Parent Participation:
All Vancouver Island Cooperative Preschool Association (VICPA) preschools are parent-operated on a cooperative basis.The preschools are administered and maintained by the parents on a non-profit, non-sectarian, inter-racial basis. Under the guidance of a qualified Early Childhood Educator (ECE) parents assist in the classroom.
Parent Participation preschools promote direct involvement of parents. This makes for a unique educational family experience.
Parent Participation | Early Childhood Educators (ECE)
Educational Philosophy
The children’s educational program emphasizes "Learning Through Play". Through play, many of the necessary skills for later life are developed. Learning through play comes about when the need for freedom and guidance is recognized. Each of our VICPA preschools has a unique environment that includes an excellent adult to child ratio allowing for individual attention. We are proud of our quality programming with play activities that vary from preschool to preschool.
VICPA preschools provide a play-based curriculum that:
- provides social and play experiences with children their own age
- supports the development of the whole child - socially, emotionally, physically, and intellectually.
- allows for the recognition of each child’s unique learning style, abilities, and developmental level
- encourages curiosity and creativity
- allows for hands on learning, where the curriculum can emerge from the children’s interests, needs and desires; making learning concrete and meaningful
- provides the experience of having parent and child mutually sharing and participating in the school's activities
- creates supportive relationships with adults other than their own parents
Central to our programs is the belief that:
- children thrive in an atmosphere of trust; where they are provided with support, in a safe & gentle environment
- a child’s self esteem and ability to learn are interdependent - children succeed when they have a strong sense of self and independence
Examples of what play-based curriculum can provide for children’s development are:
| Outdoor play: | Children need fresh air and exercise; it helps to develop strong muscles and healthy bodies. Physical play helps to develop an awareness of their bodies (balance, strength, coordination) and builds confidence. |
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| Story time: | Sitting quietly listening to stories develops the skills of concentration and attention, and is an introduction to the wonderful world of books and reading. |
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| Block building: | Building is a bridge between the world of pretend and reality. It provides experience in spatial relationships, opportunities for sharing, and develops large and small muscle control. Blocks also provide a pre-math experience (size and shape sorting, balance). |
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| Painting: | Painting provides an opportunity for self-expression and enjoyment. The fun of creating is more important than the end product. |
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| Water play and sandbox: |
Play in these areas encourages experimentation in texture and measurement in a fun way. It also presents early scientific and math concepts. |
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| Play dough and clay: |
Modelling provides a release for aggressive feelings and offers general enjoyment. |
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| Music and rhythm: | These provide a means of self-expression through experimentation with songs, instruments, finger plays, games, and dancing. |
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| Dramatic play: | This type of play is used to re-enact experiences and stories, fears and feelings. It allows children to try out different roles and promotes cooperation. |
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| Language communication: | Communication and speech improve enormously at preschool. They are developed through all forms of play. |
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| Table toys: | Puzzles, beads, games, etc. These help a child to develop his hand-eye coordination, sequencing skills, ability to follow direction, and concentration. |
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| Cutting and pasting: | These provide an experience in hand and finger manipulation as well as self-expression. When presented with a variety of materials, shapes, textures, and objects to glue, children find an enormous amount of enjoyment in their creations. |
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| Science table: | Objects and experiments feed a child's natural curiosity about the world around them and expand general knowledge. |
Educational Philosophy | Early Childhood Educators (ECE)
Parent Participation
Parent Participation provides:
- time to observe your child interacting with a consistent group of their peers
- guidance of a qualified ECE as role model and resource on child development
- the opportunity to meet, socialize, and work cooperatively with a diverse group of parents from the community
- emotional and practical support in parenting from other parents
- free access to monthly parent education sessions featuring topics of interest to you
- a chance to contribute existing skills and develop new ones
The VICPA preschool experience can give parents increased parenting skills, peer networking/support, and self-confidence. Many parents have gone on to become effective leaders in their schools, communities, service organizations and government.
Your skills can be enriched by:
- attending and facilitating workshops
- holding executive positions in the preschool
- being a delegate to the VICPA Board
- participating in the Making Tomorrow Conference
VICPA preschools are parent-operated on a cooperative basis.
Your responsibilities to the preschool include:
- assisting in the classroom on a pre-arranged rotational basis
- attending orientation sessions with other parents and ECE
- attending monthly meetings of preschool membership for parent education session, preschool business and social
- paying a registration fee and reasonable monthly tuition which vary according to the expenses of each preschool
- participating in fundraising
- sharing the tasks of the preschool such as mixing paint and making playdough, ensuring equipment upkeep, or holding an executive position. There is a preschool job to meet every member's schedule and interest!
Educational Philosophy | Parent Participation
Early Childhood Educaors (ECE)
All educators in VICPA preschools:
- are fully trained and certified Early Childhood Educators (ECE)
- are licensed and registered with the Community Care Facilities Licensing Branch, Ministry of Health
- are sensitive people who respect young children, relate easily to them and provide an environment which encourages all children to develop at their own pace, in their own way
- actively serve as advisors and guides to the members ensuring a quality experience for your child and family
- attend monthly professional development sessions to keep current in all aspects of early childhood education ensuring ongoing quality care for your child.
