At the Barn, parents and teachers work together to insure that your child's first school experience is a happy and positive one. The school is viewed as an extension of the home, where parents may drop in unannounced anytime. Teachers visit each child at their home before the school year begins. Family picnics, Big Person Night, and a pot luck supper for "parents only" are among the special events held throughout the school year.
As a cooperative, the Barn relies upon parental participation and support. Parental responsibilities take many forms, such as:
On each class day, there are two or three parent helpers at the Barn. Duties include: assisting the teachers and children (including your own); setting up activities, as directed by the teachers; providing a snack for the class; and doing the daily clean-up.
Each year, a parent helper workshop is conducted at the Barn for all prospective parent helpers. Parents help in the classroom one or two days a month, depending on the program in which their child is enrolled.
This commitment is a wonderful way to become acquainted with all the children in the class, and at the same time have some fun with your child while sharing his/her education.
The Barn facility itself requires a modest amount of attention from all Barn families. This involves helping to maintain a clean, safe, and attractive environment for all, averaging 4 hours per year on a wide range of tasks.
Another way the family atmosphere is encouraged is participation on one of a wide range of committees, each administering one aspect of Barn needs: Extended Day, Health, Maintenance, Membership, Social, Newsletter, Purchasing, Scheduling, and Fundraising.
Since the Barn relies on both fundraising and tuition to pay its expenses, each Barn family is expected to help with and participate in fundraising events held throughout the year.
I enjoyed being able to observe my child interacting with the other
children. I also enjoyed getting to know other parents as we
parent-helped together.
- Barn Parent
The Barn has been an invaluable experience for our entire family. We
are now all part of a loving, caring, and supportive community.
- Barn Parent