PCMC is guided by a set of core values. Parent education is delivered respectfully, is research-based, holistically honors the parent and child, and is appropriate for each age and stage. Play and Learn teachers strive to uphold the following principles:
- Parents know their child best. Parents (not the teacher) are the experts on their child. The term parent includes primary caregivers of all sorts.
- Curriculum intentionally develops the parent-child relationship.
- Teachers model positive interaction and the behaviors that they want to see.
- Classes are positive, fun, interactive, and joyful - helping parents enjoy the parenting experience.
- The teacher is not the keeper of all knowledge. - Teachers facilitate shared interactive learning experiences.
- The needs of individual parents and families are recognized; we accept each family where they are. Play and Learn (PAL) Family Time Playgroups are a weekly 2 hour class that parents attend with their children aged 0-5 facilitated by a professional parent educator. Families enroll in a 10-12 week PAL session where they attend classes with the same group of families whose children are in a specific age grouping (birth - walking or 3-5 years old for instance.) PAL classes follow a regular routine including free play socialization time, age-appropriate activities for the children such as art or playdough, circle time with songs and reading, snack time for children while parents engage in a facilitated educational discussion, and organized clean-up. Highly qualified parent educators share and model relevant, research-based curriculum in each class, responding to the specific needs of the families in attendance, focusing on building positive relationships and growing healthy, confident children. PAL classes are designed to increase parental resilience, build social connections, share knowledge of parenting and child development, provide concrete support in times of need, and support the development of social and emotional competence in children. Parents who attend PAL classes report feeling more informed, supported, and capable in their role. PCMC PAL classes are currently the only playgroups on the Monterey Peninsula that are offered at times when working families can attend. Saturday classes allow parents who work full-time during the week to access critical social connections and parenting support, while enjoying time with their young children.
