 |
 |
|
August 7, 2002
Saratoga, California Since 1955 |
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
Photograph by Kristopher Gainey
|
|
|
Youngsters learn while they play at the
Saratoga Parent Nursery School.
|
|
|
|
|
Nursery school takes unique approach to education
|
|
| By
Mandy Major
|
|
As a child in preschool, didn't you hate
being pulled away from your favorite activity
and forced to do another? Well, some
fortunate Saratogan children will
be spared such a fate.
At the Saratoga Parent Nursery School,
children are free to paint, play or make
believe to their hearts' content.
Having grown from an eight-family babysitting
business in 1948 to a remodeled co-op with a
staff of three teachers and an enrollment of
50 children, the school has made some
significant changes but always kept its focus
on the children and their freedom.
Led by nine parents and one teacher every
session, the nursery school provides
structured time for learning and play, with
several tables running concurrent activities
such as sensory play with cornmeal and
shaving cream, finger-painting and pancake
making. Children are free to roam and
participate as long or as little as they
wish, and there is no standard set for their
production.
"If the child is working at the art table and
wants to draw five eyes on a cow, that's fine
because that is where they are at," says
teacher and director Beverly Nakashima, who
has been at the school for three years. "The
children are here to learn through play and
social and emotional interaction. We shy away
from product-oriented things, and what they
choose to do is up to them."
The popular nursery school not only teaches
children but their parents as well.
In addition to their weekly attendance at one
of their child's sessions (two-hour classes
are divided by 2-year-olds, 3-year-olds and
4-year-olds), parents are required to attend
a monthly child development class, where they
learn about conflict resolution, health
issues, gender relations and emotional
growth. Parents must also attend a general
meeting, where the entire school membership
comes to discuss socially related issues.
These classes are part of the co-op
regulation and part of being under the
umbrella of the adult education program for
Los Gatos-Saratoga Joint Union High
School District.
Parents are also required to hold a yearlong
job related to the school, such as president,
class coordinator, hostess or board member.
"It is lots of work," says teacher Jill
Cembellin, who is just now finishing up her
first year at the nursery school but who has
taught preschool for more than 13 years. "But
it is so worth it if you choose the school
for the right reasons. It's a wonderful
center and it is so positive—there is a
sense of family, and you feel closer to the
people here than you do at other schools."
|
Photograph by Kristopher Gainey
Teacher Jill Cembellin says there is a
feeling of family at the local preschool.
|
The participating parents, who are all female
except for one father, recognize this special
atmosphere afforded by their presence.
Amita Patel, who has just finished her first
year with a child in the Teddy Bear 2's
class, enjoys the school's teaching methods
but appreciates even more the opportunity to
watch her child grow and develop.
Lisa Brett, who plans to be at the school for
a total of six years with her three
children—ages 3, 2, and 4 months—also
enjoys the interaction. "I am so pleased with
the quality of learning. It has been great
being here, and what I especially like is
that my kids do not learn bad habits."
With shelves expertly organized and stocked
full of toys and supplies, a loft for "quiet
time" and a costume corner complete with
alligator and zebra suits, the children are
obviously the focal point of the school.
And even though parents are there to aid the
children's development, it seems they reap
almost equal benefits personally. A network
of support is fostered by the highly focused
intent on positive growth and complete
dedication to a curriculum. Parents enjoy a
bonding experience that extends beyond
Saturday maintenance and park days to baby
showers, food delivery for those recovering
from childbirth, and flowers for the sick.
"I had my child late in life, and as a new
mom I'm without many friends," says Kyung Ha,
who just finished her first year at the
school. "But at this school, it's great to
know other parents are here to share
experiences with and give advice on how to do
things."
Teachers also join in on this connection and
effort to create a community. "I know it
seems unrealistic," says Nakashima, "but you
automatically become part of the family. We
eat together, play together, laugh together
and cry together. It is all on a very
personal level."
For more information about the Saratoga
Parent Nursery School, visit
www.saratogaparentnurseryschool.org.
|
|
|
|
|
|