The preschool experience balances structured, teacher-lead time with free play during which children can express themselves, move at their own pace, and interact with other children at their own comfort levels.
Parents are always welcome throughout the school-day and are given the opportunity to learn with their children by assisting in the classroom.
Parents are scheduled to assist approximately every three weeks for a two-day per week class, and approximately every six weeks for the one-day per week class. Class schedulers work with the assist parents to accommodate personal schedules. Time off from assisting is allowed for parents of newborns. Baby swap information is available for anyone who may have other children (younger or older) who need care during assist times. Emergency parents are available to fill-in at those unexpected times parents are unable to assist as scheduled.
Parents become familiar with the class routine, class materials, their children’s friends, the teacher, and the other co-op parents through assisting. This generates a true understanding of the children’s preschool experience and allows parents to be supportive of the preschool experience in the most meaningful way.
The cost of the preschool is one of the lowest in the area, about $5 per hour.
Parents who enroll more than one child receive a discount on tuition.
Accommodations are made for children with allergies and special needs.
Class size is limited to 18 children or less, depending on the particular class. Full classes include three assist parents and the lead teacher, yielding a child-to-adult ratio of 4.5:1.
Shorter class times are designed to stimulate and enrich the children without exhausting them. Children leave the co-op excited about their new experiences and eager to return on another day.
Parents have the option to remain in their vehicles during pick-up and drop-off times.
Parent and other volunteers are screened by the State to protect the students.
A detailed parent orientation is provided before school begins to introduce the parents to the operation of the school and membership requirements.
A variety of class schedules are available. Parents of three-year olds can choose between once and twice a week classes in the mornings. Parents of four-year olds can choose between a morning or afternoon class, each offered twice a week. Parents of young five-year olds who attend two afternoons per week can add a third Friday afternoon class that provides a kindergarten-type experience.
An off-site Enrichment Class is offered to four- and five-year olds to sample a wide variety of activities offered in the area. These activities may include touring the airport fire station and control tower, ice skating, decorating gingerbread houses, tae kwon do, music lessons, dance, gymnastics, cross country skiing, and tennis.