Parent Information
Edgewood Preschool Cooperative is one in which the parents assume the responsibilities of the administration of the school. Children, parents, and teachers go to school together, each learning from one another. Parent participation is unique to our preschool. Parents act as teaching assistants under the guidance of a paid, professional teacher. Training is provided to the parent for their teacher's aide role. In addition, parents have the opportunity to receive ongoing parent education and serve on committees that help run the school.
Moreover, our preschool gives you the opportunity to see, be with and participate with your own child in a school setting. You will also see and work with other children the same age as yours, which will increase your awareness of the common needs and behavior patterns of children in those age groups. We provide ongoing parent education workshops that provide information about early childhood development, positive parenting, etc.
Participation
The amount of participation required will depend on class size / ratios. Parents will typically be required to participate a minimum of 2 times per month. Everyone has busy schedules and we understand this and work hard to make sure that participation fits into parents’ schedules. Members may request specific dates to participate. Many of our members are stay-at-home parents, but we do have some who work part-time and even full-time. Moms and Dads can share in the classroom participation responsibility. You may even have a relative or other caregiver participate. The details of who will be the primary classroom participation person need to be discussed with your teacher and class representative. Class representatives create each month’s calendar a month or two in advance and will work with you on scheduling. We make every effort to give our parents plenty of time to make arrangements.
Parent Education
Cooperative preschools place great emphasis on parental involvement, and hope that parents take advantage of opportunities to learn along with their children. Parent Education programs give members a chance to increase their knowledge of several different topics, from CPR and First Aid to “the birds and the bees.” We plan one or two Parent Education meetings throughout the school year. Our members consider these events a fun night out among friends. We strongly encourage our members to attend and participate in Parent Education events.
Committees
Every member of our preschool must serve on at least one committee. Each committee has a specific purpose and contributes to the successful operation of our school. A list of committees and committee descriptions will be provided to all members at the beginning of the school year. Some committee positions (such as a Board position) require more time than others. We try to make available a variety of jobs/positions to meet each member family's needs and interests.
New Member CPT (Classroom Participation Training)
Any adult that will be participating more than 3 times in the classroom and is either new to the cooperative preschool or has never been through CPT Training is required to complete this 6 hour training to become oriented with the co-op philosophy of preschool. This important training is led by an instructor from ICPC. The program will include observation of currently enrolled children during a normal school day, as well as discussion of developmental stages of young children and how we can best respond to the needs of each stage. It is a wonderful learning experience! Families needing CPT Training will be notified in advance with all of the details (date, time and location). We try to host this event in September or October each year. This training is required for any new KOALA or PANDA parent.
Special Events and Fundraising
EPC holds several special events throughout the school year. Each of these events is an opportunity to get together with one another and share in a fun, social event outside of school. Each member family is asked to help out at one special event each year. EPC holds a few fundraising events during the school year, including an annual Edgewood 500 Festival. Money generated from these events provides the school with funds to support our entire budget for the school year. Each family is asked to help participate in these events in some capacity (phone calls, committee chair, etc.).
Edgewood Preschool Cooperative does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, national origin,
ancestry, age, or United States military service veteran status.
Copyright Edgewood Preschool Cooperative
ancestry, age, or United States military service veteran status.
Copyright Edgewood Preschool Cooperative