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Co-Oping
 

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Four children sit a table outdoors. They are using glue and paper plates in an art project.

At Kensington Nursery School, we are a true parent cooperative preschool, organized by a group of families with similar philosophies who work in conjunction with trained teachers to provide 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 to learn and grow together!

The Role of a Co-Op Parent

  • You are staff. Your primary function is to be an aide to the teacher.

  • Treat it like a job – be a team player. Be professional at all times.

  • Get to know the children – learn about the different personalities, temperaments, behaviors and needs of the group.

  • Bring your talents and skills to the class.

  • Be proactive rather than reactive.

  • Be aware of the routine and transitions.

  • Look for opportunities to learn more about Early Childhood Education. Workshops, books, articles, speakers, etc.

How to think like a teacher, not a mom/dad

  • The needs of the group vs. the individual.

  • Momentum of the day.

  • Group dynamics.

  • Teaching independence and problem solving.

  • Enriching their experience (may be messy).

  • Teaching respectfulness to others.

  • Balancing developmental needs throughout the day.

  • Preventing behaviors through proactive measures (thinking ahead).

  • Know all the children, not just your own.

  • Supporting social skills in school group situations.

 

MEMBERSHIP Requirements

An adult and a child swing next to each other on a swing set. The background includes lush trees and additional playground equipment.

Each Co-oping family is required to do the following:

  1. Co-op in their child's class several times per month.

  2. Do an assigned family job.

  3. Twelve volunteer hours (fundraising, maintenance, or a combination).

  4. Attend two mandatory membership meetings per year

  5. Attend a mandatory co-oper training in the fall.

  6. Complete a state-mandated basic health and safety training course online.

  7. Otherwise help out in the general spirit of a cooperative.

No Co-op family is required to do the following:

  1. Do an assigned family job.

  2. Twelve volunteer hours (fundraising, maintenance, or a combination).

  3. Attend two mandatory membership meetings per year.

  4. Otherwise help out in the general spirit of a cooperative.