Dear WPC Community
The following is a message from the Parent Education team at North Seattle College detailing the ways in which our extended cooperative family can support and advocate for the protection of this vital program.
Woodland Park would not be the school it is without the compassion and commitment from the Parent Educators that we have had the privilege to partner with over the years. Please join us in standing with them and helping in any way you can.
Dear Co-op Community, Families, Chairs, and Teachers,
This is a pivotal moment for our Parent Education and cooperative preschool programs, and your voice truly matters.
A new interpretation of the state funding model claims that Parent Education experience and college credit do not translate into workforce value and so will not receive state funding starting July 1. We know this is not true. Parent Education programs build leadership, strengthen families, and create real workforce skills that benefit our entire community. You can learn more about the new funding model in the attached brief from the State Board of Community and Technical Colleges.
Across Washington, 13 colleges host Parent Education and cooperative preschool partnerships. Some programs are already planning to close and the program at North Seattle College is at risk of closure at the end of this academic year. Its future, and the future of Parent Education statewide, depends on collective action now.
For 88 years, parent education programs in Washington have supported families, strengthened communities, and helped children thrive. We cannot let that disappear.
What We Need
To protect the Parent Education Programs at North Seattle College and South Seattle College, we must raise $7.5 million to sustain for the next five years while we wait for state funding to return pending our Parent Education certificate pathway.
This is a big goal, but losing this program would be far harder. Together, our village can do this.
How You Can Help
- Save the Date – Community Meeting
Now scheduled for April 4, 2026, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Exact location (near North Seattle College) coming soon.
Join us for a community briefing with our Vice President of Instruction where we will share updates, answer questions, and organize next steps. We need as many families and alumni present as possible to demonstrate the strength of our community.
If you benefited from cooperative preschool or Parent Education, whether it was this year or 50 years ago, this is the moment to show up and show your support.
- Complete the Community Impact Survey
Your voice and data matter. This survey will help demonstrate how Parent Education supports families, workplaces, and our community.
North Seattle College Parent Education Program – Alumni & Current Participant Survey
- Help With Fundraising or Donate
We are launching a community-wide fundraising effort. If you have experience in fundraising, grant writing, donor outreach, or event planning, we would love your help. Donations will also play an important role in sustaining the program.
Save the Parent Education Program (click here to donate)
- Share Your Story
We will be reaching out through social media and email to collect stories. Your experience shows why this program matters. Stories from families are powerful in advocacy, fundraising, and media outreach.
- Participate in the paper plate collection campaign – you will receive details soon from your PAC representative.
- Save the Date – Walk-a-thon at Greenlake, Saturday, April 25, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Our Commitment to Transparency
We are working tirelessly to protect this program. If we are unable to reach the fundraising goal, donations will be returned to donors. In parallel, a group from OPEP is exploring a contingency plan to help cooperative preschools continue operating independently if necessary.
However, that is our last resort. Our priority is to preserve the Parent Education program and the educator support that makes cooperative preschool unique. Please see attached document for more about what the impact of losing parent education would be to co-ops.
Why This Matters
Without funding, Parent Education faculty would only be contracted through June 2026. After that, cooperative preschools would need to independently contract educators to continue services.
The loss of this program would mean losing 88 years of community-built learning, mentorship, and support for families.
That is not acceptable and together we can prevent it.
Our Campaign
Save the Parent Education Program
For your social media:
#SaveParentEducation
#ItTakesAVillage
#SupportParentsWA
“It Takes a Village to Raise a Child. Save the Parent Education Program.”
Parent Education is not a luxury.
It is prevention, connection, and community.
Thank you for standing with us and for everything you do for our cooperative preschool community.
With determination and gratitude,
The coordination team and all of your parent educators
Woodland Park Cooperative School 