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 preschool is the close collaboration between caregivers, teachers, and parent educators. At Magnolia Cooperative Preschool, caregivers have the unique opportunity to be actively involved in their child’s education while learning about early childhood development and parenting techniques.
During their time in the classroom, caregivers gain practical experience supporting and interacting with young children, deepen their understanding of child development and behavior, and receive ongoing guidance from our Director of Caregiver Education and Support. These experiences provide valuable tools and insights that caregivers can carry with them beyond the classroom.