Children enter an environment where their social, intellectual, physical and emotional needs are considered. The child’s feelings are treated with respect.  Children are guided in working out their own solutions to problems.  For example, when one child is crying, the others may be encouraged to help resolve the problem or give comfort. As disagreements arise, the children are guided in working toward their own solutions. Children are encouraged to explore and learn from mistakes without loss of self-esteem. Normal developmental struggles–separation, socialization, aggression–are part of the program and are dealt with in a positive manner.

The children function in a multi–age group, yet attention is given to each child’s developmental level. While one child may be stacking blocks, another may be experimenting with shapes, and a third child may be building a representation of a familiar structure. On the playground, children challenge themselves according to their own capabilities. They learn to manage their young bodies with increasing coordination and safety. As class members get to know each other, a feeling of belonging evolves. This spirited “neighborhood” is an exciting social phenomenon to witness!

The Parent

Parents have a rare chance on co-oping days to take home the joys of shared experiences and to develop continuity between home and school. Parents can watch children in a setting totally different from daily home life–interacting with their peer group, responding to a different authority figure, and meeting new intellectual challenges.

An ongoing dialogue allows parents and teachers to share information about the child in the home and school environments. This may range from a change in behavior, to an important family event, to a small, but special accomplishment.

Our member families participate in the operation of the Co-op in whatever ways they are able. Scheduling, purchasing snacks, writing publicity, and helping with school maintenance are a few of the jobs handled by parents. Fundraising events are sponsored by the school to raise money for educational supplies and for improvements to the building.

The Teacher

Our teachers are readily available to the entire family, offering support and information through informal telephone contact, email, home visits, conferences and written evaluations. At regular parents’ meetings, the teachers report class activities and lead discussions on pertinent topics.

Age Restrictions 

A child must be three by October 1 of the year of entry. Children attend for two consecutive years.

Toilet Training 

We accept each child at any stage of development.  Many of the children acquire toileting skills with the encouragement of friends at school. 

Snack

The Co-op provides nutritious snacks (fruit, cheese, crackers, juice, etc.) with consideration for dietary restrictions.

Outside Play

Weather permitting, we play outside every day. The children use the outdoor equipment, go sledding, hiking, and picnicking, and explore the ever-changing environment of Taylor park.

Parent Responsiblity in the Classroom

A parent helps approximately once every three weeks on an equally distributed rotating basis. Additionally, each family holds a job that helps to run our school.

In the classroom, the parent works unobtrusively as an extra pair of hands aiding the teacher, and is not responsible for curriculum, planning or teaching.

Holiday Celebrations

Our program is nondenominational.  We incorporate holidays by inviting all families to share their traditions with the class.