Philosophy
Play is the work of young children. Preschoolers construct their understanding of the world around them through active involvement with materials, peers, and adults. Through play, they discover, create, interact, imagine, and wonder. Using developmentally appropriate practice, we provide tools and experiences that build broad foundations for learning. Individual strengths, interests, and learning styles are addressed. Our safe, nurturing environment allows children to grow and develop intellectually, emotionally, socially, physically, and creatively.
As a cooperative preschool, we believe that the most effective education results from a partnership between parents and teachers. Parents are the primary educators of their children and are the experts on their children’s development. Parents and teachers work together in partnership to address the needs and holistic growth of each child so that learning is supported in the home and at school.
Available Classes
Preschool Classes
Our preschool classes are designed as a two year program. Children stay with the same class and the same teaching team for both years.
First-Year Preschool Class:
Children in our First-Year class are 3 by December 1. We have up to 16 children with two teachers in our First-Year class which meets 8:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays. You can add an optional third day on on Fridays. Parents volunteer in the classroom 3 mornings per year.
Second-Year Preschool Class:
Children in our Second-Year class are 4 by December 1. In our Second-Year class, there are up to 18 children with two teachers. This class meet 8:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. You can add an optional fourth day on Wednesdays. Parents volunteer in the classroom 4 mornings per year.
First Mates Classes
We offer both Monday/Wednesday and Tuesday/Thursday sections of our First Mates toddler classes. There is an option for toddlers in either section to add a third morning on Fridays. Children must be 18 months old by September 1 of the year they enroll. We have 8 children with two teachers in each of our First Mates classes. These classes meet 8:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Parents volunteer in the classroom 3 mornings per year.
Lunch Bunch
Lunch Bunch is available following our regular preschool day Monday – Thursday 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. Children bring their own lunches. For Second Year class children, we offer additional planned science or art curriculum along with the lunch program on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
First Mates Class Lunch Bunch (FMC LB) is offered on Monday and Tuesday from 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. FMC LB will include lunch, free play, and naptime.
Parent volunteers do not stay for our extended day program.