About Co-ops
A cooperative preschool is an organization run by a group of parents who want to participate in their child's first educational experience. Parents help the teacher in the classroom, assist in various aspects of running the school, benefit from opportunities for education, and participate in making decisions about the school and its programs.
Benefits to Children
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New experiences and a wider world to explore and enjoy - A teacher who encourages their sense of self-esteem and self-confidence
- Parents in the classroom, which guarantees an excellent adult-to-child ratio
- The opportunity to learn about the differences and rights of others by playing with children of similar ages
- Play equipment, learning games, expressive materials, and art activities not generally available at home
- Field trips, story-telling, musical and dramatic play, exercise for large motor muscles, and activities to stimulate small muscle coordination
- A positive attitude toward future school attendance
Benefits to Parents
- Participation in their children's education away from home
- A better understanding of their children's individuality through observing them with other children the same age
- A voice in school decisions and policy-making
- Education in child development and parenting skills
- Mutual understanding and moral support from other parents with the same concerns, interests, and challenges
- Memories of activities shared with children
Cathedral Park Cooperative Preschool is a member of Parent Child Preschools of Oregon (PCPO). The text on this page was adapted from information provided on the PCPO website.