A Parent Participation Preschool (PPP) is a preschool to which the parents, children and teacher all contribute, and actively participate in a creative learning environment of growth. The preschool is non-profit, founded and maintained by parents whose concern is to provide a quality educational experience for their children during the vital preschool years.

The school employs one person - the teacher. All other functions relating to the operations of the school are done by the parents - i.e.finance, maintenance, parent education, fundraising, etc. – with help from some hired professionals.

Kathy Lynn, a well known Vancouver professional speaker on parenting and children, is a great supporter of PPPs because they benefit both the child and their parents. This is what Kathy has to say about PPPs:

"Parent Participation Preschools are run by the parents. In these schools parents have the opportunity of having a say in the administration of the school, being with their child once or twice a month and attending monthly meetings with other parents which offer free Parenting Education along with a business meeting.

Research shows that parent involvement is a major factor in child success. In my experience parents who start participating with their children at the preschool or daycare level continue to do so through elementary and high school.

The children are engaged in a quality program with a qualified teacher. Teachers who choose a parent participation school bring an appreciation for the role of parents into the school situation. They are not only committed to quality early childhood education, they are committed to partnering with parents to make the experience for all parties the best
it can be.”

Your involvement in the school will take into account your schedule and abilities. You'll meet other parents who share many of your values about the importance of quality parenting, learn more about child-raising and work with like-minded and usually nice people toward joint goals. And, you will make friends for life.

Some of the advantages are:

• you can watch your child with others of the same age and see how he or she fits with his/her age group
• it's less expensive
• you'll meet other parents which reduces the isolation and loneliness often experienced by parents of preschoolers
• you'll work with parents who share your basic philosophy of involvement with your child
• you'll make lifetime friendships
• the teacher is readily available for advice and information about your child.


(this information was taken from an article that Kathy Lynn wrote in the Vancouver Sun - March 31st, 2000)

A PPP provides parents with an opportunity to regularly participate in their child's development. Through play, parents can observe and understand their own child's, as well as other children's physical, social, emotional, intellectual and creative needs, development and individuality.

A PPP allows you to learn from and enjoy a very important time in your child's life.

Our parents enjoy a very collegial and social experience as members of a PPP. We have the opportunity to broaden our own horizons as parents through ongoing parent education and guest speakers. Our children develop wonderful friendships with each other. They benefit greatly from having their parents involved at the preschool.