Chapter 2 Types of Early Childhood Programs 57
★ become familiar with creative
activities, materials, and
equipment
★ gain a more objective picture of
their child’s development
Due to all of these experiences,
many parents have reported feeling
a greater sense of self-satisfaction in
their parenting roles.
Advantages and
Disadvantages
There are many advantages to
teaching in a parent cooperative. Since
the parents make the administrative
decisions, collect fees, and order and
repair equipment, the teacher can
devote more time to the children and
curriculum. Another advantage can
be the special relationships that
many times develop between parents
and teachers.
A major disadvantage of a parent
cooperative is the lack of control
on the teacher’s part. Although the
teacher acts as an adviser, parents are
usually responsible for making rules.
At times, there may be differences
of opinion between teacher and
parents. For instance, parents may
feel that children do not have to help
return toys to the storage place. The
teacher may feel differently. This can
cause problems for many teachers.
Sessions
Parent cooperatives usually
operate for two or three hours, two
to five days each week. Sometimes fi fi
these groups are structured by the
children’s ages. For example, on
Tuesday and Thursday mornings, a
group of two-year-old children will be
scheduled. On Monday, Wednesday,
and Friday mornings, three-year-olds
may attend. Other centers may prefer
to use the “family-type” grouping. In
this type of setting, children of mixed
ages may all be included in one group.
Fees
Due to the parent’s involvement,
fees charged at a parent cooperative
are often less than at other programs.
Costs are reduced by hiring only a
head teacher. Parents serve as the
classroom aides. Generally, each
parent will assist in the classroom
several times each month. In addition,
parents volunteer to perform many of
the service activities. They may clean
and maintain the building, prepare
snacks, type newsletters, and do
some special jobs, such as painting
the classroom.
Laboratory Schools
Laboratory y schools, or
university- and college-affiliatedfi
programs, are located on a
postsecondary or college campus,
2-6. Although they provide excellent
L L La boratory y schools generally g y have highlyg y
qualified q staffs, well-planned curriculum, and
e excellent equipment.
L
q
e
2-6