How Parent Participation Preschool Builds Kindergarten Readiness — and So Much More
- scpns
- Aug 26
- 2 min read
A Community That Prepares
Kindergarten readiness is a journey that envelops not just children, but families and early educators together. In parent participation preschools like ours at SCPNS (Santa Clara Parents Nursery School), we believe readiness blossoms when families actively take part—relationships thrive, confidence grows, and little ones step into their next big adventure grounded, curious, and calm.
The Power of Parent Participation preschool: What Research Shows
The Getting Ready study followed 220 preschoolers and their families over two years and found that when parents were actively involved, children showed stronger social-emotional skills—like better attachment, more initiative, and less anxiety. Teachers also saw big gains in early language, reading, and writing skills for these children.
What made the difference? Getting Ready isn’t a scripted program—it’s a relationship-based approach where teachers and parents work together to support learning, set goals, and nurture growth through everyday interactions.
Why It Matters—For Children, Families, and Schools
Social-Emotional Readiness
When families are invited into the learning loop, children gain a sense of security and confidence that eases the leap into school routines. They approach challenges with curiosity instead of worry, and social connections feel safer and more natural.
Language & Literacy Gains
Engaging parents in setting language and literacy goals creates powerful scaffolding at home. Children absorb vocabulary, storytelling habits, and emergent writing skills in environments that feel familiar and trusting—making kindergarten feel more accessible and less intimidating.
3. Strengthened Parent–Child and Parent–Teacher Bonds
At SCPNS, we know that attending to emotional readiness and family well-being is as crucial as teaching letters and routines. Research supports this: the Getting Ready model heightened parental warmth, sensitivity, and confidence—all foundational to nurturing children’s love of learning.
4. A Love of Learning Through Play
One of the most powerful aspects of a parent participation preschool is the emphasis on play-based learning. When children learn through play, they discover that learning is fun, meaningful, and something they can take ownership of. This early experience teaches them that school is not just about sitting still and memorizing facts—it’s about exploration, joy, and discovery. And when children feel that learning is fun, they walk into kindergarten more confident, more curious, and more open to new experiences.
At SCPNS
In our parent participation preschool model, these ideas come alive every day:
You help guide curriculum; you know what sparks joy or curiosity in your child.
You experience social-emotional learning moments firsthand, witnessing your child’s empathy and autonomy unfold.
You build strong bonds—not only with your child, but also with other parents and teachers, anchoring your family in a shared village.
You learn along side with your child and help your discover that learning can be fun.
Community Strong
SCPNS is supported by the whole village: parents, teachers, and children—all lovingly connected. When families are deeply involved in preschool, children step into kindergarten with calm confidence, budding social skills, and a genuine love of exploration. And when that happens? We all grow a little more—children, families, and community alike.
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