A cooperative nursery school is one in which the parents run the school and are actively involved in their child’s pre-school education. This is beneficial for both students and parents. Through parent participation in the classroom, parents are offered the opportunity to learn, observe, and improve their child’s development in an objective manner.

Why should I consider sending my child to a cooperative nursery school?

  • You want to be actively involved in your child’s pre-school education.
  • Your involvement in your child’s education really does make a difference.
  • A cooperative nursery school is a unique in that the child grows in independence and the parent in understanding.
  • The ratio of adults to children in classroom is typically lower in a cooperative offering a personal & safe environment.

What’s involved in parent helping?

We expect all adults working in the classroom to be positive role models at all time enabling children to learn appropriate social behaviors and skills.

Parent helping is available in all classes EXCEPT the afternoon Pre-K class**

  • The parent helper serves as the teacher’s assistant for the day. (Depending on enrollment and class schedule, each child’s parent helps approximately once every 4-6 weeks on the same days their child is scheduled to be the special helper)
  • Brings a healthy snack for everyone in the class.
  • There is no preparation necessary outside of the classroom.
  • Most parents find it to be a very rewarding experience.

**Children in the afternoon Pre-K class take turns being special helper, but the parents do not need to worry about parent helping due to the teacher’s assistant. However, there are other opportunities to participate such as attending field trips, class parties, or staying for part of class to observe your child be the special helper. Some children, for a variety of reasons, do better with the consistency of the same adults in the classroom every day. The afternoon Pre-K class is a good fit for them.

How does the co-op work and what’s involved?

There is a Board of Directors made up of parent volunteers to oversee all functions of the school.

Each family is required to participate either on the executive board, as a class chair or on one of the following committees:
  • Social and Charity Events
  • Fundraising
  • Maintenance
  • Publicity
  • Newsletter

Each committee member is required to attend two monthly board meetings during the school year.