run a PIP (Parent Involvement Preschool) model where they can sign up on a voluntary basis to be in the classroom. This means that a PIP school model would not require parent education programs, but it can still be offered as a member benefit. They will still have to hold a minimum of four general meetings and meet as an executive as required in order to run the business of the school. The advantages are:
- You have direct input into the operation and philosophy of the preschool.
- You can watch your child with others of the same age and see how he fits with his age group.
- It's less expensive.
- You'll meet other parents, which reduces the isolation and loneliness often experienced by parents of preschoolers.
- You'll work with parents who share your basic philosophy of involvement with your child.
- You'll make lifetime friendships.
- You'll participate in free monthly parenting education experiences.
- The teacher is readily available for advice and information about your child.
A quality preschool experience is a definite benefit for our children. For more information and to find a school near you, call the Council of Parent Participation Preschools in Burnaby at 604-435-4430 or visit cpppreschools.bc.ca.
Kathy Lynn is a professional speaker and author. If you want to read more, sign up for her informational newsletter at parentingtoday.ca.
