Partnering With Parents

At our preschool, we believe that children thrive when families, educators, and the community come together. Inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy, we value the rich contributions parents and caregivers bring to our learning environment. Together, we nurture children’s natural curiosity, support child-directed exploration, and create meaningful connections between school, home, and the wider community.

We invite families to partner with us by sharing their time, skills, and resources. Our classrooms grow and transform through the use of recycled goods, loose parts, and natural materials—items that spark creativity and imagination. Everyday objects, such as buttons, jars, wood scraps, fabric, shells, or pinecones, can become extraordinary learning tools in the hands of children.

When parents and the community contribute materials, knowledge, or experiences, they help expand the possibilities of play and discovery. Whether it’s donating reusable items, helping collect natural treasures, or sharing a family tradition or skill, your involvement deepens the learning journey for every child.

How You Can Help

As of October 2025 we are needing:

  • Someone with a chainsaw and the ability to use it (time commitment .5 hours)

  • We’re looking for pieces of scrap wood for projects inside and outside of the classroom

  • Kitchen supplies for a playground project: wood or metal pots, pans, utensils, colliders etc

  • Clear Pump Containers with labels removed

Recycled & Loose Parts

  • Cardboard tubes (paper towel, wrapping paper)

  • Small boxes, egg cartons, or clean food containers

  • Bottle caps, lids, corks

  • Buttons, beads, and fabric scraps

  • String, ribbon, yarn, or twine

  • Paper of all kinds (scrap, construction, or specialty paper)

Natural Materials (you can easily find them on a walk)

  • Pinecones, acorns, and seed pods

  • Smooth stones and pebbles

  • Seashells or driftwood

  • Dried leaves, flowers, or branches

  • Small pieces of untreated wood

  • Clipping from your gardens

Skills & Community Connections

  • Sharing a cultural tradition, story, or song

  • Demonstrating a craft, art, or gardening skill

  • Helping care for our outdoor spaces

  • Volunteering for classroom projects or events

Your generosity directly supports child-led exploration, imagination, and discovery. Every contribution—big or small—helps create a learning environment that reflects our community’s creativity and care.