Why join a cooperative preschool?
“A parent cooperative preschool is organized by a group of families with similar philosophies who hire a trained teacher to provide their children with a quality preschool experience. The preschool is administered and maintained by the parents. The parents assist the professional teachers in the classroom on a rotating basis and participate in the educational program of all the children. Each family shares in the business operation of the school (usually a nonprofit venture), thus making it truly a cooperative venture. Parents, preschool children and their teachers all go to school together and learn together.”
-Excerpted from Parent Child Preschool International “Choosing A Cooperative Preschool”
Benefits A Co-op Preschool Offers Children
- 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 ensures an above-average adult to child ratio
- Children of similar ages with whom to play and learn respect for the differences and rights of others
- 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 A Co-Op Preschool Offers 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 at parent meetings, PCPO Conferences, and through publications
- Mutual understanding and moral support from other parents with the same concerns, interests, and problems
- Memories of activities shared with children
- Decreased financial cost than drop-off preschool
For more information visit Parent-Child Preschool Organization
Thinking about joining our community?