I am writing to express my concern over the effect of the proposed new language in 22VAC40-185-245 regarding the required training for parents who participate in cooperative preschools. The implementation of the new language for such parents would no doubt ensure the termination of the cooperative preschool. I have a vested interest in Dulin Cooperative Preschool, in particular, as my granddaughter currently attends this school. My daughter, son-in-law, and I all are participating cooperative volunteers. Of greater concern to me is the number of children in Virginia who will be adversely affected if parents at a cooperative preschool are required to complete the number of hours of orientation and additional training hours put forth in proposal.

I have thirty-four years experience in education. I was a teacher in grades K, 1, and 2. I know firsthand the importance of involving parents in a child’s education. My students whose parents played an active role during those early crucial years were more successful not only during the year I had them but in the years that followed. There was not a single more significant factor in the success of my students than that of engaged parents.

Please acknowledge the benefit of cooperative preschools whereby teachers and parents unite to provide the initial (and in my view, the most critical) educational experience for children. Please recognize the children attending cooperative preschools will suffer if the proposed language is allowed to dismantle the traditional cooperative model.

Please remove “who are not considered staff” from the ongoing training exemption for cooperative preschools (22VAC40-185-245C).

In closing, I implore you to consider the impact of the new proposed regulations. Cooperative preschools are the most viable option for many Virginia families. And in many instances, cooperative preschools may be the only option. All children deserve a chance to learn, achieve, and reach his/ her potential. Please ensure our children are afforded that opportunity.