Co-op Advantage

A cooperative preschool extends a sense of family. You and your child quickly become part of an extended network of teachers, other parents, classmates and their siblings. Class size is held to approximately 8-10 children. All together, this makes the Co-op preschool experience special with unique benefits for the parents, child and teacher:

For the Parent:

• Sees their child in relation to peers.
• Gains an understanding of how children learn.
• Puts them in touch with other parents.
• Feels more secure knowing another parent will be available to comfort and nurture.

For the Child:

• Eases the transition from home to school.
• Makes social connections easily.
• Develops a sense of ownership in the school.
• Sense of security is developed in the process of bonding with other parents.

For the Teacher:

• Knows each child as an individual and as part of a family.
• Establishes rapport quickly with parent.
• Shares observations on an ongoing basis with the parent.

Parent Helping

Approximately one morning per month (up to two times for the four-year-old program), you assist in your child's classroom. How you help varies as greatly as the parents who participate. Some parents work with the teacher to develop games or activities. Others share a book or toy from home that mirrors the curriculum. And still others help where appropriate, taking the lead from the teacher.

Regardless of the role you choose, your child knows you have a vested interest in his or her success at school.

Parent Involvement

The Sudbury Cooperative Preschool was founded on the idea of giving parents the opportunity to participate actively in their children's first school experience. We believe this model benefits both children and their parents by enhancing the learning process and helping to build relationships and a sense of community.

Parents participate in several ways at the Co-op, and parent involvement is crucial to the operation of the school.

As part of the Parent Helping Program, you are able to assist the teacher in your child's classroom approximately one time per month (up to two times for the four-year-old program.)

In the Parent Choice Program, each family volunteers to fill one position during the school year, choosing from a variety of responsibilities such as preparing parent help schedules, editing the school newsletter, helping out with a special event, or even serving on the school's Board.

Parents also attend one of three school Clean Up Days when everything is given a good scrubbing and toys are sanitized.

Each year, a new Board of Directors is elected, which is a great opportunity for those interested in having more leadership responsibilities. This elected position fulfills the Parent Choice requirement.