SCHOOL IN 40TH YEAR OF GIVING PARENTS ROLE IN EDUCATION.

Byline: Joanne Crawford / Education Columnist

Lancaster Parent Nursery Inc. marks its 40th year of operation this month as a ``parent participation'' facility.

Parents are required to take part in their children's education by assisting in the classroom at the nonprofit, state-licensed nonsectarian school. Parents also assist in repair and maintenance.

``We believe that the most rewarding preschool program is one that involves parents' interest and participation,'' director Kay Engram said. ``By parents participating, they are able to observe for themselves successful teaching methods, suitable play materials for various age groups and the progress each child is making in his or her relationship with other children and adults.''

She added: ``It is our hope, that when children come to us they learn to value themselves as a worthwhile person, understand the world around them, attain good physical coordination, and find learning a source of delight and satisfaction.''

The school, which has a board of directors composed of about 18 parents, has rented property from St. Paul's Episcopal Church since 1966. It was originally housed at Cedar Avenue and Milling Street, where a fire station now stands.

A typical day at the school revolves around the idea of ``creative play,'' which officials believe is the most effective kind of learning, Engram said.

``We deal with language development, social development and it is certainly the purpose of our school to extend and supplement early home experiences in an environment planned to further each child's development through living and learning with his or her peers,'' Engram said.

Children play with dough, make collages, finger paint, paint, and go on field trips to places like the Lancaster library and fire station, she said.

``We share quiet time and music, puzzles and stories. We exercise large muscles on our well-equipped and extensive playground,'' Engram said. ``We provide a comprehensive body movement program administered by a highly professional staff, and we also have special readiness programs for pre-kindergarten.''

Teacher Nancy Fuller praised the involvement of parents at the school.

``It's just wonderful . . . you can't beat it,'' Fuller said. ``It helps the parents to grow and learn along with the child. You learn a lot about your own children. The parents make friends that they have for life.''

The school operates off tuition, a scholarship fund, fund-raising projects and some donations from businesses for special projects such as raffles, she said.

About 50 students are enrolled at the school and openings are available in all classes for the 1997-1998 school year, Fuller said.

A class for 3-year-olds meets Tuesday and Thursday from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. for $60 a month.

The class for 4-year-olds meets Monday, Wednesday and Friday, also from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., for $70 a month.

An afternoon class for 4-year-olds is available Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday for $80 a month, Fuller said.

To commemorate the 40th anniversary, officials are compiling an alumni cookbook for fund-raising purposes, Fuller said.

Due out in November, the cookbooks will cost $7 each.

People who have attended the school since it was established in 1957 are submitting recipes for main dishes and casseroles, appetizers and beverages, soups, salads and vegetables, meats, poultry and seafood, breads, rolls and pastries, cakes, cookies and candy.

A ``this and that'' section is set aside for children's recipes, Fuller said.

A special yearbook is being compiled about the 1997-1998 students and current happenings at the school and an alumni Christmas luncheon is set for Dec. 17, Fuller said.

Anyone interested in enrolling preschool children at Lancaster Parent Nursery Inc. can call Engram, Fuller, Karen Bergman or Francine Carroll at the school, [phone].

LANCASTER - The Antelope Valley College automotive department has announced the arrival of new smog-testing equipment valued at $40,000 from the California Bureau of Automotive Repair.

The system is designed to train automotive technicians on the revised California smog-check program scheduled to go into effect March 1, college public relations director Steve Standerfer said.

``Under the current program, officials are concerned with hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide emissions,'' Standerfer said. ``The new program requiring the equipment will add a check for oxides of nitrogen. . . . Since oxides of nitrogen can only be generated under higher temperatures and pressures, officials have turned to the new devices which stimulate acceleration under different load conditions.''