What is a cooperative preschool?
A parent cooperative preschool is organized by a group of families with similar philosophies who hire trained staff to provide their children with a quality preschool experience. The preschool is administered and maintained by the parents on a non-profit, non-sectarian basis. 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, thus making it truly a cooperative venture. Parents, children and their teachers all go to school together and learn together.
What are the snack and lunch policies?
CCP is a peanut, tree nut, and shellfish free school. Snacks are provided by one of the co-op parents scheduled that day and should be fresh fruits and veggies only.
Do you have field trips?
Yes we do! We do not provide transportation so most field trips require parents to stay. Some field trips you are able to drop off.
What are the outdoor policies?
CCP has a heavy focus on outdoor education. We go outside as much as possible, in all weather. We ask that you pack weather appropriate items every day such as rain coats, rain boots, hats, gloves and anything else that would be needed that day. We also request a full change of clothes be in your child's backpack every day (shirt, pants, socks, underwear) . We have found that sending a reusable grocery bag in which to send home wet or muddy outdoor gear works really well.
What is Forest Day?
Forest Day is when our Butterflies spend their day in the forest at Cool Creek Park. One to two times a month, these classes will drop off and pick up at Cool Creek Park and spend their day playing, problem solving, and getting dirty in the forest!
Are you affiliated with the congregation?
We rent space from the congregation, but have no affiliation with them.
What does a day in class look like?
While our schedule for each class can differ, we are a play-based program, so you can expect to see lots of learning through play in each class. Our teachers take the time to get to know the students in their classes and form curriculum around their interests. You won't see very many worksheets in our program, but we feel confident that our educators’ methods of teaching provide the same information in a different, more involved way.
What does parent participation look like?
Each parent will be in the classroom serving as a teacher's assistant 2-3 times a month. We also require each family to participate in a workday each semester and to have a school job. Some examples of jobs are class chair, indoor/outdoor committee chair, treasurer, secretary, and being a member of a committee.
Do you provide guidance for being in the classroom?
Yes! In October we offer Classroom Participation Training. This is a mandatory class for every new family's main co-oping adult. We will discuss things like classroom expectations, how to handle different behavior challenges, and much more.