Any tips in choosing a Coop Preschool?

[jacksmomtobe]

I'm leaning toward a Coop Preschool for Ds next year. I was wondering if any of the experienced Moms out there have any tips for finding the right one. Any questions that gave you particular insight into a school, etc. Coops seem to be big in our City and I think I'll like having some involvement in Ds's schooling so I can help reinforce skills being learned. I went to a preschool expo last weekend and have my first Open House at a school I'm interested in tomorrow. The whole process is so crazy!

Thanks!

[spencersmommy]

Our DS attends a coop preschool, and we are very happy. It's the only one in our town. Parents are required to work 5 days a month (9-11:30), as well as plan 2 days a semester. That includes: snack, art, song, discovery, book. It's great to see parents involved, of course, you probably won't love all the parents, but it's nice to be involved and ask for discipline tips from the teachers and such. My DH actually works most of the days (I work PT in the mornings, but I try to do at least 2 days a month). I'm not sure what to look for, but I would think you should talk to the parents and see how they feel about the program. Go watch a day. Make sure the parents are trained on the way to work with and speak with pre-schoolers. I love the attitude our teachers have, really working on the kids becoming independent (put on own shoes unless ask for help, finish all the snack they take, clean own area at snack table, etc.).
Good luck! Hope that helps...

[ribbit1019]

I was thinking this might be perfect for DD for next year. How would I find a co-op preschool in my area?
Thanks!

Christy
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[miki]

DD goes to one. I think you just really need to love the teaching philosophy and the teachers because it's a significant time commitment for you, the parent, to have your child attend. For DD's school, the various parent jobs are supposed to require about 100 hours per family over the course of the year. I think if you really like the school's approach, you will find the other parents to be like-minded and find good things in common with them. Good luck!

[tarynsmum]

I was about to post the same hijack!

[jasabo]

This is probably a dumb question, but I don't know much about co-ops...

Is there a tuition fee or do you get to send your child for free since you and/or dh work so many hours with the school? I'm thinking it would be a great option for us, but it would be more appealing if there was little or no tuition.

I've been thinking about looking into co-ops after we move and would love to learn more. Any tips on where to find info?

thanks!!!

[shishamo]

My two daughters go to the coop preschool. I go in twice a month to help in a classroom (once per child) plus help with fundraisers. I think, with any preschool, you should go with your gut feeling. I looked at 8 preschools before deciding. Talk to as many parents as you can who attends/attended that school. Overall, we are very happy there. Tuition is cheaper than comparable preschool (we pay $90/month for 3 mornings a week vs $130 for non-coop).

I also found that it's easier to make mommy friends at coop: you are there a lot, so do others, so a lot of reasons to chat with someone.

[aliceinwonderland]

At our co-op, you can choose the co-op rate, and contribute the required hrs per month (8 hrs a month, plus some extra stuff 1-2 a year) and you get a discount, or you can choose the full rate.

I choose the co-op b/c I like that I can be a little bit involved like that, I go every other week for half a day.

I can also drop in as I want, and I will not be charged for the time I spend there. I have a hard time doing this, even though the school is very close to me.