Preschool at North Park Elementary School

This fall, a new crop of preschoolers will join our North Park Elementary School family — a responsibility we take seriously. Studies have shown that the mental, emotional and social development that's acquired in early childhood education has an enormous impact on a child's future. And because this is such a big step for the whole family, our preschool process is as much about supporting parents as it is about teaching students. “We know the first and most important relationship for children is with their parents,” says Lisa Kampwirth, NPES preschool director and 25-year education vet. “So we really look to partner with parents. You don't sign up for the preschool and you're done. This is an ongoing relationship.”

The process begins with a family visit to NPES. Then, once students are accepted, teachers embark on home visits. “We talk to the parents about worries and concerns, and we always ask, 'is there anything unique about your family you'd like us to know to better support you?' It also gives kids a chance to show off their house, specifically their bedroom,” Kampwirth says. “Once they show us their bedroom, we're buddies. And if they're having a hard time — and everyone does at some point — we can talk about something special we remember from their house or their room.” After that, families are invited back for one more school visit before the first day, where families can play together and get used to — and excited about — the class space.

The NPES preschool program features two classrooms, one for 3-year-olds and one for 4-year-olds, staffed by 2-4 teachers at a time, including one full-time arts educator. Curriculum is based on the play-centered Reggio Emilia philosophy, which puts the child at the center of their learning process and listens to what they are interested in. “Each child is different than anyone we've ever met before, and each class is different,” says Kampwirth. “Ideas will bubble up that kids are interested in learning about, and we follow that.” For example, last year's class showed an interest in gardening. So the teachers came up with a gardening unit that included harvesting vegetables, making vegetable soup, and going on neighborhood walks to see what was growing in their neighbor's gardens.

Knowing it's not easy to send your young ones into the world, staying in touch with parents is an essential part of the NPES program. Teachers write a blog post every week, detailing what they've been doing in class, while Kampwirth pens pieces on development, like how to tackle tough bedtimes, or how to teach science to preschoolers. Teachers also hold monthly playdates, where parents can come into the classroom and discuss important issues.

While helping guide parents, these initiatives also help build a larger classroom community, in which parents can lean on and support each other. “It's a very friendly and active parent community,” says Kampwirth. “There are a lot of get-togethers.” On a personal level, Kampwirth says she made some of her best friends when her kid were in preschool (they're 19 and 15 now), and she's still very close to them. “It's a really exiting time of life, but it can be a really hard time also,” she says. “So it helps to have our support, but also for parents to support each other. I want to give parents that same opportunity [that I had].”