What is a Cooperative Preschool?
Taking part in a cooperative preschool allows you to be directly involved with your child’s early education. A developmentally appropriate curriculum is planned by our teachers then carried out with the assistance of parent helpers. The children learn social, emotional, and intellectual skills through cooperative and creative play in a hands-on environment.
Parents assist directly in the classroom on work days and with the administration and maintenance of the school. When you choose a cooperative preschool you commitment to extra time to bond with your child and create memories together. A co-op preschool provides many opportunities for parents who want to be involved, some of the benefits include:
- Getting to know your own child better through play. When it is your day to work in the classroom you will be able to see how your child interacts with others.
- Getting to know your child’s friends and their parents which can form bonds which last for years to come.
- Competitive tuition. Your tuition dollars go directly to teacher salaries, rent, and other basics. Because members volunteer their time and talents, our overhead costs remain low.
What is my Role as a Parent in the Preschool?
Below is a summary of the basic outline of the cooperative requirements:
- Work in the class when scheduled (usually about once a month, depending on class size). This is a special day for your child as they are our leader and bring show and tell! Parent helps teachers ready the classroom before children arrive and help children play during the class.
- A parent job. This can range from the paint and playdoh parent to a seat on our Board. There are a wide variety of jobs to choose from and one to suit your families needs!
- Attend four meetings yearly consisting of two Classroom Cleanups and two General Membership meetings. These are in the evening and run approximately two hours.
- Enjoy this special time with your child during their beginning educational experience!