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Cooperative Preschools

A Parent-participation Learning Experience

By Sharon Waldrop

Jennifer from Lexington, Ky. worked one morning per month in her daughter's co-op. Barb from Illinois worked two to three days every two months. Both moms played the role of teacher's aid while on duty. "I feel that schools who do not allow parental involvement at least to some degree are either too controlling or have something to hide," says Jennifer.

"The parents run the co-op," says Barb. The Board of Directors is made up of a President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and Membership Chairman, elected by the participants. "The board makes all decisions for the running of the co-op with the input of the teacher and members when appropriate." These decisions include the employment status of the teacher (who always has a minimum of a four-year degree in early childhood education), the teacher's salary, membership dues, rules for members and fundraising.

At Tammy's co-op, all parents serve on a committee, which can range from fundraising to maintenance. "Each family must fulfill a maintenance requirement, such as cleaning the school on a Saturday or mowing the lawn," says Tammy.

Parents have wonderful things to say about the cooperative preschools in which their children are enrolled.

"I like it because it is Christian-based, but not preachy," says Sharon. "There are children of several different denominations in the class. There is a strong focus on family." Sharon also says that the children are encouraged to do for themselves whenever possible, which has resulted in much less whining about "I can't" in her home. The kids even pour their own juice from a pitcher at snack time.

Want to see more?

• Join the discussions at the Preschool Readiness Discussion Board
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• Join the discussions at the Preparing For Preschool Discussion Board

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