What are Parent Co-operative Preschools?
A
parent co-operative preschool is organized by a group of families with similar philosophies who hire a trained teacher 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, preschool children and their teachers all go to school together.
Benefits for Children? Children participate in a supervised play and learning experience with children of their own age. Equipment,
materials and physical facilities are scaled to child size. An opportunity is provided to interact with adults other than
their own parents. The children are able to find security and a feeling of belonging in a world which is non-threatening and
interested in them. Learning to respect and accept the rights and differences of others is emphasized. Children have hands-on
experiences in creative arts, music, science, literature, and language geared to their needs and developmental level.
