Parent Education is an important part of the program here North Queen Anne Child Care Center!
This article is to more fully explain how the connection between NQACC and North Seattle Community College works, both for new and continuing families at the Center. As a faculty member in the Health and Human Services Division at the College, I serve with about 20 other faculty members in the Parent Education Department. NQACC has contracted with the College for over six years to bring parent education opportunities to the families here.
As Parent Consultant here, I am available to parents for consultation, support and encouragement, workshops, and the sharing of resources. This year, however, for the month of September, I am teaching English in Malawi, Africa; I will return to be at the Center on Wednesday, October 6, 4-6 pm to begin the year.
Parent education opportunities can take many venues; listed below is an overview of some offerings for the year.
WHAT'S AVAILABLE FOR PARENTS. . .
REGULAR VISITS-Starting October 6, Iwill bring parent resources to the Center twice a month on Wednesdays 4-6 p.m. I'll be happy to chat informally about any parenting issues at that time.
WORKSHOPS-Workshops are being planned for selected months, usually on a Wednesday, 5-6 p.m. on topics of interest or by classroom groupings. More information to come.
The first scheduled parent workshop is "Kindergarten Readiness" for parents of children in Green Monkeys and Red Bears on Wednesday, November 17, 5-6 p.m. It'll be an overview of kindergarten expectations for your child, how NQACC prepares students, and general questions from attendees. The children stay in center care while parents come to the workshop. Watch for an opportunity to sign up.
CONSULTING-I am happy to schedule an appointment to talk in depth about an issue or concern, even discuss some parenting questions by email. I can be reached by phone here at the Center or by email maryann@nqacc.org.
PARENT PAGE ARTICLES-Each month, I write an article on some aspect of parenting or child development. It might be an article about tantrums, family values, parenting styles, keeping one's child safe, or the one which I am researching/thinking about - the family and internet! It is hoped that each article will include some useful parenting tips for the parenting journey.
CLASSROOM VISITS---At a parent's request, I can observe a child in the classroom setting and give the parent feedback about the child's development/activities. Several parents have found it useful to get a "snapshot" of their child's day.
PARENT DISCUSSION GROUP-Parents come together with the Parent
Consultant to exchange ideas on a given topic.
ONGOING PARENT DISCUSSION GROUP-Some parents may wish to come together often for support and conversation. If this is something which appeals to you, please indicate such on the interest inventory in October.
PARENT INVENTORY-Will you share your parenting concerns by filling out a parent interest survey (available in October)? Knowing your concerns will help me select useful and appropriate resources for your family.
SOME DISCLAIMERS!
This program for parents does not assume that parents need to be "educated" because they have no expertise in parenting. It does not suggest that parents need to be filled up because of some sort of deficit. Most parents have a sense of what is needed but occasionally get stumped on how to do it.
Providing parent education honors the fact that parenting a child is a full-time job! It takes a lot of energy. It takes a lot of wisdom. It takes practice, many times trial and error, with some successes.
Parent ed also suggests that some small thoughtful idea can revolutionize a family. When parents get weary and discouraged, a renewed look at a situation can be energizing. Sometimes parents need support from other parents who share a similar concern.
Many times an objective view from an experienced early childhood professional who has observed lots of young children will give great insight. Sometimes parents just need a little "boost" for the parenting journey.
I do not have all the answers regarding parenting techniques. True, I am a parent. True, I am a grandparent. True, I have worked in the early childhood field for over 25 years and the NSCC faculty for 12 years. I do have some knowledge and experience about parenting. But, the goal is not to "set parents straight!" The goal is to come alongside parents, to give assistance and encouragement during the parenting journey.
I am honored to have this opportunity at North Queen Anne Childcare and I invite you to take advantage of these opportunities.
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