Parent Responsibilities

Parent helping in the classroom is the most important form of participation, since without it, the school cannot function. Each family is scheduled on a rotating basis to help as a teacher-assistant in the classroom. In addition to being a general helper to the teacher, the parent helper is responsible for:

1. Arriving 15 minutes early to help the teacher set-up the classroom.
2. Providing a nutritious snack and drink for the entire class.
3. Cleaning up the classroom at the end of each class day

How often will I parent-help at Fort Hunt Preschool?

Parents are scheduled to help in the class every three to four weeks, depending on the class size and number of days the class meets each month. In an emergency, a parent may use a substitute, but not more than one third of their parent help sessions. That person may be a grandparent, caregiver or paid substitute on the school’s approved list.

May I bring younger siblings with me to parent help?

Parent helping is a special time for you and your child. Bringing a younger sibling requires a parent to direct his/her attention away from the class. Therefore, younger siblings are not allowed in the classroom during class session. On parent help days, it may be possible to trade babysitting services with another family in the class or in the school.

What other responsibilities are involved at Fort Hunt Preschool?

Each family is required to hold a school job. When choosing a job, think about your talents and preferences and choose a job that fits. Many of these jobs are fun and do not take up much time.

At least one parent from each family is expected to attend two All-School meetings each year - the fall back to school night during the first three weeks of school and the spring meeting to select next year’s officers and to approve the budget for the upcoming year.

Each family is expected to give a minimum of 10 hours of time during the year to help improve and maintain the school building, equipment and playground. (At least three of those hours must be earned from one of the school’s major fundraisers.) Parents may bring their children to work with them when providing these services.

Because parents are helping in our classrooms, they are also required to complete 8 hours of staff development activities and training that are related to child safety and development and the function of the school. In order to meet this requirement the school organizes a series of in-class training workshops and coffees throughout the school year. The school will also organize CPR/First Aid Certification for any interested families. Training may also be acquired outside the school through four year colleges, community colleges, conference workshops and training by the Division of Licensing Programs or other public/private organizations.

Families will find that the above listed requirements are easily fulfilled. The school offers many different types of jobs that can meet a variety of schedules and abilities