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Co-operative Preschool Benefits Both Child and Their
Parents
Remember the days when
you and your friends talked about your young children?
You exchanged stories of toilet-training, first day
of school and birthday parties. For some of you, that
was many years ago. Now you talk about weddings, grandchildren
and your children's careers. Or maybe this is what your
parents talked about and you are just starting the glorious
process of child rearing. You may have different stories
now, but the same friends.
Many of you met some of your friends
while your children were in preschool, a co-operative
preschool, to be exact. Busy parents often find the
concept of participating in their child's preschool
to be overwhelming and don't even consider the option.
However, before excluding the thought of being much
involved in your little one’s school, consider
the benefits.
Parent Co-operative Preschools are run
by the parents. In these schools there are various levels
of participation available. You may choose to participate
in the administration of the school by sitting on the
board of directors or a committee. You can be in the
class with your child once or twice a month. Or you
can receive the newsletter and take advantage of evening
social events with other parents. Research shows that
parent involvement is a major factor in a child's success.
The parents who start participating with their children
at the preschool or daycare level, continue to do so
through elementary and high school.
The children are engaged in a quality
program with a qualified teacher. Teachers who choose
a co-operative school 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.
There are demands made on your time,
but the level of participation can be geared to suit
your schedule. So you can choose a school that will
work for you. Being involved in your child's education
benefits both you and the child. It's the very demands
of participation which make the experience so worthwhile.
You will 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.
Some of the advantages are: You have
direct input into the running and philosophy of the
preschool, you can watch your child with others of the
same age and see how he or she fits with his age group,
it's less expensive than standard pre-schools, 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, the teacher is readily
available for advice and information about your child
and you'll make lifetime friendships.
Check your yellow-pages for co-op preschools
near you!
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