An essential part of Woodland Parent Nursery School is the whole family learning that takes place and the wrap-around support offered to families. We understand the importance of community in raising our children and we build meaningful and lifelong relationships between our children and between the adults in their lives.
In-Class Education
Each adult member of WPNS has the opportunity to learn effective communication and conflict resolution and get a deeper understanding of child development under the guidance of our trained teacher during their in-class participation days. They also engage in an end-of-the-day discussion with the teacher about their observations, questions, and reflections.
Daily Updates
Families get to snuggle up and read about each morning’s fun-filled and messy adventures in a daily letter from the Director.
Here’s the Director’s thoughts on why these letters are so impactful:
“I have several purposes for sending these letters. It’s difficult for any of us but especially for young children to answer the question, “How was your day?” So one of my purposes is to provide a way in to discuss the day. Sometimes, I might include a story that felt unresolved, so that in discussion with their safe grownup in a cozy safe time, they might be able to process an event further.
A couple of other purposes, but not all:
- To convey they are important and what they do is important.
- To observe, document, and reflect on what children are working on. This is an emergent curriculum practice and informs materials and setup of the environment and support.
- To support literacy development through meaningful communication, storytelling, and subsequent conversation.”
Family Ed Nights
We learn in real-time and in dynamic situations with our children about how to best support their development as we play. We get to reflect and ask and respond to each other’s questions both in the moment and at the end-of-the-day discussion. The WPNS approach to child development is evidence-based and grounded in research. We meet every other month to learn about the science behind the play and ways to carry over the Rainbow School lessons into other aspects of our lives. These classes are mandatory for enrolled families and open to the wider Woodland community.
This year, the workshops are developed from The Way of Play: Using Little Moments of Big Connection to Raise Calm and Confident Kids by NYT bestselling author of The Whole-Brain Child, Tina Payne Bryson, PHD & Georgie Wisen-Vincent, LMFT. Fun Fact: Georgie Wisen-Vincent was a parent in Teacher Michelle’s class at Cottage Co-op in Pasadena, CA.
Want more information? Want to attend our next meeting? Reach out to membership@woodlandparentnurseryschool.org
Family Responsibilities
Each family contributes uniquely to decision-making, problem-solving, and making our school the wonder-filled place it is. In running our school, members take on leadership and service roles, gain and enhance skills, and discover and develop talents. Our families go on to make a fundamental difference in area schools, the lives of children, and the Woodland community and beyond.
- Participation in the classroom
- Utilize your talents and sign up for a school job
- Fundraise for the school
- Two work parties per year (school maintenance and clean-up)
- Family Education
- Weekend Maintenance
Family Socials
Join other families during our all-school social events. These events may be kid-friendly or adult-only, and take place at local spots or at the school on weekends. Connect with other families at the school – find support and build friendships.
