A cooperative is different from traditional childcare in that children, teachers, and parents are all partners in the education process. While traditional daycares or preschools prefer parents to drop off, pick up, and mostly take a hands-off approach for what happens in between, a cooperative model encourages family involvement.
Each class group has its own dedicated teacher, but the teacher "helpers" each day are provided by our families. As a part of the cooperative model, parents, grandparents, or family friends volunteer 2 days each month in the classroom. This unique approach allows each child's circle to truly become a partner in the process - seeing their children learn first-hand and building relationships with the other families in the preschool. The cooperative model is an amazing first educational experience for both the students and families. And as an added bonus, it helps keep tuition costs low!
Each volunteer must be pre-registered with the Family Care Registry and undergo a background check prior to volunteering.
What makes a cooperative preschool different?
A smooth transition - Children are able to ease into what is often their first experience being away from family.
Transparency -Parents get to see what really happens behind closed doors - there’s no concern about what happens when you’re not there because a parent (or two!) is always there.
More attentive care -Our teachers can do an even better job with the extra sets of hands. Kids who are having a hard day will have more loving arms to comfort them and help them work through big feelings.
Community - Everybody benefits from the sense of trust that this model creates. As the school year progresses, parents get to know teachers and other parents much more than at a typical preschool. It’s a vital part of trusting the school community to make sure your child gets the care and attention they deserve.
Someone from your “village” (parents, grandparents, etc.) can volunteer twice per month in the classroom. This is an active role that means doing something pretty much all the time - from wiping tables, comforting kiddos, setting up materials for activities, and whatever else teachers need.
You understand that a cooperative preschool means that you’re there to serve the community as a whole, not just your child. Sometimes, we may need help in another class or with another student. Our parents are dedicated to caring for everyone’s kids, not just their own.
Your parenting philosophies reflect positive communication. At PCPK, we do not raise our voices or chastise. Positive language is used to describe what we expect from children and to redirect behavior that isn’t safe or helpful. For example, instead of yelling “stop running,” we expect parents to get down at eye level and kindly ask them to use their “walking feet.”
