Rochester Preschool Parent Program Records, 1936-2012, bulk 1965-1997

Summary

Extent:
0.6 Cubic Feet Two letter boxes, two scrapbooks.
Language:
English .
Preferred citation:

Rochester Preschool Parent Progam Records. [box #,folder # OR scrapbook #]. Local History and Genealogy Division, Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County N.Y.

Background

Scope and content:

This collection consists of records from the Rochester Preschool Parent Program. Originally known as the Guided Observation Program, it operated from 1937 to 2018 as a pre-kindergarten program within the Rochester City School District. The collection consists of documents, photographs, 35mm slides, and two scrapbooks.

Biographical / historical:

The Guided Observation program began in 1937. Parents with 3 and 4 year old children took their children into designated classrooms at certain schools for a mixture of socialization and training by teachers on how to observe their childrens' learning. Weekly meetings with parent groups gave opportunities for discussion, especially around home and family issues. Schools 20, 36 and 44 were among the earliest schools involved with the program. The program received a mix of New York State and City School District funding until 1977.

Following budget cuts in 1977, the program was first eliminated, then revived as the Preschool Parent Program, under the leadership of Julie Guttman and Mary Temple. Parent fees rose from $8 to $12 a semester, but the increased funds were the only way that the program was able to survive. Other funding from 1978 to 1998 came through a mixture of United Way, federal Title I and local district funds. The renamed program continued operating under the same principles as Guided Observation had followed, with classroom time for children and parent group meetings. Universal Pre-Kindergarten began in the Rochester City School District in 1998. The Preschool Parent Program continued alongside it for some years to come, but the program came to an end by 2018.

Acquisition information:
Gift of Elizabeth Eng, 2023.
Arrangement:

This collection consists of 2 letter boxes and 2 scrapbooks.

Physical description:
The materials are in good condition with the exception of a few older documents that have deteriorated.
Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Access and use

Restrictions:

There are no restrictions regarding access to or use of the collection.

Terms of access:

Permission to publish, reproduce, distribute, or use in any current or future manifestations must be obtained in writing from the Rochester Public Library Local History and Genealogy Division.

Preferred citation:

Rochester Preschool Parent Progam Records. [box #,folder # OR scrapbook #]. Local History and Genealogy Division, Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County N.Y.

Location of this collection:
Rundel Memorial Building
115 South Avenue
Rochester, NY 14604, United States
Link to repository site
Contact:
585-428-8370
lochist@libraryweb.org