Preschool given new lease on life

Gingerbread House preschool graduate Jennifer Jakubec with her son Thomas, who also attended the school. After an uncertain spring, the school has secured a new lease.

Matthew Hoekstra file photo

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Gingerbread House Parent Participation Preschool has found a home—and parents at the 41-year-old school didn’t have to look far.

Earlier this year parents contacted The Richmond Review after the No. 2 Road preschool’s longtime tenancy with Richmond Presbyterian Church appeared to be coming to a close.

But the school has successfully signed a new one-year lease with the church, and is eyeing a long-term stay despite pending renovations to the church.

“We are hopeful that we can maintain our long-standing relationship with the church and work with them during renovations. Once the renovations are complete, we hope to negotiate a longer term lease,” said the school’s president Mary Irwin.

The non-profit Gingerbread House is the only parent participation preschool in Richmond. Each family that enrolls commits to volunteering in the classroom and participating in monthly parent education sessions. Parents help shape the curriculum, decide on field trips and even determine tuition rates.

The school now has space available in both its programs: for three-year-olds and four-year-olds. Parents and caregivers are welcome in the classroom and may participate as long as it takes for their child to feel safe and ready to be on their own.

“Our program appeals to families that want to be involved in their child’s early education, while at the same time giving their child some independence,” said Irwin. “It’s the best of both worlds.”

Two certified early childhood educators are employed at the school and at least one parent is on duty in the classroom each day—offering a high ratio of adults to children, said Irwin.

The school offers a large classroom and outdoor play area. Families are encouraged to share their child’s preschool experience and meet other families with children of similar ages.

For information, visit gingerbreadhousepreschool.org or call 604-204-1008. The school is located at 7111 No. 2 Rd., near Granville Avenue.