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DEFINED Co-op Education Cooperative preschools are as much about Parent
Education as they are about Early Childhood Education. By working
periodically in the classroom, parents are afforded the opportunity to
observe how their children are developing and to learn ways to
facilitate this process, in a setting that amounts to an educational
laboratory. The educational experience arises from All this is not to overlook the fact that the
classroom hours are usually an enjoyable time for both parents and
children. Here's some words from one coop parent: From personal
experience, it is a joy to have my son's schoolmates crowd around me
when I read a story, teach how to make a playdoh basket, or help develop
an astronaut fantasy. His teachers and my fellow parents provide
inspiration from their years of experience and dedication. For his part,
my son cheers "Yay!" whenever I announce that I am scheduled to be "a
helper" that day. Based on conversations with other parents, I think
these kinds of experiences are typical. My involvement has included
considerable time in board meetings and other school-related
responsibilities outside the classroom (including this web site). This
is time off my day job (as a biomedical scientist) that must be made up
after hours. For this sacrifice of time, however, I have obtained the
satisfaction of knowing that I have taken charge of my son's education
and that I know exactly where he stands. This is a very considerable
satisfaction for any parent. The preschool years are much more than "the time
before real school starts". They are a pivotal, unparalleled, never to
be repeated period of explosive language and cognitive development and
memory formation. (Don't your own first memories date back to this
time?) What a crucial time for a parent to stay registered, attuned, and
involved! In this light, we encourage you to participate
wholeheartedly in a cooperative preschool. The Spirit of Co-oping Dear Magnolia Co-op Families, The spirit of Co-oping builds a
common bond. Here is a whole community of parents and teachers who know
what it is like to raise a young child. We support one another. We give
our children the opportunity to grow in a warm and nurturing
environment. There are two parts to Co-oping and they are inseparable;
trusting and being trustworthy. To trust others with our children is an
act of faith. To be worthy of the trust other people place in us is an
honor. How do we go about building that trust? How can we help,
encourage and support one another in raising our children? Here are some
suggestions: Get acquainted: Take every opportunity to
meet and get to know the other parents. When you go to the class
meetings, the “Parents Nights Out”, the various other events, and to the
school itself, be open to meeting new people. Offer to help someone: In the kindest, most
tactful way you can, help children solve conflicts, even though their
parents are working in the class. Do the special project for a child who
is ill that day and would miss out. Help the child who is having trouble
separating from his or her parent. Accept help: When you are stressed out and
someone offers help, accept it. You will have and opportunity to repay
them another day. If no one offers, don’t hesitate to ask. There are
many, good-hearted people here. Be positive: Look for the good, and cheer it
on. Everyone here is sensitive, of course, about their children and
their parenting. Be kind. Keep confidences. Notice how and what other children are doing: Many of
us are curious to know just what our children are like when we aren’t
there. If you notice a good thing that will encourage someone, please
pass it on. Organize: Buddy up with another parent who
works on your non-working day. This parent can be your child’s special
helper for that day, and you can be their child’s helper on your work
day. This is especially important in the 2’s class where separation is
such a big issue. Make more bonds than just with your “buddy parent”.
The more people in class your child trusts, the more secure he or she
will feel. Follow through on your commitments: Be reliable. Try something different: Preschool is an
opportunity to experiment. We can play different games, in different
ways from what our own child would choose. We learn about our child’s
friends and about the world of possibilities open to him or her. Look to the future: Preschool years are the
beginnings. Encourage your child’s friendships; they can begin at the
Co-op and last for many years. Maintain your own friendships as well.
The parents with whom you Co-op will turn up again and again,
volunteering, coaching, helping in the community and taking leadership
positions in the schools. They are your resource people and your support
group.
The spirit of Co-oping is determination, cooperation
and optimism. That spirit has helped many families. Yes, it takes
time…effort…and energy. Is it worth it? We think so!
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the collective effort
of a community of similarly minded parents, with the entire enterprise
guided and enriched by teachers experienced in child development. Thus,
in return for a modest investment of time and effort, cooperative
nursery schools provide a structured and professional setting for
parents to gain hands-on experience in fostering the education of their
children at a crucial time.