Parent Helpers in the Classroom

One of the most unique contributions that parents make to WVNS is working alongside teachers in the classroom. By helping in the classroom, parents gain a deeper understanding of their own children and of child development more broadly. Parents’ anxieties are often eased when observing interactions of a group of children the same age. (Other three-year-olds grab toys!) Parents also develop insights into aspects of growth still awaiting their child, such as opportunities for developing autonomy, self-expression, self-assertion or self-control. Being in the classroom allows parents to observe the teachers as they help children solve problems, resolve conflicts and make progress, giving parents a wealth of knowledge. It is an enriching experience as parents develop a new understanding of how children think, perceive and react.

When parents are directly involved in the classroom, children become acquainted with many warm and caring adults outside their immediate family. Consequently, at an early age they begin to build a picture of the outer world as safe and friendly.

Parents are scheduled in the classroom on a rotating basis, averaging about twice a month. Even in households in which both parents work outside the home, this system has proved doable. We believe that parent participation is significant to the child and the tenor of the school community; however, on occasion, parents may hire a substitute from a school-provided list when needed. This parental involvement not only keeps the tuition at a reasonable level but also brings home and school closer together, creating a closely-knit community that fosters friendships among parents as well as children. Our parents’ diverse professional skills and creative talents enrich the quality of their children’s educational experience. Along with classroom participation, families volunteer to work on committees that meet a variety of other needs and participate in fundraising events that provide funds for tuition assistance and capital improvements.