A place to learn and build community together
The Cooperative Preschool Model
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The cooperative preschool model differs from a typical drop-off preschool program. Teachers, parents, and parent educators work together to provide play-based learning for young children focused on social and emotional development. At the same time, parents and guardians have an opportunity to build community and deepen their understanding of the principles of early childhood education.
In this approach, teachers design and implement a play-based curriculum structured with corresponding age-appropriate activities and aligned with state learning standards. Parents assist in the classroom on a regular basis and contribute to the school’s administration, while parent educators provide guidance and support to families and teachers.
The cooperative model is also an affordable option for early childhood education, as the involvement of parents in running the school helps to reduce tuition costs.
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Membership in a cooperative preschool requires some extra time and commitment compared to a traditional preschool. At Magnolia Co-op, parents and caregivers act as teaching assistants in-class and fulfill administrative needs of the school. In addition to working in class once per week, each family is required to participate in a class and an all-school job. Parents and guardians can also volunteer as Board Members, overseeing the high-level operations of the preschool - from managing social media and marketing, to making key budget decisions and running enrollment each year. The participation of all member families is essential to maintaining a strong community and keeping prices affordable.
In return, families receive numerous benefits including a high-quality preschool experience with a high adult to student ratio, an opportunity to be involved in their child’s education, and to build community and friendships that last a lifetime.
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Magnolia Co-op focuses on a play-based curriculum structured with corresponding age-appropriate activities. This environment encourages self-exploration and conflict resolution while providing children critical learning skills in resilience, confidence, and more.
As the child ages, their time in school grows longer and relies less on their individual caregiver, allowing for a comfortable and trusted experience as they prepare to enter kindergarten. The community that is built within our co-op is priceless and extends years beyond our school. Families enter elementary schools with a strong familiarity and a heart for giving and learning, bringing their experiences and friendships from co-op with them.
Our members (the parents and legal guardians), led by a team consisting of the Preschool Teacher, Parent Education Advisor, Class Chair, and Parent Coordinator work together to create an environment that:
-Prioritizes our children’s preschool experience by consistently showing up in our co-teaching work environment with a positive and engaged attitude;
-Assumes everyone’s best intentions;
-Comes together and openly supports one another, without judgments (of self or others) or gossip;
-Works together to create a safe space to bring up uncomfortable issues (especially those that are hiding in plain sight);
-Respectfully recognizes our differences, with a focus on the values of equity, diversity, and inclusion.
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One of the greatest benefits of co-op is the close collaboration with teachers and parent educators. Magnolia Co-op is affiliated with the North Seattle Community College (NSC) Co-op program. Adult members of the co-op become actual students registered with the college and earn parent education credits, learning about early childhood development during their time spent in the classroom and in monthly class meetings.
Parents gain priceless insights with the ability to be involved in their child’s education and engage in ongoing learning in child development and parenting techniques. During class, parents learn how to interact with other children, how to support and understand them, and receive guidance from parent educators.
Our parent educators are a team from NSC specializing in early childhood education and development. They are found in our classes throughout the week, getting to know you and your children, as well as at monthly class meetings. Parent educators provide observations and advice to help guide you through techniques and milestones of your child’s age. During class meetings, parent educators present various topics applicable to the group’s collective age and development stages. Our Parent Educators are trusted and cherished colleagues amongst our families.