For almost 50 years, Lake Highlands parents of young children have found support in The Lake Highlands Area Early Childhood PTA (LHAECPTA). The group, for parents of children ranging from birth to 6 years of age, has monthly meetings from September through May. More than 200 families are involved with PTA.
“It brings people together, and helps kids’ socialization skills,” says publicity chair Lori Bradley.
The group’s goal is to make better and happier parents. At the meetings, members usually hear from an educational speaker on some subject involving child-rearing. Entertainment is often provided, such as singer/songwriter Eddie Coker, who sings and talks about parenting issues. The group, which is affiliated with the national PTA, also has liaisons with schools in the area and schedules tours of the schools to help parents make informed decisions about what school their children will attend.
President Farrel Chapman says one of the benefits is uniting mothers from different backgrounds, such as working moms and stay-at-home moms.
“It’s not exclusively stay-at-home moms. It unites us under the banner of “mommy,” and enables us to support each other, no matter what choice you make,” says Chapman, who has Kyle, 3, and Carson, about 18 months.
The group also arranges an on-site nursery during the meetings, with activities for the children, such as a puppet show or a clown. Monthly field trips and programs are also organized, including visits to the fire department or the
, pumpkin painting for Halloween or an Easter egg hunt. These are usually on weekends so the whole family can be involved.
To help fund these and other expenses, the PTA puts on a Spring Style Show and Auction and an Eddie Coker concert, among other fundraisers.
Although most of the members are mothers, there are fathers in the group as well, and Bradley says there is a diverse mix of backgrounds.
She joined the group when her family moved to
“I was looking for ways to get involved. It’s a great way to meet people in the area, and a great way for my little guy to make some buddies,” she says.
With the play groups divided up by age, she adds that kids get a chance to play with other children their own age and to make friends with whom they will likely be going to school.
“Whether you’re new to the area, a new parent, or you’ve always lived in the area, it’s a great way to meet people with common interests,” Bradley says.
Chapman grew up in the Lake Highlands area and came back after graduating from law school, but she agrees that the organization is a good way to make friends, both for her and her children.
“I love the activities for my kids, and I love the camaraderie with the other women.”
