Parental Involvement

Premier honors parents as being their child's first and most formative teacher. A parent-as-partner philosophy has been adopted as one way to encourage children's cognitive, social and emotional development. Parents are encouraged to participate in programming, give feedback, and serve in leadership capacities. Premier is committed to making every reasonable accommodation to families and children who have distinct cultural requirements. Staff receives in-service diversity and sensitivity training to better serve the children and families. Likewise, families are invited to communicate specific customary needs and requirements to staff. Premier hosts an array of multicultural events at the sites such as Cinco de Mayo and Mardi Gras. Also, staff introduces children to a new country every month to share in-depth knowledge of its language, customs, food and government.

Premier values parental input, and it provided parents many opportunities for meaningful feedback and leadership. Parents have the opportunity to make anonymous comments and criticisms through a suggestion box located in the lobby area of both centers. Parents are also welcomed to communicate concerns or issues to teachers on the reports that are sent home with children each day. Premier has a Parent Coalition that affords parents the opportunity to get and stay connected in events and activities, model leadership and the importance of education to their children, and effectively suggest changes and improvements at Premier. There are also two positions reserved for parents, with full voting rights, on the Premier's Board of Directors. This ensures that parents are involved in creating and managing the policies and practices that affect their children, and it guarantees continued accountability of Premier's leadership and staff to parents.

Premier encourages the frequent participation of parents in its activities. Recently, Premier launched a new set of fatherhood initiatives, the Distinguished Men of Premier Academy, that recognize and more fully integrate the role of fathers and significant other male role models into the lives of their children. On Fatherhood Fridays, fathers are invited to enjoy breakfast with their children and participate in special activities in the classroom such as arts and crafts and reading books.