Children don’t come with operating manuals. So how, then, are parents to learn the essential skills and concepts they need to raise their children successfully?
The public can take a close look at one of the most effective ways to learn parenting at a free open house on Sept. 25 at the newest of Bellevue Community College’s 17 public, parent-cooperative preschools.
The open house will be from 10 to 11 a.m. at St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church in the Factoria neighborhood, where the new preschool will be housed, the event provides an opportunity to meet BCC’s parent- and early-education program leaders and instructors, and to learn about the format and curriculum of the college’s parent-cooperative preschools.
St. Margaret’s is located at 4228 Factoria Blvd. S.E. in Bellevue. Attendees should use the church’s west entrance and proceed to the lower level.
BCC’s preschools provide active learning experiences for parents and children in the development of creativity, literacy, math, science, physical ability and social skills. The classes each focus on one of several distinct age levels, from infant through 5 years of age, with curriculum designed specifically for each stage of development.
Parents learn in the preschool classroom, right along with their children, as well as in small group discussions on discipline, nutrition, safety, family relationships, development milestones and the physical, emotional and social needs of children.
Parent/child classes typically meet one day a week — with daytime, evening and weekend alternatives to accommodate parents’ busy schedules. An additional two days of drop-off preschool without parents may be available as a further option.
BCC also offers one-day enrichment classes for parents and their 3- to 7-year-olds, “Dad and Me” Saturday classes specifically for young children and their fathers, and Creative Development and Discovery (science and math) labs for children in kindergarten through second grade.
“The first few years of life lay the foundation for just about everything in a person’s life, from academic ability to creativity, to physical skills and sociability,” said Julie Soto, director of BCC’s parent education program. “At our preschools we offer active learning experiences for young children along with their parents, plus training in techniques parents can use to improve their relationship with their children. It’s fun because parents and children play and learn together.”
For further information on parent education or to register for BCC’s programs, parents may call (425) 564-2365 or e-mail sodonnel@bellevuecollege.edu. Information is also available online at http://bellevuecollege.edu/parented.
