The co-op
A school the families run with the teachers
In a co-op the parents are part of the school. The teachers lead the learning, the families do the work around it, and the board keeps it running.
Teachers plan and lead
Three teachers plan the days, lead the circle and the projects, and stay with the children from hello to goodbye.
Families help beside them
On every class morning two families work in the room: setting out snack, helping at a project, reading a story or walking out to the yard.
The board holds the rest
Each family takes one job for the year, from the treasurer's books to the yard. The teachers explain, and the families decide together.
Membership
What membership asks of a family
These are rules of membership, the same for every family. They are counted per family, not per child.
Duty mornings
A classroom duty morning about every other week. The teachers set the rotation at orientation, and swaps are easy.
One family job
Chosen at the first family meeting and kept for the year: treasurer, membership, materials, the yard and more.
A monthly meeting
One evening a month, on the first Thursday, the board and the teachers meet with families to decide how the year goes.
When a family can't
Tell us. We look for another way to help: a job that can be done from home, or a swap with another family.
How tuition and membership fit together
A duty morning
A duty morning, step by step
Your first one is with a teacher beside you the whole time.
Step 1: Arrive at 8:30
Wash your hands, put your things in the cubbies and read the list the teacher has posted: snack, art, yard.
Step 2: Set out the room
Put out snack, check the art table and meet the other helper family. A teacher walks you through it.
Step 3: Work beside a teacher
Read, paint, build or walk to the yard with a few children. A teacher always leads the group.
Step 4: Snack
Sit with the children at the low table. They serve themselves and you help with pouring.
Step 5: Clean up and say goodbye
Wipe the tables, put the room back and say goodbye with the group. A teacher talks through the morning with you.
Questions about duty
Can a grandparent or another adult take my duty morning?
Yes. Any adult from your family who has met the teachers and is on your enrollment form can take a duty morning.
Will I ever be alone with the children?
No. Helpers work beside a teacher, and a teacher always leads the group.
What if I have a younger child at home?
Tell us at the tour. Some families swap with another family, take a job that can be done from home or bring the baby to a quiet morning. We work it out with you.
What if I'm sick on my duty morning?
Let us know and we find a swap. Please stay home when you're unwell, just as children do.
Ask about the co-op on a tour
Come on a class morning, meet a family on duty and ask what the work is really like.