What is a "Cooperative?"
The word "cooperative" may bring forth thoughts of loosely organized communes and organizations that became popular in the 1960's.  In truth, a preschool/kindergarten cooperative pre-dates all those notions and uses the word in its truest sense.  A cooperative preschool or kindergarten is one in which families join together to run a preschool that stresses family involvement and the developmental growth of the child.

The teachers are the school's only paid staff.  They are selected for their qualifications as well as their demonstrated skills in working with children.  They routinely continue their education through workshops and meetings.

What do the children do at school?
Each class day has a consistent schedule for the children.  Each day contains the different types of learning and social aspects a child needs for his or her developmental growth: free play (free choice with many large and small motor activities available), circle time (group interaction, listening to others), snack and outdoor play time.  The length and frequency of school days is in line with the recommendations of early childhood educators as appropriate for the age of the children. The class schedule is geared toward the age group--for example, 2 year olds have a shorter circle time, and kindergarteners have more "required" activities, like journal writing.

We believe in a developmentally appropriate approach to a child's early education.  Teacher-led group time is balanced with plenty of self-directed, hands-on experiences.  The latter have been shown to allow the natural learning processes of children to occur. Parents, educators and researchers have found that children of these developmentally appropriate programs are not only ready for kindergarten or 1st grade, but also have developed a life-long love of learning.

How do you prepare parents for their role in the classroom?
For preschool parents, a six-hour training session--referred to as Classroom Participation Training (CPT)-- is held to prepare them for their role as a participant in the classroom.  Kindergarten parents attend a shorter, kindergarten-specific training session. 
During the summer, many schools have scheduled play dates.  This is a wonderful chance to meet other new and returning families as well as the teachers in an informal setting.
Before the beginning of school, the parents gather for an orientation session(s) where parents can meet the teacher and the parents in their class as well as get information from the teacher on her expectations and how she expects parents to help in the classroom.  Important information pertaining to the running of the school is also covered.

This is my child's first school experience.  What can be done to make the transition easier?
The summer play dates provide an opportunity for the child to meet the other children in the class, the teacher, and the other parents who will be participating.  Some schools also have class specific picnics the week before school begins.
Each child will be visited at home by his or her teacher about one week before school begins.  This 'Home Visit" is a chance for the child to meet this new person while on his or her own comfortable "turf."
When school begins, if a child has difficulty separating, the teacher works with the parent to help build the child's confidence and comfort level with separation.  We  never require parents to leave.

Should an "untrained" parent be a part of my child's learning?
Yes.  But we parents are not untrained.  We are all experienced teachers simply by being parents.  We are our children's first and best teachers.  To prepare you for the specifics of participating in the classroom, you will attend a six-hour Classroom Participation Training (CPT) led by an experienced co-op teacher and/or parent.  Through a series of observation and discussion experiences, you will learn a great deal about the developmental tasks each age level is tackling both in the classroom as well as at home.  You will also gain additional "know-how" at parent education meetings throughout the year.  And, on a daily basis, the teachers and experienced parents are there to help you.

Is there structure to the children's day?
Yes.  The children in our classrooms are encouraged to move freely among numerous activities provided by the teachers each day.  This freedom of choice by the children and the noise they naturally generate when enthusiastic about a project should not be confused with a lack of structure to their day. After CPT class, one can see that there is actually higher level and self-directed learning going on in this type of classroom.  Each class has a certain schedule for the day's activities (e.g. free play, circle time, snack, outdoor play) so that the children know a routine and what to expect.   And, of course, some necessary structure is provided by the teacher and participating parents for the safety of everyone and because appropriate socialization within a peer group is important too.  The class schedule is geared toward the age group--for example, 2 year olds have a shorter circle time, and kindergarteners have more "required" activities, like journal writing.

It doesn't sound as if my child will be taught to write his name nor to read simple words in preschool. Won't kids from "academic" preschools be ahead of mine in kindergarten?
No.  Although it is enticing and provides a sense of accomplishment for a parent to see their preschooler reading and writing, numerous studies have shown that pushing a young child to do these tasks too early is actually detrimental in the long run.  Our goal is to foster a joy in learning and discovery that will serve a child over a lifetime.  And, let's face it.  Reading is like walking, in that, no matter when one starts, we all end up doing the same thing by a certain age.  It is not so important when one starts, but rather that one feels a sense of accomplishment and joy in learning.  Our cooperative preschool provides challenges for the children in all academic areas--language/reading, math, science, etc.--each day at a level developmentally appropriate for each child. 

How often will I participate in the classroom?
Classroom participation varies based on class size and number of days the class meets each week.  Generally, parents get to participate in the classroom 1-2 times per month.   The most common complaint of parents is that they wish they could participate more often!

But this seems like it takes a lot of time?
Yes and no.  Joining a cooperative preschool does ask more of you than a "drop off" preschool, but the time you put in is repaid many times over in countless ways both now and in the future.  And, keep in mind, there are far more days that you do not participate than those that you do.

I have small children; I can't possibly make the time to co-op!
If you have small kids, this is the best place for you because we look out for each other.  We take this part seriously.  Parents trade childcare for their young ones on days they have to participate, so the babysitting is taken care of--and it is free!  This forges even closer friendships among families and the little ones get to be at other little ones' houses while the older child is at school.  If you have a baby, family emergency or other need, the other parents arrange to bring meals in, have your children over to play, carpool with them to school, etc.  You will never be left to do it alone!

Selfishly, I think I need more time to myself than your short school days seem to allow.
The length of our school day is geared to be appropriate for the child, in accordance with the guidelines from the NAEYC.   Options exist for parents who understandably need a little more time to themselves.  Some schools offer an optional extended day for the older children.  Also, some co-op parents trade off childcare on non-school days or after school so that each parent can have a day off while their children have familiar playmates.
 
I work full-time or part-time; can co-op work with my schedule?
Yes, in most cases.  We have parents who work full-time and use personal time for the days they are scheduled to participate.  Others have caregivers-- a nanny, grandparent, aunt, uncle, etc.--participate for them.  Still others do a combination of these options.  Those who work part-time usually work their participation days around their work schedules.

How will I know when I am to participate?
A parent in each class coordinates the schedule of classroom participation.  This is usually done 2-3 months ahead.  Every effort is made to accommodate personal schedules.  For unexpected schedule conflicts or illness, participating parents can swap days in advance, or even the morning of class. 

My child has special needs.  Can you accommodate them?
Yes, in most cases.  Each situation is considered on an individual basis with the teacher.  Every effort is made to meet each child where they are and yet consideration is made for the safety and well-being of the class as a whole.  If a child needs special therapists in the classroom to assist with developmental delays or conditions such as autism or Down's syndrome, accommodations are readily made. 

Bottom line:  Why should I consider a cooperative preschool or kindergarten?
It is the beginning of a lifetime involvement in your child's education.
It is a chance to understand the developmental tasks your child is accomplishing.
It is an opportunity to see for yourself how your child interacts with others--not just hear about it from the teacher.
Participating in your child's classroom makes it possible to judge for yourself if your child is ready for kindergarten or 1^st grade.
It is a chance to build friendships with other parents who are like-minded and committed to their families and to their children's education.