Our kids, Our future. The way they view the world.
As a new parent, entering the world of Preschool has opened my eyes to the many choices available in education for toddlers. I never knew there where that many choices. How and what to choose? The right choice is key in my opinion, it will effect the way my child may view our world. So many decisions to make as a parent. Will having the right tools to make decisions even at a toddlers age influence his life and outlook?
We looked at several prechools, some where reasonably priced and did not require much in the way of parent participation, others required a vested interest both financially and time with parent particpation. But the end result is of course... what will my child get out of it and will it be the most benefitial.
As our busy lives often limit our time for many things, we always need to make time for our kids. So with all things considered, we chose the preschool that requires parent participation and more money. Is it worth it?
I have to admit going in and learning about preschools and education programs was a bit intense. It makes you realize and appreciate all the things your parents went through and did for you when you where a child. My first parent / teacher general meeting was a pleasant surprise. When I went, it was obviuos I was a newbie. I was quickly put at ease though as the teachers discussed the schools philosophy and what it was based on.
The school's philosophy and program is based on an Italian program " Emilio reggio" and is a program of self exploration, creativity with limited structure. Some of the benefits allow kids the explore their world without limitation, there is no right or wrong. The kids develop self confidence by looking at a problem or idea and come up with a variety of solutions depending on the way the look at the situation.
Children in the program have shown confidence to make change and they have blossomed by not being restricted in the way they think or work. To learn and resolve issues by thinking beyond structure and bounding boxes. To be free thinkers, to be themselves and not be afraid to make change. That there is never just one answer, there can be many. There is no right or wrong, there are only ways to make things better if you look at the big picture.That's they way I hope our future generations think and the reason I bring this to your attention.
The school is a non profit, charity. $1000 would go great distances for this school year and for years to come. I can't imagine what the school could do with it, the options are endless and the value...I think you get the idea. I admit I am not the best writer, I hope that what I have written gives you a postive general idea of what the program is about and you can see what the benefits could be and are.If you want to change anything, let's start with our kids, our future and grow from there..
For more information visit the following link: http://brentwoodpreschool.com/default.asp or visit www.zerosei.comune.re.it for info on the Reggio program.
Comments
Sounds like a wonderful
Sounds like a wonderful school. The best of luck to you
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You obviously love your
You obviously love your child(ren) a lot and wish for the very best available education.
I like the basic ideas that the children will be encouraged to become free, creative, strong and free thinkers - this is the kind of adult that our world needs now and will need in the future.
I am also impressed with your commitment to the school itself in trying to secure more monies to support its philosophy and programs. This will help other children as well - this is exceptionally commendable.
I like that you have chosen a preschool that requires parent participation.
I wish you every success in your quest for more money in support of the school.
Barry
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It's a very cool concept and
It's a very cool concept and I could easily relate. It's great to hear other provinces are looking into it or creating there own programs based on Reggio. I wish there was more around here. It's all completely new to me, my son has only just started the program but feedback from other parents that have had kids complete the program have given rave reviews.
So I'm am very optimistic and hopefull that my son will also benefit as the other kids have. After all that's the whole point. I'm sure the new preschool will be a hit.
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Wow, that sounds like a
Wow, that sounds like a great preschool! I love their philosophy - it's so important to allow children to be creative and free thinkers without limitations.
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Hey! Yes, choosing a
Hey!
Yes, choosing a preschool is a big step. I can totally relate.
Sounds like you've made a great choice. Knowing my kid was in a fabulous place while I was working is the most comforting thing I can recall about his youth... Having been a single parent for a while, I really valued the extra help and support that came with an excellent pre-school. We were really lucky with ours, too... such fantastic staff, a great program... it was definitely one of the best building blocks I was able to provide for my son.
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Just a quick note to add
Just a quick note to add that our family had a great experience with Madison Children's Centre in North Burnaby. They are located on Buchanan Street near Lougheed and Willingdon. Our daughter went there for 4 years so we experienced the infant area, the toddler area, and the pre-school area. All of the caregivers were marvelous. They are run by the New Westminster Purpose Society that helps lower mainland families with other support and education programmes. I can't say enough good things about them and our experience there. We were very lucky to have found them.
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Sounds like a great program,
Sounds like a great program, I hope my little guy will have the same available when he gets older.
Cheers!
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The most important part of a
The most important part of a child's education begins well at home and continues in a very well-considered environment. As children grow, they spend more intensive time with these new adults than many do with their parents.
Here's a standing ovation for you, Dirke, for understanding the importance of choosing well. Brentwood Park Nursery is enriched by having parents like you and a wonderful child like your little one.
Bravo!
Mom
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Good for you for giving your
Good for you for giving your kids a great start in their education. It takes alot of work to be a good parent. You will be rewarded with good, well rounded, loving kids and contributing members of our society.
Good Luck
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hi! we would like to support
hi! we would like to support this without reservation.our children are the finest and most important thing we have.brentwood preschool sounds wonderful and it is a super idea. the knowledge that you can have options in life is utmost.it promotes good mental health,confidence and an overall happier person.i have 2 brothers who are teachers and it has always been important to them that their students are happy and well looked after. dirke and lisa are wonderful parents and anything they would want for their children,we would want too. well done!!! sincerely,don&sue
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There is a new preschool
There is a new preschool opening up in a neighbouring community here in Central Alberta that is based on the same method. One of the employees is a former school chum of mine and she is very enthusiastic and passionate about what they are planning to do. I haven't had a chance to visit the preschool (no kids, no need) but I would like to as it sounds so fascinating.
Beth