What early childhood PTA means to me!

I am “aging out” as they call it in early childhood PTA terms.  My youngest is currently six years old so I was able to get in for one more year.  As this year comes all to quickly to a close (we work on a school year) I am saddened by the end of this era of my life but so thankful that I found this group and made so many wonderful friends.

My youngest now in first grade, started kindergarten knowing seven kids in his class from PTA.  He was so confident starting school because frankly, he was going with all his friends.  The parents and I all stood outside the kindergarten building together happy and tearful at the same time that our little ones were starting school.  We wouldn’t however have each other if it weren’t for early childhood PTA.

I found out about the PTA from a flyer at the Kamms Corners 4th of July parade when my oldest was almost a year old.  I joined that fall and it was one of the best parenting decisions I have ever made.  Every single speaker at meeting has in some way educated me on something related to my or my childs well being.  So many parents have offered support or advice through the Yahoo group or at social events.

Even this year, with my kids being older I have learned a tremendous amount from the speakers on estate planning, occupational therapy and community night.

If you are considering joining an early childhood PTA, please do.  They will bring  you so much, and while they may ask for you to help out with activities or volunteer on a committee it will be returned to you 10 fold in what you will gain from the group.  I have heard that not all early childhood PTA’s are the same, but West Park’s is for me and the great friends and families my family has gotten the privilege of knowing over these years.