Learned, explored, supported: How one family grew with Project Enlightenment
Not only have her children benefited from the programs and demonstration preschool at the early childhood education and intervention program that's part of Wake County Public School System, Jennifer Zarins also grew as a parent, taking advantage of the programs, workshops and counseling
Posted — UpdatedNot only have her children benefited from the programs and demonstration preschool at the early childhood education and intervention program that's part of Wake County Public School System. She also grew as a parent, taking advantage of the programs, workshops and counseling offered through the center, which serves families with children from birth through kindergarten.
Project Enlightenment celebrates the new school year and its work from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, during its annual Project Palooza. The event features free games and activities for young children and their families. It's a fun, low-key event that my younger daughter has really enjoyed the last couple of years.
For Zarins, a former Wake County teacher, Project Enlightenment has given her new tools for her parenting toolbox. Parenting can be a tough job, but the experts at Project Enlightenment helped walk Zarins through those early years with her twins, who entered kindergarten this fall.
"It has given my children strategies for problem solving, developing their own voice and handling strong feelings," she said. "And it connected me with a network of support/resources that I continue to rely on. Every staff member I've encountered has modeled best-practices and shared their expertise in such a collaborative and supportive way, while keeping children at the center of everything they do."
She also spent time in the Parent-Teacher Resource Center, which, as I've written before, is open to the public, to check out reading material for both herself and her kids and use the production area for crafts and other items.
"I experienced. I learned. I explored. I was supported," she tells me. "Which is exactly what happened for my children each day in the Demonstration Preschool classroom."
I chatted a bit more with Zarins by email. Here's our Q&A:
Parents also can learn more during Project Palooza. The event will take place at the center, which is located at 501 S. Boylan Ave., near downtown Raleigh, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday.
Related Topics
• Credits
Copyright 2024 by Capitol Broadcasting Company. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.