NOTE 15p.; Dot-matrix print may not copy well. PUB TYPE Reports Research/Technical (143) Tests /Evaluation Instruments (160)

Abstract

An expioratory study examined the expectations of parents toward goals, curriculum, and services of the public preschool in Hardin County, Ohio. Previous studies have shown that the goals of the preschool influence the curriculum and determine whether the preschool is academic or social in nature, that academics are emphasized even though play has been determined to be the way children learn, that a strong partnership with parents at the preschool level benefits children, and that a strong partnership with parents is evident in the Head Start program. Participants of the study were 23 parents of public preschool children, surveyed as to their perceptions and expectations regarding goals of preschool curriculum, other possible services provided by the preschool, and curriculum committee membership. The data obtained suggest that parents wanted the following: (1) a strong partnership with the teachers; (2) a strong academic environment that also stresses play as the lea:ming medium; (3) an opportunity for children to learn social skills; and (4) no involvement from the public preschool in meeting their children's medical or dental needs. The study indicates that parents want some of the standards that are evident in Head Start. (A copy of the questionnaire is included.) (BAC) Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document