צו זיין אַ דעלעגאַט פון די עלטערן פון תלמידים אין קינדער - גאָרטן

Your child is now in nursery school and you want to actively participate in his academic development? Why not become a parents’ delegate? We explain everything about this particular role within schools. 

What is the role of the parents’ representatives in kindergarten?

Being part of the parents’ representatives is above all playing an intermediary role between the parents and the school staff. The delegates will thus be able to exchange regularly with the teaching staff and the management of the establishment. They can also play a mediating role and can alert teachers to any problems. 

How to become a member of the parents of students?

First thing to know: it is not compulsory to be a member of an association to become a delegate. But of course you have to be elected, in the parent-teacher elections, which take place every year in October. Any parent of a student, whether or not a member of an association, can present a list of candidates (at least two) in the elections. That said, it is obvious that the more candidates you have elected, the stronger your representation within the School council.

Do you need to know the school system well to be a representative?

Not necessarily ! When a senior enters kindergarten, school is often a distant memory for his parents. But precisely, un good way to understand and actively participate to the current school system is to join a parents’ association. This allows to engage with the educational community (educational team, academy inspector, municipality, public authorities), to be the mediator between families and the school and to participate in community life often rich. Carine, 4 children (PS, GS, CE2, CM2) has been in charge of an association for 5 years and confirms: “Above all, you have to be interested in the community to be a delegate. It is not so much the knowledge of the system which matters, but rather what one can give to its association in the general interest ”.

I do not know the workings of associations, I am not comfortable in public…. What could I be used for?

From shoveling the earth to develop the “educational garden” to writing your association’s profession of faith, don’t worry, all talents are useful… and used! Getting involved in an association means knowing how to get your hands dirty in tasks that are sometimes very offbeat.Constance, 3 children (GS, CE1) remembers with humor: “Last year, we had a cake sale to finance a project. After spending my morning in the kitchen, I found myself selling, but mostly buying my own cakes because my kids wanted to participate too! “

Will I have to attend boring meetings?

Precisely no! The advantage, in kindergarten, is that you benefit from a more fun investment. As the educational project is more flexible than in elementary, teachers organize much more recreational activities and often call on your many talents. It may be less academic but very rewarding, because you are at the heart of the action. Nathalie, 1 child (MS) was a professional dancer. She put her talents at the disposal of her daughter’s school: “I organize dance and body expression classes. It was the director who asked me because this activity corresponded to the שולע פּרויעקט. I made less envelopes than the other parent delegates, but I participated actively according to my area of ​​expertise »

Will I be able to discuss pedagogy with the teachers?

No. You are the first educators of your children, and theTeachers appreciate having interlocutors who represent the parents of their students. But that doesn’t mean you can reforming the school or improving curricula, even if you have revolutionary ideas. The intrusion into the life of the classes and the methods of the teachers is always very badly lived – and you will be quickly called to order!

On the other hand, you will be appreciated for suggestions for outings, or for convey parents’ wishes to teachers regarding children’s pace : the nap does not last long enough and they are tired? The playground scares the little ones? Bring up the info! 

Are we really able to change things?

Yes, little by little. But it is a long process. The associations weigh on certain decisions such as the choice of a class trip, or that of a new provider for school catering. They also very often raise stewardship issues that their tenacity ends up resolving! But be careful, don’t get me wrong, being a parent delegate doesn’t open the door to National Education. Political issues, educational choices, school projects are rarely discussed during school councils or other meetings. Marine, 3 children (PS, CP, CM1) has created a local association for a few years, but remains clear about her role. “We certainly represent a counter-power in the face of the juggernaut that is National Education, but we should not idealize our influence: we managed to put a non-slip mat at the entrance of the school after three years. fight. “

Will I be able to help my child better?

Yes, because you will be well informed about the life of his school. But remember you represent all parents. You are therefore not dealing with any particular case – and even less with your own children – although you may have to play a role of mediator in a conflict between a family and the school. Constance regrets the attitude of some parents: “One year, one of the parents in my association had the sole action of trying to finance a DVD player for his son’s class because he woke up earlier than the children. others from the nap. On a personal level, there is still an indisputable benefit, especially in kindergarten: children really appreciate that their parents are present in their world. It brings together “his two worlds”, school and home. And in his eyes, this contributes a lot to promoting the school. A good point for his future learning.  

Are the projects we propose accepted?

Not always ! Sometimes you have to be pugnacious. Your initiatives, welcome as they are, are often bitterly discussed and sometimes rejected. But don’t let that stop you from being force of proposal. Carine has already been bitterly disappointed: “With a teacher from a major section, we had launched the English bath for her students: two hours a week an external speaker came to teach English in a fun way. This initiative was stopped dead by the National Education on the grounds of equal opportunities: it would have been necessary that all the major sections of all the nursery schools could benefit from it. We were disgusted ”.

But other projects are successful, we should not be discouraged: “My children’s canteen was really of poor quality. And the meals were served in פּלאַסטיק טאַץ ! Once warmed, plastic is known to release endocrine disruptors. Not great! We decided to act. With the association of parents of pupils, we have mounted actions to raise public awareness of the issue. Animations around the quality of meals, information panels, meetings at the town hall and with the school principal. A big mobilization of all parents of students. And we managed to make things happen! The provider has been changed, and plastic banned from meals. You must keep trying ! », Testifies Diane, mother of Pierre, CP.