Unlike a for-profit preschool, the families themselves direct a cooperative preschool.

A qualified teacher (ECE) is employed to plan and coordinate the program, and parents have the opportunity to assist the ECE in the preschool on a rotating basis (approximately 1 - 2 mornings per month).

This is a wonderful chance to be involved in your child’s education and to see your child interacting with others in the classroom.

Parents also take on different roles in the management of the school (e.g., newsletter, social committee, etc.) according to their skills and interests. There are monthly Parent Education workshops led by guest speakers who provide valuable information on child development and parenting skills. Social events during the year help build a sense of community among the preschool families.

Being involved is rewarding – and it’s fun too!

Working Families Can Participate Too

We would like to extend a special invitation to working families to consider Countryside Preschool for their children. Classroom participation is not limited to only the parents of the child – a grandparent, nanny or other caregiver can be a "parent helper," as long as they attend the orientation sessions that are provided for all new classroom helpers.

Several Countryside parents work full or part time and have made alternative arrangements with the preschool so that their children can enjoy the benefits of the co-op experience.