One of the signals that a company or organization offers great service is return business.
The Parent Participation Preschools (PPP) in the Lower Mainland not only see kids come as three-year-olds and again as four-year olds, but they also see the children of alumni. That's right, there are many kids who are currently enrolled in a PPP whose parents attended. For example, in the Lower Mainland alone there are alumni kids at Lynn Valley and Seymour Heights in North Vancouver, Queen's Park in New Westminster, Kiddies Korner in Poco, Wesbrook, and St. Giles in Vancouver, Gingerbread House in Richmond, and Rutland in the Kelowna area.
The mission of Parent Participation Preschools is to create a safe and enriched play-based learning environment through the co-operative efforts of families, educators and community leaders. And the mission of the Council of Parent Participation Preschools in B.C. is to provide a high standard of service and support while helping build a strong preschool community.
All of which sounds very nice, but what does it mean for you and your family? Here's how it works.
Parents have the opportunity of having a say in the administration of the school, of being with their child at preschool for a half-day once or twice a month and of attending a meetings once a month with other parents. The meetings offer free parenting education along with a brief business meeting. The school will take into account your needs and schedule in planning your half-day on duty at the school and your involvement in helping run the school will match your interests and abilities.
I bet it wouldn't surprise anyone to know that when my kids were in preschool, I took on the task of finding quality parenting education speakers.
Research shows that parent involvement in school is a major factor in child success. In my experience parents who start participating with their children at the preschool level continue to do so through elementary and high school. While being involved might seem intrusive and difficult to fit into your already busy life, the irony is that taking the time to participate will save you time throughout your child's school career. The more comfortable your child is at school, the better he will do and the less you will be needed to deal with crises. Isn't it far better to be able to plan your connection with school rather than have it imposed because of problems? We also know that the more adults a child feels a connection with, the more adults he knows care about him, the better he will fare. He will have a higher self-image and feel secure in himself. In a parent participation preschool he will spend time with the parents of all the kids and have plenty of healthy connections.
In my experience, the teachers in these schools are superb. It takes a special kind of teacher to choose to work in a school in which all the parents are involved, have a say and ask questions. For the teacher who has the selfconfidence to lead a group of parents to offer their child a quality learningthrough-play experience, the reward is great for teacher, parents and of course the preschoolers.
And then there is a secret that no one tells you. The pay-off for you is amazing. Today, with our busy and scattered lives, parents are more isolated than ever before. By becoming involved in a parent participation preschool you will not only meet parents who share your parenting values, you will be working alongside them, getting to know them and making life-long friends.
My children attended preschool in the early 1970s. Today, over 30 years later, my closest friends are still the parents I met during those preschool days.
There are certainly other types of preschools and they offer a variety of different experiences.
To choose a school, visit and observe the program. Trust your instincts. Does this feel right for you and your child? How does the teacher interact with the kids? Are the children happy, busy and engaged? Does the program offer a variety of experiences including large muscle play, arts and crafts, free play and stories? Are parents welcome to drop in?Talk to other parents who have their children in the school. Find out what they like best and if that fits with your wishes for your child, go for it.
If you want to start your child in September, they must be three years old by Dec. 31 of that year. If you are looking to start them in January, they have to turn three by June 30 of that year. And this is the time of year that the schools are offering open houses and taking registration.
Preschool is a great experience for your children. Do your homework, make the right choice and watch your child grow and develop.
Kathy Lynn is a professional speaker and author of Who's In Charge Anyway?, But Nobody Told Me I'd Ever Have to Leave Home and Vive la Différence. If you want to read more, sign up for her informational newsletter at parentingtoday.ca.
