“In pre-school boost, parents are the missing critical players”

A child’s education will not be complete or effective without parent support and engagement in the pre-school. There is much scholarly work which shows the importance of parental involvement in helping young children learn and develop better in pre-school. 

The fact is, parents are involved parties once they enroll their child in a pre-school. 

There are many easy ways parents can get involved in their child’s education. For example, parents can attend various activities conducted by the pre-school such as talks, workshops, parent-teacher conferences, open house events or concerts.

Parents can also be actively engaged in and help with various activities in the pre-school as volunteers. For example, parents can read or tell stories, accompany children on field trips, prepare concert outfits and props, take care of the nature corner, or raise funds for needy children in or outside the pre-school.

Parents can also invite children and teachers to their workplaces so that children can learn about occupations and see for themselves what they entail.

In fact, parents can also provide support for each other. For example, parents can share their own stories and experiences with other parents, and assist new children and their parents with settling into the pre-school. Parents can also help those who are unable to communicate in English or understand changes in policies relevant to families and children.

So depending on their expertise, experience and availability, parents can take advantage of opportunities to participate in various ways to support each other, teachers and their children in pre-school.

CONTINUOUS PROCESS FROM HOME TO PRE-SCHOOL

When children observe that their parents are involved in activities at their pre-school, they develop a sense of pride, self-identity and security.

When they observe their parents supporting their pre-school teachers, they develop respect and trust for their teachers. When they observe their parents and teachers working together, they view their own education as a continuous process from home to pre-school and vice-versa.

Teachers need parents to support pre-school programmes which focus on the holistic development of their children. Teachers also need parents to respect and trust them, and their professional judgement and wisdom of practice to provide the best care and education for their children.  

Hence, a child’s education will not be complete or effective without teachers and parents working closely together to build a strong relationship based on care, respect and trust.

This relationship is crucial in ensuring that a young child's love for learning continues beyond the pre-school and has a lasting impact on his or her future – including the rest of their school journey, work and life.