In the heart of the busy and bustling central business district (CBD) of Beijing lies an elegant, sustainably designed building bustling with happy children and parents. The BCIS Early Childhood Center (ECC) stands out amid the dense skyscrapers and crowded streets of Shuangjing, with its beautiful rooftop garden and classes full of happy students exploring and inquiring about the world. This convenient location allows parents with packed schedules, rigorous work and difficult meetings to take a short break and stop by the ECC and learn with their children. In fact, the ECC’s doors are always open to parents, who often stop in to use the state-of-the-art facilities and participate in community events, making this kindergarten truly unique. In fact, this tight connection between the school and parents allows students to develop in a safe, connected and happy learning environment. 

“Having parents involved reduces anxiety for children of all ages. There are consistent boundaries, limits, strategies and similar values that create security for all children,” explains ECC principal Jackie. Parent-school connections are very important, especially in the early years. As younger students are still getting used to transitioning from home to school, BCIS ensures that they feel safe and welcome at the ECC. Parents are welcome to join toddlers as they begin their learning journeys and help the adjust to the inclusive ECC environment. This time also allows parents to familiarize themselves with the learning expectations at the ECC and assuage any anxieties about their children’s kindergarten experience. 

Parents eager to learn more about their child’s learning can sign up for Parents as Learners (PAL) workshops, which cover topics from inquiry-based play where parents complete learning activities as their children would in class to practical parenting advice on children’s social-emotional development and family well-being. These workshops give parents valuable insights into their children’s learning as well as novel research-backed parenting strategies to implement at home. They also serve as the basis for the strong ECC parent community. Parents who attend PALs already have a strong support group to learn and grow together! 

Community events are another big attraction for ECC parents. Class and whole-school events are always an occasion to celebrate, and the fun isn’t only for students. Whether it’s costume day or pajama day, parents can stop by the ECC dressed up in festive attire and enjoy making wonderful memories with their children. The annual Chinese New Year parade is another favorite for parents and students, where they can dress in traditional Chinese clothing and enjoy traditional snacks and games together. Having parents at these events makes them even more special for children, and lets parents spend precious time with their children as they learn and grow. 

As wonderful as PALs and community events are, every day is an excellent day for parents to visit the ECC. The open doors at the BCIS Main Campus and the ECC mean that parents are always welcome to come and enjoy the excellent facilities. Parents can often be found in the ECC library, perusing thousands of wonderous children’s books that they can check out and take home. Other parents simply come to enjoy the radiant atmosphere at the ECC, working close by their children. The gym, swimming pool and field at the Main Campus are also all popular attractions for families getting into fitness together. 

Having parents on campus, whether it is for a workshop, a community event or just for fun benefits our whole community. BCIS sets students up for lifelong learning and success, and parents learning alongside their children sets an excellent example of how we continue to grow even after we leave school. Students feel more comfortable knowing their parents are involved in their learning, which is especially helpful for younger learners transitioning to kindergarten for the first time. Plus, parents can learn important new information themselves. “Parents gain a sense of what the children are doing and why, and what the children are learning. They also walk away with strategies that they can use at home, and deeper friendships, a new tribe that understands what they understand learning to be,” explains Jackie. Parents who join us on campus enrich their own knowledge, their students’ learning experiences and the whole BCIS community!