We believe that you are a committed parent who is not content to sit on the sidelines. Oh no, my guess is that you want to be fully-informed, active partners in your child’s VPI education.
The children in the VPI early childhood program will be receiving an educational foundation that is second to none. We want you to know everything about this program. Come into our classrooms and have a look. The staff is willing to show you what they do. They can use your help, as well. Ask them what you can do to be involved in and to contribute to your child’s class. They’ll gladly tell you. In fact, they’ll gladly get you involved and they might just sign you up on the spot.
Will you be willing to:
 tell or read a story to the class?
 do arts and crafts with a small group?
 conduct a cooking (math and science) activity?
 share your favorite hobby or talent with the students?
 teach the class a new song and make up a dance to go with it?
 help with a counting or sorting activity?
 teach the students nursery rhymes?
 write as students dictate stories?
 make flash cards?
 make puppets and a puppet stage?
 design and / or put up classroom bulletin boards?
 create flyers or artwork to be sent to other parents?
 type (word process) notices for parents?
 organize a classroom telephone tree?
 lend items from your home such as books or toys to the class?
 telephone other parents about special classroom events, field trips, volunteer needs, or other special needs?
 teach children how to build and fly a kite?
 help children make a scarecrow or build a snow family?
 go with the class on a nature walk?
 contribute snacks or refreshments?
 make scenery or costumes for a play?
 donate magazines or greeting cards for art activities?

These are just a few of the ways that you can assist your child’s classroom, teachers, and students. Every parent or family member has something to offer!
Many of you are already infused with the VPI spirit and we want to build on that. How can you become involved in your child’s education?
First and foremost, don’t wait to be asked. I’m here to tell you that if you want to participate, there is a place for you. Involvement in our VPI classrooms can be contagious for some – the more you participate, the more you’ll discover how beneficial your help can be.
What will you get for your contributions to your child, the other VPI children, the teachers, and the classroom? You know you will be paid absolutely nothing, nada, zippo. But there will be fantastic rewards for you that cannot be deposited in a bank account, such as:
 your child’s smile
 the look of wonder on the face of a student who has learned something, thanks to your help
 the knowledge that those laughing, vibrant children are enjoying themselves and learning because of your efforts
 a greater understanding of how your child learns in the classroom
 the knowledge that together you and the teachers form an educational team in preparing your child for kindergarten
So, when you ask your child’s teacher how he or she is doing, also ask:
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How can I help in the classroom?
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What do you need from me?
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Are there things that I can do for you at home that may help you in the classroom?
 How can we solve this together?
 What can I do to help you keep the ball rolling?
Sylvia Smith Dyer
VPI Family Involvement Specialist - West Area
780-6087 sdyer@richmond.k12.va.us