Why “Family, Community, and Exploration?”
It’s always a challenge to describe what our school is about in just a few words. How are we different from other preschools? What makes us special? Why are we advertising “Family,Community, Exploration?”
Let’s start with Family. We are a parent cooperative. That means parents run and operate the school. Parents elect a Board and make decisions about the school. They help in the day to day operations. They know what’s going on in the classroom. Does that mean we have only Stay At Home parents? Not at all. We have many full time working parents who get involved with what works for them. The actual helping in the classroom ends up being about five times a year.
On the first day of school, it’s common to see parents hanging around for awhile.
Our separation anxiety policy has always been (and as long as I’m here, always will be, “If your child needs you to stay, you may stay.” I often tell parents, “If YOU need to stay, that’s a different story!”) I work WITH the parents. Some parents tell me, “S/he’ll be fine as soon as I leave.” That’s fine. If they child cries for awhile, I can handle it. (I started taking care of babies when I was 12. I have a LOT of experience with children!) Some children just need Mom or Dad to hang around for a day or a week to help them get adjusted. It’s all individual. (I had to stay for the first three weeks when my youngest attended.)
What is the child’s earliest and most enduring teacher? Family. What’s the most important influence on a child’s life? Family! It only makes sense that a child’s earliest introduction to school involves and includes family!
I’ve had other teachers ask me if it was disruptive having parents in class. I LOVE it! Don’t the other children feel left out when their parent isn’t there? At first, if they’re new, we may have to explain several times that everyone gets a turn. Today is his turn, your turn may be next month.
In the above picture, a child is showing the rabbit to his little sister and Mom. She’ll be attending next year, and is learning “the ropes!”
In this picture, a big brother (an alumnus) came to read to the class.
Parents come on field trips. This mom is demonstrating how to relax in a stretcher as the children buckle her in at the local Rescue Squad.
This mom is showing her daughter how to make a snow angel!
Dad had a day off, and came in to see his daughter’s stories.
Parents help at Trunk or Treat
Dad can help reach the really high apples.
Grandparents get in the act, too!
Our Music Together Family Nights are fun for the whole family!
This was a very special request! Can the new baby come in? Mom read a story about a new baby coming.
At RHCNS we become a school family. Parents can choose the amount of involvement, from the minimum amount to coming up with new ideas and helping wherever they can. What I liked the best when I was a helping parent was that I could see what was going on in the room. I knew I was welcome. I saw how my child interacted with others, and who his playmates were. I got to meet the other parents. (And yes, I have had other experiences. Before we could get into RHCNS, my older two were in different programs. They were ones where I could sometimes peer into the window on the door to see what was happening. I actually forfeited a $100 deposit at another school when an opening became available at RHCNS. I never once regretted it.
RHCNS is not for everyone. If you want an old-fashioned feel to your child’s nursery school, one where childhood is celebrated and nurtured, where you are an important part of your child’s education, then perhaps we’re a good choice for you and your family. How will you know? Come visit. Will your child be exposed to the ABC’s and 123’s? Of course. Concepts are presented in natural, hands-on, child friendly ways. Social skills? Most definitely! Science? Oh yes, all around the room! Play outside? Yes, even in the snow! I love this school. Our parents and children do, too!