The Parent-Child Workshop, a morning preschool program operated by Allan Hancock College, has begun the new school year in a new home at the Santa Maria Valley Discovery Museum.

“The classroom is set up and ready for kids,” though minor adjustments are still being made, said preschool director Judith Dal Porto, who also noted that this year is unusual because the program is not full.

“There are spots left due to the move and the summer economy,” Dal Porto said. “There normally wouldn't be.”

The program, which was located at Orcutt Presbyterian Church for at least 40 years, provides a hands-on environment for children and works to help parents appreciate the growing process.

Officials at the church where the preschool was housed decided not to continue the Hancock lease because the church needed the space to expand programs. Since starting up their own offerings took longer than expected, the church leaders were able to extend the lease for one additional year, until May this year.

Children between the ages of three and five are eligible to enroll in the workshop. Space is limited to 24 children.

The preschool program, which began its year Monday, is unique locally in that it is based on parent participation and education, rather than on solely providing child care.

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“The parent and child experience growing and learning together,” she said.

In addition to spending one morning per week at the preschool, parents enroll in a three-unit parent education course through Hancock College for four hours a week.

“The program requires a commitment on the part of the parent,” she said, adding that the total time commitment is about 20 hours per month.

Due to the parent involvement aspect of the program, tuition costs are kept low.

Although it can be difficult for parents who sometimes have two or even three jobs, some employers let parents take time off to participate in the program, Dal Porto said.

She said the museum staff has been welcoming and cooperative as the program moves in.

“Change is good,” Dal Porto said. “We have a wonderful venue.”

August 29, 2008