Parent Education Cooperatives

In the Parent Education Cooperatives, parents study their children's development and behavior at different ages and participate fully in that learning process. There is opportunity for parents to share ideas with other parents, to learn new ways to enjoy children, and to make new friends.

Why parent education?  Parenthood requires education and experience, just like any other occupation.   These parent education programs are the best way to help parents of young children become more effective in their important role as parents...learning skills of successful parenthood.

Features

• Cooperative preschools for parents and children ages two to five years, and toddler classes for children under age two. Parent must attend toddler class, or preschool weekly; learn with the children and other parents; attend  monthly meetings on management of the preschool; and enjoy additional parent education presentations and discussions.
• Teachers hired by each cooperative to set children's curriculum, with college faculty support.
• Parent educators assigned by the Family Life Department to support each cooperative.

For Children

Parent Education Cooperative offer children:

• Developmentally appropriate activities to meet each child's needs for social, mental, emotional, physical and creative growth.
• Opportunities to interact with children of similar ages.
• Variety of equipment, learning games, expressive material and art activities not generally available at home.
• Friendly, accepting adults to provide a safe, nurturing environment.

• A chance to build self-confidence and a positive self-image.

For Parents

Parent Education Cooperatives offer parents:

• Opportunities to participate in their children's education.
• Ways to broaden their knowledge of child development through special meetings, workshops, lectures and discussions.
• Opportunities to work with a parent educator to learn diverse parenting styles and options.
• A better understanding of children through observation and interaction in the classroom.
• Problem solving support from other families in the cooperative.
• Active leadership roles as mangers of the cooperative preschool.

All the Parent Education Cooperative programs are affiliated with the Skagit Valley College Family Life Education Department with parent cooperative located at various sites in the communities.

Parents may enroll at any time during the year as opening are available.

The Family Life Team

L to R: Parent Education Instructors: Susan Corbin, Cheryl Hawes, Jeanne Gardner and Carol Thomas; Family Life Coordinator and ECE Instructor: Jane Hohne; Early Childhood Education Depart.Chair: Marilyn Chu

Dr. Marilyn Chu

Early Childhood Education, Department Chair

2405 East College Way
Mount Vernon, WA 98273
Phone: (360) 416-7787
Email: marilyn.chu@skagit.edu

Early Childhood Education Department Chair at the Mount Vernon Campus and lead instructor. Marilyn has a studied at the University of Michigan, Pacific Oaks College, Western Washington University and earned her doctorate in Child Youth and Family Studies at Nova Southeastern University. She has held a variety of positions over the past 14 years including child care center licensor, child care center director, family literacy program director and parent education/early childhood education instructor. Preparing students to work successfully in a diversity of roles with children and families in the context of their culture and community is a particular passion for Marilyn.

Jane Hohne

Family Life Program Coordinator

2405 East College Way
Mount Vernon, WA 98273
Phone: (360) 416-7625
Email: jane.hohne@skagit.edu

Jane received a B.S. degree in Elementary Education from Miami University and a M.A. degree in Early Childhood Education from Andrews University. Jane has nearly 35 years of experience working with children, families and students in positions including classroom teaching, childcare center, school administration, and college-level instruction. Jane is committed to helping students successfully transition from secondary education and workforce positions to Skagit Valley's higher education programs.