What does it mean to be a cooperative preschool?
A preschool co-op is comprised of parents who have similar philosophies about early childhood education and want to be celebrated and involved as their child’s first teacher. Each family assists in the classroom approximately three times per month, and parents work alongside teachers to run the school. A cooperative preschool is a community of parents. We are here not only for your child’s benefit, but for you to create lasting friendships and learn along with your child.
What is the philosophy of Tahoma Cooperative Preschool?
“Where kids and parents play to learn!” Play provides the foundation upon which higher learning can be constructed. At a play-based preschool, children pretend and learn how to think abstractly. They paint and squish play dough, strengthening the muscles needed to hold and control a pencil. They use their senses to actively construct knowledge about the world around them. At TCP, we want to provide children with a solid foundation of social, emotional, cognitive, and physical skills so that they will succeed when they attend kindergarten, and we can do that while the children are working hard at play.
What am I expected to do when I’m volunteering in the classroom?
Each working parent is given a class schedule that directs them to a location in one of the classrooms and outlines the responsibilities for the day. You may help the teacher with a special project, converse with kids, monitor for safety, read books, help with painting, create play dough creatures, prepare the day’s snack, and/or listen to the very important things our children have to say. Working parents will also help clean up the classroom at the end of class time.
When is tuition due?
A last-month’s tuition deposit is due on July 15th, 2022. The following installments are due on the 1st day of class each month, beginning September 1st. A $10 late fee is applied to any tuition payment not received by the first day of the month following a payment due date. Accounts are considered delinquent at 60 days and membership may be revoked by the Board of Directors. If you find yourself having a special circumstance, please contact the chair, vice chair, or treasurer to discuss alternatives.
Are there other fees besides tuition?
Yes, in addition to tuition, TCP families expect the following:
•Registration (non-refundable): $100 to hold your child’s place in class.
Are there other time commitments besides helping in the classroom?
Families are encouraged to participate in our fundraising efforts throughout the school year. Additionally, families are required to participate in a minimum of two class cleanings a year, one prior to January and the second sometime between January and the end of May.
What about separation anxiety?
Some children have an easy transition into preschool while other require more time and patience. Parents are welcome to stay at school with their child until the child feels secure enough to play and participate independently. Teachers will gladly work with the parents of children who are more anxious to create a plan that feels right for everyone.
Does my child need to be potty-trained?
No, we do not require children to be potty-trained. If a child needs a diaper changed during class time, we will ask the child’s parent to attend to his or her needs. For children who are in the process of learning to use a toilet, we will be happy to talk them through the steps necessary to take care of their bathroom tasks independently. Please speak to your child’s teacher or Chair about any concerns.
What if I’m scheduled to assist in the classroom and my child or myself is sick?
Parents are responsible for setting their own volunteer days one to two months in advance. However, sickness happens and you may find yourself unable to work one day. At the beginning of the year each family is given a class roster with contact information. If you are unable to work on a scheduled day due to illness, please contact the alternate working parent so they can work for you. The Class Rep will also need to be notified in case any scheduling changes need to be arranged. We’re all parents and we all face sick days and scheduling conflicts from time to time, so we work together and help each other out.
How do I find out if classes are cancelled due to inclement weather?
If there is a snow closure, Tahoma Co-Op Preschool follows Tahoma School District Inclement Weather schedule. Sign up at http://www.schoolreport.org/ and follow Tahoma School District for updates. Additionally, teachers will communicate any updates/information to class via email.
If you have additional questions, please contact us at infoadmin@tahomapreschool.com.