PARENT INVOLVEMENT

When I was in the process of choosing a name for Shantivanam Children's Community, I became aware that it was best to create was a "community" not just a "school" or a "center". Our goal at SCC is not only to have a group of children who come together each day, but also to have a community of children and parents who know and care about each other and who share similar goals and values.

Since the family is an integral part of a young child's life, it is important to include the family to create the best environment for the child. While this inclusion does not mean the family must be present all day with the child, there are ways to include the family in the over-all process. By working as a team with the parents, I believe we can make the child's first five years the most positive and beneficial possible. Creating a community that includes the parents can also create an extended family atmosphere for everyone.

To encourage the development of such a community we focus on communication, teamwork, and social functions.