Vashon's Cooperative Preschool Goes Blue

Online, March 28, 2011 (Newswire.com) - In solidarity with children and families everywhere working through the complexities of Autism, the Vashon Maury Cooperative Preschool will participate in International Autism Awareness Day this Saturday, April 2nd by lighting its porch blue-the designated color of Autism Awareness. The Cooperative Preschool, a 35-year staple of the Vashon community and a successful experiment in community involvement education, has chosen to become a beacon for Autism awareness as an extension of the organizations commitment to families standing together in support for one another-both in and out of the classroom. As an early education program, preschool is often the place where parents first notice signs that their children could have developmental conditions such as the Autism spectrum disorders. By diagnosing learning disorders early, particularly during the stages of early language adoption, parents can provide specialized instruction and programs designed to communicate these critical building-block skills that are necessary for ongoing success throughout their school careers. The Vashon Maury Cooperative Preschool continually explores ways to recognize this opportunity and connect concerned parents with the specialists who provide diagnosis and guidance.

In addition to the blue-light for Autism, Co-op parents and students will also march down Vashon Hwy SW at 11:30am wearing blue clothing for Autism, which affects one out of every 110 children, in America, including one of their own Co-op families. "When something affects one family, it affects all of our families," stated Co-op parent Kelly Keenan, "We have chosen to raise our children as a community, and 'lighting it up blue' is the least we can do."

In addition to their blue awareness campaign, parents and students will also be sporting colorful bandanas in celebration of their upcoming Gypsy Caravan themed Auction, which is a tribute to the web of community that has connected families on Vashon for generations, and the conscious choice to raise children interconnected with their world. "Being part of a community that is so welcoming and wonderful has been an absolute gift," explained Co-op parent Marie Loeb, "Having a child with special needs is often isolating, but the Co-op does all they can to help from accepting modified diets to rallying a well deserved adults' night-out."

"This is why we chose the Gypsy Caravan theme for our auction," remarked auction chair and co-op parent Tami Brockway Joyce, "This time-honored Cooperative is a community larger than the sum of its parts, and this supportive network of families that we have created travels with us wherever we go."

About the Vashon Maury Cooperative Preschool
VMCP opened its doors in 1975, and is one of the longest running preschools on Vashon Island, Washington. Student and parent educators are highly trained professionals and experts in their fields, while parents act as assistant teachers and handle the administrative aspects of running the school. VMCP educates the entire family with resources for parents including classes in child development, a lending library, and round the clock access to highly trained parent educators.

Vashon Maury Cooperative Preschool will be having an Open House April 2nd from 10 - 4.

About the April 16th Gypsy Caravan Auction
In a celebration of family, friends, and community VMCP will have an extravagant night of local, organic, and authentic Romani fare including Sweet Water beef, Kurtwood Farms cheese, homemade pierogies and truffles, and drinks. Belly dancing, fortune telling, gypsy music, the world's only traveling Romani museum, Lolo Diklo, guided by its curator, Vashon's own Morgan Ahern. Auction items include: a shiny new scooter, a week's lodging at a beautiful villa in Puerta Vallarta, wine from Andrew Will winery, and much more. Tickets are $25 and are available at Brown Paper Tickets and at both Vashon bookstores. All proceeds go to keeping VMCP the least expensive preschool on the island, and providing scholarships to families in need.

Media Images Available Upon Request: press@vmcp.org

Additional Information at www.vmcp.org
VMCP is on Facebook as Vashon Maury Cooperative Preschool
VMCP is on Twitter @ CoopPreschool

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