Article Link: http://www.exchangepress.com/article/goodness-of-fit/5022082/
One of the most often overlooked yet critical ingredients for the success of any early childhood program is the support you receive from families. This support arises from the understanding you have with families about the type of program you are running and the match with what they have in mind for their children.When I first started Cedarsong Nature School’s Forest Kindergarten, I was so thrilled that families were signing up for this unique year-round outdoor preschool that I enrolled every family who applied. When families withdrew mid-year because there was a mismatch between our expectations and theirs, I developed a selection process which ensures that each child I enroll is a good match for our specific early childhood education program and that they will continue with our school for the entire year and into the next.
Two families who enrolled in the second year of our program gave me early signs that they would not be able to fully support our program, but I missed these signs. The first child arrived every day in fashionable clothes unsuitable for the weather. While she was eager to be in the forest with us, her mother was less than enthusiastic. Every time ...