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The parents and families who enroll their children in the TCC centers come to us from as far away as China and Australia—and from as near as next door. As a group, they are racially and culturally diverse, and the various family configurations they represent—single or married, same-sex couples, grandparents or guardians—add depth to the TCC community.
At TCC, the involvement of parents and families is essential. Through parent-teacher conferences and curriculum discussions, the family of each TCC child is encouraged to help us meet the child's needs and the family's expectations. Parents and families often visit our centers and participate in field trips, sing-alongs, and classroom activities ranging from storybook readings and musical presentations to an exploration of fractal geometry (i.e., colored cut-outs on the floor) with the toddlers.
Our parents and families make an invaluable contribution by helping us nurture respect and appreciation for cultural variation. More than 50 of our families are bilingual; several are trilingual. During most semesters, our families represent more than 20 different countries. The children are often treated to visits from community members who demonstrate skills such as brush calligraphy or the art of making a tribal mask. We also share photographs and special stories about our widely varied places of origin.
The bonds that form at TCC often extend beyond the doors of our centers. Parents frequently form play groups for socializing outside of TCC, and one family may help another out with babysitting. Our TCC "alums"—now growing or grown—have sent postcards to us from around the world, and every now and then one of them even comes back to visit.
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