Co-op preschool

There's no way my kids are going to be able to go to any preschool any time soon. It's just not financially feasible. I met a Mom today who suggested cooperative preschool; she apparently has done this with her kids. I like the idea of either a formal or informal co-op. My boys don't really need the academic aspects of preschool; however, they need more structure and social interaction, and I would really like that to start soon after they turn 3.

When their 4 I'd like them in some kind of pre-K, but I have no idea whatsoever, if there is anyway to get free pre-K in the state we are moving to.

Any thoughts?

 

Hi! My 3yo b/g twins are currently enrolled in a formal cooperative preschool. To warn you, it is a big time commitment. But, we all love it! It is a play-based program with certified preschool teachers. Two parents (other caregivers are permitted, but they may not cover more than 50% of the hours) assist in each classroom during every class. Classroom hours are calculated per child, so I end up doing double the number of hours as the other parents in the class (some co-ops don't require double). Each family must also hold a school job and work a minimum number of fundraising and maintenance hours. Each co-op is different. I had a friend who was able to buy out both classroom and fundraising/maintenance hours. She was still required to hold a school job. Because of all of the work each family puts into the school, there is a substantial savings on tuition. I am saving approximately $1000/month by doing a co-op. It is also a fantastic way to become involved in your community. We were new to our town when we started at the co-op. We have made tons of friends (child and adult) and are always very busy with exciting things to do. It is a lot of work, but I would highly recommend it!

Good luck!

Jenny

 

It depends on the co op I guess. My kids go to one. This year I've helped a couple times but she doesn't really care about getting help for this class, next year every parent take turn... I guess I'll end up going every 3 weeks or something, not sure yet. I admit I'm not very much at ease with preschoolers but I'll work on it... it's half the price of the other schools I've seen, and the teacher is great.

 

How did you guys find the schools?

 

I just did a google search on preschool.

 

My mother was the director of a formal co-operative preschool when I was a kid. I think there were five or six classrooms plus playground, indoor gym, etc. It had short hours, just 9 - 11:30 or something like that, and every parent had to work a certain number of shifts in the classroom plus help in other ways. I think it sounds like a great option if you're going to be a stay-at-home mom. Working in the school would be difficult if both parents are employed full time.

 

I will tell you in MD all Pre-k in the public schools is based on need (financial first). Anyone that qualifies for free and reduced lunch automatically gets in. Then they have a high priority admission, which is speech, ESL, IEP and then priority is lots of other things (under 6 lbs at birth, Mom or Dad incarcerated, sibling with speech, etc). I will say my two born so early did not qualify to get in. I was only able to check off low birth weight.

 

Here public school is only for kids with delays, or there is a lottery to get in, but then the kids are in a mixed class (some with delays, some who don't have delays).