Parent Involvement

We value each child and his or her family, and consider all family members part of the ICLC community. Enrolled parents/guardians actually run the co-op with the support and guidance of Olympic College in Bremerton. They are expected to support the teachers by assisting in the classroom, provide a snack for the class on a rotating schedule, attend a monthly Parent Education class, hold a member job that supports and enhances the preschool, and assist in fundraising efforts by participating in the co-op's annual fundraising event. Parents of children in the Penguin and Sea Otter classes spend one day per week in the classroom, while parents of children in the Dolphin and Orca classes assist in the classroom 2-3 times per month.

In return for their time and commitment, members are able to participate in and observe their child's growth and development in his or her peer group. Their classroom involvement allows them opportunities to meet other parents with children of the same age, and friendships are formed that often continue well beyond the preschool years.

The co-op is a rich resource for parenting tips and information. Every quarter, a parent from each family enrolls for two credits at Olympic College. The monthly Parent Education class, led by an instructor trained in parenting issues, is the "lecture" aspect of the course. The time the parent spends assisting in the classroom comprises the "laboratory" aspect. It is here that parents can directly apply what they learned in class (however, the information is most useful in their own home "laboratories!"). Recent topics have included sibling rivalry, anger and stress management, media literacy for parents, developmental differences between girls and boys, and understanding the reasons behind child misbehaviors. In addition, the classroom houses a parent library with numerous informative books to borrow. Some parents make it their member job to publish a monthly newsletter for the membership with articles on parenting trends and ideas. Also, the co-op sponsors a Speakers Event, where each year experts on parenting issues and different areas of child development are invited to address the membership and the public.

Since the co-op is run by its members, there are many opportunities to help shape the preschool. An elected governing Board comprised of members makes decisions that ensure the long- and short-term success of the school. Parents are always welcome to share their ideas regarding curriculum, and can share their special talents with the children in the classroom if they wish.