WHAT IS A COOPERATIVE?

A cooperative preschool provides a helpful and varied environment in which children can develop socially, as well as, physically, emotionally, and mentally. Parents see and work with other children of similar ages, become aware of common behavioral patterns, and have the opportunity to learn alongside other parents. Working in the classroom, allows parents to share challenges and joys with each other and their preschoolers.

A cooperative preschool is an ever-changing organization. No two years are exactly the same. New ideas are advanced; some are retained and some are discarded. The organization depends upon these new ideas, and all members are encouraged to make suggestions for changes to improve the school.  We feel that these are some of the unique advantages of a cooperative preschool.

Parents assume many responsibilities of the administration at a cooperative preschool.  Each family chooses a family task that reflects their talents and interests in addition to parent participation in the classroom.

“Becoming a part of the DCCNS community is one of the best parenting choices we’ve made. DCCNS gave us all the opportunity to learn and grow alongside each other - the parent co-op model allows for the education of both children and their parents. Because DCCNS follows a play-based curriculum, our children were allowed to imagine without limits and develop individually. They were perfectly prepared for kindergarten and, more importantly, a richly adventurous life.

- Adélie & Jeffrey Barry
”

The ideas of cooperation go further than school administration. Parents help one another by switching work-days, working out transportation problems,  volunteering for necessary duties, and countless other ways. Many parents are surprised by the support, encouragement, and consideration they experience in a cooperative preschool environment.

At DCCNS, one of our basic tenets is the concept of shared leadership, whereby each participant feels a responsibility to make the preschool work. Not only do we embrace individual differences, but also believe that the real strength of DCCNS is realized only when each individual feels free to make their own unique contribution in an atmosphere of real acceptance.

PARENT COMMITMENTS

Parental involvement is an important part of our school and is a wonderful opportunity to learn more about your child’s growth. As a participating parent you are required to:

  • Participate in the classroom - roughly twice a month

  • Earn Parent Education/Meeting Credits

  • Attend Work Parties

  • Complete a Family Task

  • Assist at one event

  • Participate in fundraising efforts

PLAYCARE

As a cooperative, we are always looking for ways to help parents make the most of their preschool experience. Our Playcare system was developed in response to families needing care for other children during their working parent shifts. This can be a younger or older sibling. As a bonus, the other siblings also gets a fun experience with other kids, while their sibling is at school.

For an additional fee, we have onsite childcare twice a month for families that need it during their working parent shifts. This reduces the stress of finding other childcare options and making multiple stops to drop off children in the mornings.