Parent Involvement

Classes & Programs

 

Parents are always welcome to visit the preschool at any time. Suggestions, comments, criticisms, talents, interests, or hobbies, etc., are always welcomed by the preschool staff. Parents are welcome to participate in typical school activities, field trips, class parties, birthdays or any other special activities. A class list is provided for your convenience in school matters. No other use of this list is authorized. There is an observation room for parent use at any time.

 

Family Communication
Families will receive a newsletter approximately once a month. Please read it carefully! It will contain important information about curriculum activities, upcoming events and important dates. A daily note is placed on the white board to update you on daily activities.

 

Parent Teacher Conferences
We try to provide most of the information and progress on one-on-one basis but a dedicated parent- teacher conferences can initiated at parent request. The preschool staff and families work together as a team to make the preschool experience beneficial for the child. We are happy to schedule meetings at any time upon family request.

 

Parent Resource Area
There are plenty of children's story books are available for a two-week checkout period. A variety of topics are available. We will assist families to find information on any topic area desired.

Are you looking to learn more about how parents can get involved in their child's preschool experience? Parent involvement plays a crucial role in a child's early education journey! By staying engaged with your child's preschool activities and communicating regularly with teachers, you can help create a supportive and enriching environment for your little one. From attending school events and volunteering in the classroom to simply asking your child about their day, there are so many ways to be an active and supportive presence in your child's preschool life. Remember, your involvement not only benefits your child but also strengthens the preschool community as a whole! How do you like to participate in your child's preschool experience? Share your tips and ideas below!

 

 

A child who exhibits good behavior at preschool but misbehaves at home may be influenced by different environments and expectations. It is important for parents to maintain consistency in discipline and boundaries across settings. Offer the parent guidance on setting clear expectations, providing positive reinforcement for good behavior, and implementing appropriate consequences for negative behaviors at home. Encourage open communication with the child to understand any underlying reasons for the contrasting behaviors and work together on strategies to promote consistent positive behavior both at home and at school.

 

 

Every so often, a letter comes along that says everything we hope our families feel.

 

"What makes Stepping Stone Preschool so special is YOU. Your warmth, genuine care and passion for the children are felt in everything you do."

 

Words like these are the reason we do what we do. Swipe to read the full letter - the handwritten original, plus a typed version for easy reading. 🌍👣

 

#SteppingStoneWorld #PreschoolLove #GratefulParents

Why reading stories are important for toddlers and preschoolers?

Reading stories to toddlers and preschoolers plays a vital role in their overall development, going far beyond just enhancing literacy skills. Here are some reasons why engaging children in storytelling is crucial:

1. Cognitive Development: Story reading stimulates a child's brain, promoting cognitive functions such as memory retention, attention span, and critical thinking skills. It aids in language acquisition and comprehension, laying a strong foundation for future academic success.

2. Emotional Intelligence: Stories help children explore a wide range of emotions in a safe and controlled environment. They learn to identify and express feelings, empathize with characters, and navigate complex emotional situations, fostering emotional intelligence and resilience.

3. Social Interaction: Reading stories encourages social interaction between parents and children. It provides opportunities for discussions, sharing thoughts, and bonding over shared experiences, enhancing communication skills and strengthening the parent-child relationship.

4. Imaginative Capabilities: Storytelling sparks creativity and imagination in young minds. By exposing children to fantastical worlds, diverse characters, and thought-provoking scenarios, it nurtures their creativity, encourages innovative thinking, and enriches their play experiences.

5. Language Development: Exposure to diverse vocabulary, sentence structures, and storytelling techniques broadens a child's linguistic abilities. Repeated story reading helps in internalizing new words, improving language fluency, and developing a love for storytelling and language.

6. Cultural Awareness: Diverse stories featuring characters from various backgrounds promote cultural awareness and inclusivity in children. Through stories, children learn about different cultures, traditions, and perspectives, fostering tolerance, empathy, and respect for diversity.

 

Wonderful books for toddlers and preschoolers

 

For toddlers (around 2–3):

 

•⁠ ⁠Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? - Bill Martin Jr.

 

•⁠ ⁠The Very Hungry Caterpillar - Eric Carle

 

•⁠ ⁠Dear Zoo - Rod Campbell

 

•⁠ ⁠Goodnight Moon - Margaret Wise Brown

 

•⁠ ⁠Where Is the Green Sheep? - Mem Fox

 

For preschoolers (around 3–5):

 

•⁠ ⁠The Very Busy Spider - Eric Carle

 

•⁠ ⁠The Snowy Day - Ezra Jack Keats

 

•⁠ ⁠Llama Llama Red Pajama - Anna Dewdney

 

•⁠ ⁠The Gruffalo - Julia Donaldson

 

•⁠ ⁠Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! - Mo Willems

 

•⁠ ⁠Chicka Chicka Boom Boom - Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault

 

A simple tip for parents

 

Parents don’t need to read for a long time. 10–20 minutes every day can make a wonderful difference. Let the child point to pictures, ask questions, repeat favorite phrases, and sometimes choose the book. The goal is not to finish the book perfectly - he goal is to enjoy the story and talk together.

 

If a child asks to hear the same story again and again, that’s actually wonderful. Repetition helps children learn vocabulary, understand the story, and feel confident predicting what comes next.