Family Involvement
Cooperative preschools are able to provide quality preschool programming at a
reduced cost because of parent participation in the cooperative. As caregivers,
we are the administrators, policy makers, and classroom assistants in the
program. This allows us to be involved in the shaping and support of our
children's preschool experience. Consequently, a cooperative preschool requires
more involvement and time from families than other preschool alternatives. Listed below are the family involvement
requirements:
Parent Helping
We maintain
our excellent child to adult ratio and high quality program through parent helping. While you help in the classroom, you get an opportunity to observe your child's
learning progress and interaction with peers and other adults.
Parent helpers assist the teacher with activities, bring snacks, and clean up at the end of class. Depending on which class your child attends (two-day or three-day), parent helping averages about two to four times each month.
Parents (as well as grandparents, caregivers and other people important to your child) are always welcome in the classroom. Further, parents are warmly encouraged to contribute their talents and ideas to the classroom.
Fundraising
Parents help maintain low tuition by participating in three fundraisers per year, including our Annual Auction. For information about current fundraisers, please go to the Fundraising page.
Parent Jobs
Each family has a Parent Job throughout the year. This could range from keeping a closet clean to organizing parties for special occasions. Our Job Coordinator makes a special effort to pair families with jobs that best complement their interests and skills.
Parent Education
The parents gather at least five times a year for meetings that are usually a combination of business, socializing, and parent education (such as speakers or discussion). Childcare is provided in the classroom for a nominal fee.