When Stevens began, parents were the only teachers. Today, parents continue to help in the classroom at regularly scheduled intervals.
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As Helping Parents, Stevens parents get a chance to observe their children in the classroom setting and learn what they do each day. They get to know the teachers better and get a deeper understanding of the theory and practice of progressive education. Parents may even have an opportunity to contribute their special skills and talents. The Jobs Vice-Chair coordinates the Helping Parent schedules in the summer. Although the 2s & 3s families are not part of the Cooperative structure of the school, 3s parents still do helping parent days. There are no helping parents in the 2s as the focus there is to help with separation. In addition the 2s are less likely to understand why one child’s parent is there and not their own.
3s & 4s
In these classrooms there is a helping parent every day, so that there are always three adults for the children. Parents of these children generally serve as Helping Parents about 8 to 10 days each year. The helping parent in the 4s stays for the morning only. The Helping Parent brings and prepares the daily snack; supervises one of the smaller groups during activity periods. Parents wishing to read a story or supervise a special crafts, music or other activity are encouraged to do so by pre-arrangement with the teachers. Failure to appear on an assigned day without arranging a substitute will result in the assessment of a penalty.
Elementary School
Parents of PreK children through the 6th grade spend one day per year helping in each child’s classroom. Some parents choose to have two such days and assist with day trips. Participation in class trips is especially helpful. Elementary School duties vary by teacher and by class. Helping Parents assist in the general routines of their child’s class and in other classes as well.