Parent education and cooperative preschools

Young children are being enrolled in early childhood educational programs in increasing numbers. One unique type of program is a parent cooperative preschool. In cooperative preschools parents participate in part as teacher assistants in the classroom. However, parents often have limited knowledge regarding early childhood development and learning processes. State regulations and professional organizations hold the position that adults working directly with young children in a school should possess an adequate knowledge level of development and learning. Research supports that parent education can contribute to the development of the child and the adult. Self-instructional programs can be one means to provide for parent education and adult learning. Organized and comprehensive parent education programs for cooperative parents are not readily available or accessible. The Parents As Facilitators In Cooperative Preschools: A Self-Instruction Parent Education Guidebook--was developed to address the critical need for parent education.