Is your child attending VPK this year? I had the great pleasure of speaking to Pat Quigley, the director of Inspirations Learning Preschool and VPK. With more than 35 years experience, I thought she would offer great advice for parents who were entering their child into the VPK program for the first time.
Please also check out The Volusia Mom Answers Questions About VPK in Volusia County for where and how to start your VPK Journey.
The Volusia Mom:
What are some things as a provider you wish parents considered before their child started VPK?
Ms. Quigley:
VPK is not babysitting. VPK is a valuable and necessary experience for children. It builds a strong foundation to help prepare the children for elementary school. A quality VPK program experience can result in children looking forward to going to school, enjoying their peers and excited about learning!
Please Be On Time. We always hope that parents appreciate and respond to schedules and time sensitive requests. An example would bringing children to school late every day. Please try to avoid that! Children feel embarrassed when their entrance into a classroom interrupts an activity and the child has missed information. As adults, we should try to remember a time when we walked into a meeting late – not knowing what we missed and feeling rather uncomfortable. Our job is to set children up for success!
Play is very important and children learn best through that experience. When children are involved in centers or engaged in play, they are also practicing and learning problem solving skills, math, science, social emotional growth, art, literacy and so much more!
The Volusia Mom:
When looking for a VPK or before their child starts, what are some things you would like parents to know?
Ms. Quigley:
When searching for the right school do some research first. Also, we always advise parents to tour and “look” at the children. Children usually provide us with the answers! Are the children engaged in activities? Does everyone seem comfortable and happy? Are there happy sounds such as laughter, good conversation, etc.? Are teachers facilitating the children offering suggestions and involved in discussions with the children?
Parents should always feel free to ask questions before or after VPK. Receiving information is a wonderful thing. We always have a VPK orientation for the families before VPK begins each year. It is a great opportunity to answer many questions and let families know what to expect in VPK. Of course, they are welcome to call and ask questions anytime,
The Volusia Mom Tip: Register your child for the VPK program, by clicking here.
The Volusia Mom:
Why is VPK important?
Ms. Quigley:
VPK can result in a happy, confident, caring individual leaving their VPK community and proudly entering kindergarten to become a contributing member of that society. This experience provides so many wonderful opportunities for children and is a definite leap toward a bright future!
About Inspirations Learning
Inspirations Learning Center has grown into one of Volusia County’s top preschools, specializing in the early childhood education of children 2 to 5 years of age. They exist for one reason, to inspire children; in all aspects of life. This entails a strong dedication to fostering relationships, providing a quality education for the children, respecting families’ diverse needs and interests and honoring children.
Inspirations Learning Center has two locations:
Inspirations Learning Center North
1205 Ridgewood Ave, Daytona Beach, FL 32117
(386) 492-7635
Inspirations Learning Center Beachside
1400 S Peninsula Dr Daytona Beach, Florida 32118
(386) 675-6960
Parents are always welcome to stop by the preschool. The staff encourages you to contact us with any questions, comments or suggestions or to schedule a tour. Not only for VPK, but Inspirations is also a preschool starting at 2 years old with availability at both locations.
About the Director.
Pat Quigley, has been in the early childhood field for more than 35 years. She was the previous director of the Daytona State College Child Development Lab School, she successfully attained national accreditation through NAEYC (National Association for the Education of the Young Child) multiple times in her career
