Cooperative Preschool

For: Children 3-5 years-old on August 31 for the school year beginning the following fall quarter.

On this page...

• Class overview
• How to Register
• Class Schedule

Overview

Research clearly indicates meaningful parent involvement in schools is one of the most powerful predictors of high student achievement and healthy development. During the early years, there is no better way to begin this involvement than by joining the Cooperative Preschool Program.

With the child at the center, there is a triangle of support for his or her preschool education: your child's preschool teacher, a Bellevue College Parent Education instructor, and you, the parent.

Here are your responsibilities as a parent in the program:

• periodically helping in the classroom
• attending monthly parent meetings where you enjoy a lecture and discussion on topics related to child development and behavior guidance presented by your Parent Education Instructor
• participating in the business of the non-profit Cooperative Preschool, guided by the preschool board

The best part of this preschool experience is having your child clearly receive this message: "My school is so important, my parents give it the most precious commodity they have - their time and attention."

How it Works

Parents and their children enroll in the cooperative classes according to the child's age. There are classes for parents with three, four and five year olds. Some classes are mixed ages (multi-age classes). Children are guided by a trained teacher, with the parents assisting in a variety of activities that include music, story time, art experiences and special excursions. Both parent and child learn by doing.

Parents learn guidance techniques by working with the children, and in this way, develop a better understanding of their own and others' children. Parents are encouraged to continue to develop concepts and experiences with their own children at home. Administrative skills are also a valuable part of the program, as parents take on management roles in supervising the preschool's business affairs.

Evening parent education classes are held each month. These include:

• lectures
• videos
• discussion groups on topic such as:
  • developmental sequences
  • sex and sexuality
  • children's emotions
  • sibling rivalry
  • consumer awareness
  • discipline
  • family communication

How to Register

Your child must be 3-5 by August 31 for the school year beginning the following fall quarter, with some exceptions, as noted in the schedule. Since registration policies vary greatly between the co-op preschool classes, please contact the individual registrars as soon as possible for observation times, registration dates and more specific information

Call the Registrar listed for the co-op class of your choice to register. Please note that each individual co-op Board sets tuition, and those costs for 2012-2013 have yet to be determined.

2011-2012 Schedule