Parents as Para-Professionals in the Haarlem Pre-School Project

Abstract

The origins of this project stemmed from the convictions of a group of parents who believed on the importance of pre-school education and parental involvement in it for the future school careers of their children. This way have been long accepted by some sections of the community who have made the effort to provide a stimulating enviroment for their young children, but it is by no means as common a view amoung working class people who may have had little eductaion themselves. The levels of wages, the time available, the cultural patterns of the family, thier own school experience and expectations for their children are all important factors in determining pople’s attitudes towards pre-schooling.