Volunteering
The parent participation aspect of our school provides parents with the opportunity to be actively involved with their child’s early childhood education. Parents participate on a rotating basis as aides in the classroom, as well as on one of the 10 committees (e.g., field trips, fundraising). They also accompany the classes on field trips, bring snacks and drinks. In addition, twice yearly on weekends, there are "Dad and Me Days," when fathers come to preschool with their child.
The average volunteering time commitment per school year is 8-9 times for 2-day parents; 10-11 times for 3-day parents; and 13-14 times for 4-day parents. Parents select their own days to volunteer.
Another important aspect of the preschool is parent education. Orientation and training for assisting parents, workshops, parent-teacher conferences and monthly newspaper “The Twig” all help to give parents insights into development and behavior of their children.
Fundraising
The preschool is a non-profit organization. As members of Wilder Community Parent Participation Preschool, parents contribute time and effort to support their school. Tuition rates are based on a yearly budget sufficient to meet operating expenses at a high-quality program and to make the school self-supporting. Additional financial support comes through parental fundraising efforts.
To provide our children with quality activities and programs, we ask each family to commit to fundraising $100 each year. Our fundraising activities typically include selling Gold C coupon books, butter bread, cookie dough, pies, gift wrapping, and chocolates, among others.
Testimonials
“I'm a Mom of "3 Dayer" Milo Hauer. I can't say enough good things about Wilder preschool; I couldn't have found a better fit for me or my son! And I'm a very picky/critical person, so that's saying a lot! All the staff is friendly, enthusiastic, and good at communicating (with the kiddos and adults) and they are great with the kids! Milo loves going to school and they bring out the best in him; (at home he is very difficult, at school he behaves very well!)I think it's perfect for all the kids how Wilder Preschool balances the play/unstructured time with the academic and structured time. I can't believe how much they can fit into 2 1/2 hours – and being a parent participation preschool, you get to experience it all firsthand. I wish he could have gone another year, but he's off to Kindergarten next year. I have my fingers crossed it will go as well for us as it has at Wilder preschool. I'll get to hang around at least 2 more years, though, since my younger son will start the 2 day class in the fall.”
- Pamela Hauer
“My experience at Wilder Preschool as a parent has been beyond words. The teachers lovingly guide the children to learn. Working with the other parents in the classroom has allowed me to make new friends, and my children have made friends that carry well into elementary school, and probably beyond. It's the best environment for all.”
- Lisa Hight Fournier
“I could not be happier with the experiences my daughter has had at Wilder Preschool. The teachers go above and beyond to make learning come to life. The science experiments and math experiences are fantastic. They take difficult concepts and bring them to life for kids. In addition to the learning that takes place, students also develop socially through play. I feel sad that my daughter is leaving Wilder Preschool to enter kindergarten but I am certain that she is well prepared.”
- Tanya Friesen
“My daughter has blossomed with the support and guidance of the tremendously talented teachers here at Wilder Preschool. We have been truly blessed with all the experiences, education and development they have provided. What a wonderful beginning to my daughter’s education.”
- Shannon Diederich