Imagine a World...

"Where every baby is welcomed, loved, nurtured, and seen for amazing, conscious and aware being they are from the beginning of life. As these babies grow, so does their capacity to love, to empathize with others, to be in relationship and to live in joy. As our first generation matures, we would see the ripple effect grow to encompass greater learning capacity, the emergence of new leaders, and healthier families and communities. Our potential is unlimited. It is time for us to come together to infuse our culture and communities with the vision, resources, and commitment to support each new member from the very beginning of their life.  It is time for them to know they are vital to our community and worthy of this commitment."

Thank you for acknowledging the value of parent education at PGAE

Source: Investing in Human Potential from the Beginning of Life: Key to Maximizing Human Capital by Wendy Anne McCarty PhD and Marti Glenn, PhD

In the Loop

It is important to us at Parent’ Place that we keep all of you informed about what is happening to our program.  This includes good news, bad news, accolades, successes, and what might be changing.  Keep reading and stay “in the loop” with us!

• The state budget from the Governor is showing continued significant cuts in education.

• As of a couple of years ago, the district was given the power to allocate Adult Education funds in any way they choose throughout the district.
• More details of the nature of next year’s allocations of funds (June 2012 – July 2013) will be apparent after the Governor’s “May Revise” is released.
• The mission of the school district and governing board is to support K-12^thgrade; the district will continue to support its adult school program to the extent that it has the resources to do so.
• Approximately 50% of the Parents’ Place budgeted funds are supplied by school district. In other words, the fees provide only 50% of the program cost.
• We must change fee for “drop-in” classes from $25 to $50. (Tots on Monday, Tots on Wednesdays and Fridays Young at Art and Fun with Food).
• Still the best deal in town!
• IF the district needs to make severe cuts due to weighted student formula, then we may have to make more severe changes in our program.
• Gail was encouraged to learn that many of our families are willing to support other families in need through donations into a scholarship fund. We will have a line item on the next registration form for your convenience to include any scholarship donations.
• Friends of Parents’ Place (a 501c3 non profit group) will begin actively promoting a fund-raising campaign to Preserve Our Program (POP) with details to follow. It will be up to YOU to sustain our program.
• There may be more changes as the days go on, and we will keep you posted. However, we are grateful to see each one of you and your children every day you are here!

Dear Elizabeth....

My 15 month son and I are new to Parents’ Place.  I love coming to classes and spending time talking to other parents who are in the same place I am…good some days not so much on other days.  My question is about what my son is really getting out of being here at Parents’ Place.  I see that he is “playing” with other kids and seems to enjoy listening to the songs at circle time, but I am questioning if that is really enough for him;  sometimes he even seems bored.  I am wondering if I should be looking for a more stimulating environment that will offer more educational opportunities to help set him up for a good school experience later.
-  Parent looking towards the future

Dear Futuristic Parent,

I am happy that you have found the Parents’ Place program.  This is a lovely place to find a community of parents with whom you can share the daily up and down experiences of parenting.  It sounds like you son is also adjusting well to the structure of the classes you attend.  It is amazing to watch a child new to Parents’ Place unfold into their place in class; some do it quickly while others take more time. 

I want to encourage you to continue to attend classes at Parents’ Place even though you feel you child may appear “bored”.  Children look to their parents to see how they should act/interact in any given situation.  If you feel your child is not as interested in the activities in class, I would suggest taking a look at how you engage in the same activities.  If you disengage during circle time (or any other activity offered) your child will follow your lead.  Now if your child simply does not want to do the art project offered that day, or if they just can’t sit through the entire circle time, no worries.  Allow your child to explore their own interests as you model the appropriate behavior for what is happening in class on that day.  You will still be able act as your child’s guardian angel if they choose to not participate. 

I also want to mention how important programs such as Parents’ Place are in terms of preparing your child for the future.  Recently James Heckman, a Nobel Laureate in Economics and an expert in the economics of human development has been discussing how early childhood development drives success in school and life.  As the brain develops rapidly from birth to age 5, the foundations for cognitive and character skills are being formed.  Here at Parents’ Place you are helping to foster not only the cognitive skills but also attentiveness, motivation, self-control and sociability.  These character skills (learned now) allow your child “turn knowledge into know-how” later on.  Your child will have the opportunity to become a more productive citizen in the future because of the chances you give them by coming to classes and interacting with you and the other students you will both encounter.  Here is to giving our children the best start towards a happy and productive future…and having a fun time at Parent’s Place!

Teacher in the Spotlight!

Linda Riddle

This past September I celebrated twenty years of teaching at Parents’ Place. It seems like only yesterday when I was a nervous new mom attending Gail Root's class with my busy one year-old son Christoph.  Now Christoph is 22 and graduating  from college in the spring! He'll be off to law school in the fall.     

 I earned my Bachelor of Arts in art education from the University of Texas and my Masters of Education at the University of Hawaii. Before moving to Pacific Grove in 1990, I taught elementary and high school art in Texas, Hawaii, Korea, Belgium and Germany. 

Having the opportunity to develop the "Young at Art" program at Parents' Place has been a highlight of my career. It is such a delight to be able to introduce young children and their parents to the joys of artistic exploration. Join me at the Friday art class to nurture your own inner artist and to expose your toddler to the wonderful world of art!

Gail is a Grandma!

Yes, I have joined the club of doting grandparents, ready to whip out and show you a photo (or whole album) of the cutest baby ever… Quinn Eero Askew, born December 27, 2011. 

Several years ago I decided to go back to school and I commuted to Santa Barbara once a month for two years, culminating in obtaining my M.A. in Pre and Perinatal Psychology and Health.  My thesis was “The Grandmother Connection; The Value of Bonding with Your Grandchild Before Birth.” 

My three daughters and sons-in-law came to my presentation and graduation; a bit “on the spot” shall we say, since no one was providing me with a grandchild in utero to practice on! It was especially hard for Wendy and Dominick as the journey to parenthood for them was a long one; however, after years of infertility and finally IVF in March, our family rejoiced with their news of a baby arriving. 

Then I had the precious opportunity to talk to this little one via my daughter’s belly whenever I could.  I also spent many, many moments visualizing his/her growth in the womb. 

I was honored to be invited to support Wendy and Dominick during the birth and welcome Quinn to the family. They carefully researched options for their family and decided upon a homebirth with local midwife.  However, as Quinn decided to delay his anticipated arrival, and went way past his due date, they decided to evict him, and went to Natividad for an induction.

Drs. Chandler and Liam were extraordinary with their care there, as was the entire nursing staff.  The midwives were welcomed as part of the team and we all worked together to welcome Quinn. What a special, joyous and magical occasion birth is.  I have attended many births through the years as a childbirth educator and doula;; however, this one was unique.  Seeing this new baby open his eyes, look directly at his parents, and turn his head to their voices made my heart sing. 

Words cannot describe my feelings as I see Wendy and Dom gently tend to their son.  Holding Quinn, singing to him (all those beloved Wee Chant songs!) and watching him grow is such a joy in my life these days. There just are not enough hours in my day to do all I desire.  However, the laundry can pile up, the dishes can stack and the floors can be dirty, because, when I have time, it is rocking my grandson that really counts.  I am a grateful grandma.