COOPERATIVE EDUCATION

what is a cooperative school?

Our neighborhood cooperative school is a non-profit small business where every family plays a role in helping run the school and create a caring community for our children.

Co-op is an investment… of your time, talents, and trust.

Being a co-op member requires extra time and commitment, but the rewards are well worth it. Families gain access to a high-quality early childhood education, lower tuition than comparable private schools, a high adult-to-student ratio, meaningful parenting support and lasting friendships.

For Your Children:

Co-op offers a safe place to test limits and be encouraged to explore new ideas.

Co-op will instill excitement, curiosity and the fun of learning.

Co-op kids learn pre-academic skills in a way that young brains develop best.

At Co-op, children can practice the experiences that prepare them for:

creative expression, decision making, independence, compassion, interdependence, problem solving, self confidence, curiosity and innovation.

For Yourself as a Parent:

  • Co-op will encourage you to choose a parenting course that fits your family values and goals. It offers you a safe, supportive place to explore and grow your parenting skills.
  • As an Assistant Teacher you are directly involved in your child’s education as you work in the classroom observing Teachers who model positive guidance and learning through play.  
  • As you undertake a role in the operation of the school you will be building skills like leadership, teamwork, budgeting, personnel management–all qualities that build your personal resume!  
  • Your Co-op community will be there as you face the inevitable parenting challenges together. You can develop a community of friendships that will sustain and enrich your family and your children throughout their lives. 

what does it involve?

To truly be a Co-op, every family plays an important part which includes assisting in the classroom, undertaking a role in the running the school, participating in voting and fundraising and participating in the North Seattle College (NSC) Parenting Education Program. 

As a co-op caregiver you will:

Assist in running the school

  • A designated caregiver for your child(ren) will assist in the classroom as an Assistant Teacher one session per week per child. It is an opportunity to observe the Children’s Teacher and Parenting Instructor as they model developmentally appropriate practices and to develop your own skills with children in class and at home.
  • Your family will undertake a class, school or board job to help the day-to-day operation of the school and that best fits their time, talents, or learning interests.  
  • Participate in all school events, fundraisers, orientations and votes to ensure the continued success of the school.

    Attend a parent meeting

    • Held one evening each month (adults only).
    • It includes co-op business, updates and classroom announcements.
    • It also features a parenting discussion with the NSC Parenting Instructor.

    Access Parenting Instructor Support 

    • Parenting is the hardest, most important job you will ever have–why do it alone? 
    • You can connect with your NSC Parenting Instructor at class who can offer information and support and encourage genuine connections with other parents sharing the Positive Parenting philosophy.
    • Contact your Parenting Instructor between class via email or phone to ask questions or express concerns. The assigned parent educator is the parent’s “professor,” a once-a-month parent ed meeting is the “class” and the school is the “class lab.”