Co-operative preschool?

Floyd Labuda: Oh, you'll just love it - especially if your son is your first child. You will meet so many wonderful moms that will be your life-long friends. My girls are 7 and 9 now and although I've made friends at their elementary school, it's the friends I made when my first child was in preschool that are closest to my heart. Co-operative preschools are a bit more challenging with additional children - especially is you want a "kid break" when you can catch one. I didn't mind and most co-op preschools allow you to bring a baby sibling in a front pack. It is a great supportive environment....Show more

Idell Mulliniks: I had been on a wait list for a co-op pre-school that many of my friends sent their kids to...and obviously they LOVED it!! It was a really wonderful experience for the parents and the kids.The only things they mentioned are the normal issues you would have when working with any group...there are those who do more, others who do less, those ! who do things in a way you wish they didn't, etc... But overall you are looking at a group that shares a common goal and has common concerns, so it should be fine...just the regular, run of the mill frustrations (and joys) from group work!! Honestly, those frustrations were minimal, but it was a great group of parents with clear guidelines.Enjoy!...Show more

Toshiko Reimers: If the parents are committed, it will work, but if you find yourself being a babysitter for the other kids, find another school.

Charlotte Bryar: When we lived in Seattle we were in a co-op preschool. My son was 2 and the way it was set up for kids that young the parent stayed with the child the whole time. This was great for us because I wanted him to have that social interaction but I felt he was too young for me to drop him off and leave. He was enrolled for the 3 year old class but we moved out of state before he could begin. If he was in that class tho, he would have attended twice! a week but I was only required to be there one of those days.! Where I live now does not offer any co-op preschools and I'm really sad about it. I really miss it. But, it's not for everyone. It works best for parents who either don't work, work from home, or have a flexible schedule, because it does require a lot of your time - you will have to be on a committee probably (ex: fundraising, newsletter, etc.) and you will probably have to clean the school a few times a year. Also, we had a licensed preschool teacher run the classes - you will want to make sure yours has that as well and it's not just parents teaching the kids.My son loved it! The school was divided into different areas - the art room, the sensory room, the imaginary play room. It also had a great outdoor area with lots of climbers and toys.I bonded very quickly with the other parents and we all rallied together when a big life event occurred, like when one of the moms had another baby or something. It was a great experience for both me and my son. I do have a frie! nd tho who is in a co-op now and the group of parents isn't that great - so it sounds like it's hit or miss.Good luck!...Show more

Luke Kosch: My granddaughter went to one and I did the volunteering. It's a great chance to learn about the school and the kids. Don't be surprised if the first couple of times you are there your child has difficulty, but he'll get used to it. It is also a great way to get to know the other parents, and a lot of fun.