By Natalie Schwartz, Communications Chair, Parents Board, Reformed Church Nursery School

Apr. 22, 2015:  Over the school year, the Reformed Church Nursery School has hosted several experts to speak with and educate parents on different aspects of life with children. Topics have ranged from the psychology of preschool children to the effects of food and behavior on children to the role of fathers in early childhood and kindergarten readiness. 

Ellen Wolfson, LCSW, led a discussion about early development as our children embark on the lifelong educational journey. Ms. Wolfson enlightened the group with social and emotional milestones for nursery school children, and parents openly discussed personal experiences in this open forum. 

Eileen Iorio, founder of the Clean Green Pantry, CHHC, AADP, shared the connection between the consumption of food and how it is intrinsically tied to development, behavior, allergies, overall health, and more. Learning about the connection between the foods we eat and how they affect our children was an eye-opening experience.  

A special evening event for fathers gave nursery school dads a chance to socialize and learn how male figures play a vital role in early childhood and social development. Paul J. Donahue, PhD, director, Child Development Associates, led the discussion.  

Tricia Murray, principal of the Bronxville Elementary School, Ellen Wolfson, LCSW, and Margaret Murtagh, director of the Reformed Church Nursery School, spoke with parents from all ages about getting children ready for kindergarten, a big step in the lives of preschoolers. This seminar gave useful information to parents on preparing children for the transition, educational expectations, and tips for a successful start to the year. 

Each of these seminars allowed parents to come together to ask questions to experts in their fields about the issues that matter most to preschoolers.  As parents navigate through the preschool years, it's a great benefit to engage with other parents on a number of different topics and take that educational journey as our children do.

Pictured here:  Eileen Iorio, CHHC, AADP, presenting a talk titled "How Food Affects Children's Behavior" to Reformed Church Nursery School parents.

Photo courtesy Natalie Schwartz, Communications Chair, Parents Board, Reformed Church Nursery School