What is a cooperative preschool?

A cooperative preschool is a nonprofit business run by parents whose children are enrolled in the preschool.  Parents manage the business and help in the classroom.  The preschool employs a teacher who runs the classroom and sets the curriculum.



What is the philosophy of the preschool?

Our curriculum encourages curiosity and love of learning by allowing students to investigate ideas and experiences, which are meaningful for them.  Our teacher helps children expand their ideas and encourages exploration.



What about academics?

Our teacher sets age-appropriate curricula for the Caterpillar and Butterfly Classes.  For example, in the spring the Butterfly Class investigates the concept of community: their role in the preschool community, others’ roles in the greater community (fire fighter, postal worker, librarian, and doctor) the location of their house, city, state, country.  The children visit local businesses such as a grocery store and facilities such as a fire station as part of this unit.  Yet, the teacher is flexible depending on the children’s interests, perhaps scheduling a visit to a farm or helping transform the dramatic play area into a hospital or restaurant.

The classroom is organized into learning centers including Math and Science, Library, Writing, Dramatic Play, Invention Table, Art, Tactile Tables, and Construction.  Children learn through exploration; for example, at the Math and Science Table, children weigh objects and put them in different sized containers, developing understanding of basic math principles.

As children move through the program, they play “letter detective” and other games, which introduce them to language, reading and writing.  Children share their thoughts and experiences by creating books and journals with artwork, photos, and writing. The teacher reads to the children and encourages them to make up their own songs and stories.  Circle time hones skills like listening to others, talking in turn and maintaining focus.



How is the day structured?

The program becomes more structured and circle time becomes longer as the children move through the Caterpillar and Butterfly programs, but their days are ordered similarly.  The children begin the day playing and acclimating themselves to the classroom.  They transition to circle time to check in and talk about activities for the day, including special projects at the centers. The children move through the classroom and to the outdoor area during free choice period, and the Caterpillar comes to the snack table when they are hungry.   The Butterfly ends free choice period by cleaning the classroom as a group and moves into snack time.  Another circle time follows.  Each class spends time in the gym during gross motor skills time.  Finally, the children return to the classroom for a song and goodbyes.



What is a parent helper?

Each day two parent helpers assist the teacher.  They are required to be available for the children, provide snack food, and clean and tidy the classroom after each session.



What about snack time?

Parent Helpers are assigned to bring either a protein/carbohydrate or a fruit/vegetable, and the children drink water.  Children in the Caterpillar Class sing up for snack time and come to the table when they are hungry.  Butterfly Class children eat family style at a designated time.  The preschool takes food allergies and diet limitations very seriously and strictly monitors what food comes into the classroom.



What is the preschool’s philosophy on discipline?

All children are different and learn to be part of the group at their own pace.  Daily interaction with others provides many opportunities to teach conflict resolution.  Children are encouraged to talk through conflict or move to a different activity.  The teacher uses role play, books, and songs to teach respect for others, ways to handle feelings and impulses, and positive ways to interact with peers.  Our teacher works with children and their parents to find strategies of encouraging positive behavior when the child’s actions are excessively disruptive or harmful to others.



Must a child be toilet-trained?

No. Parents work with the teacher to develop a plan and assist children with accidents.  However, you must come to the preschool to change your child’s diapers.



How is a child admitted?

An Open House will be held in late winter so that families can view the classroom and meet with the teacher and coop members.  Prospective students are welcome to come with their parents to explore the classroom.  Admission is by a lottery.  Applications are available at the school or may be obtained on the website.