A cooperative preschool is a group of families who hire trained teachers and work with them to provide a quality preschool experience for their children. The cooperative preschool is owned, maintained, and administered by the families on a non-profit, non-sectarian basis.
Cooperative preschools provide a developmentally appropriate learning environment that meets social, emotional, physical, and intellectual needs of young children. Children and parents learn together through play in positive, nurturing surroundings.
Under the guidance of a qualified teacher, parents assist in the classroom on a rotating schedule. Parents participate in all aspects of the children’s activities. Participating in the classroom increases your objectivity about your own child and his/her relationship with peers. Co-op preschool strengthens the parent/child bond by sharing time together in the classroom.
The direct involvement of parents in the preschool education of their children in unique to cooperative preschool. Parents gain insight into child development through classroom participation and parent education meetings. Cooperative preschool allows families to develop new friendships and a support network within the co-op community.