What is a Cooperative Preschool?
A cooperative preschool is an affordable alternative to private preschools. Lake Stevens Cooperative Preschool is a 501(c) non-profit organization run by its members, primarily the parents, and offers a unique environment for learning.
What sets a co-op apart from other schools is parent involvement. A low child/parent ratio allows for more activities, greater interaction with each child and increased supervision. Parents learn how to facilitate learning through exploration and self-discovery.
In addition, The Lake Stevens Cooperative Preschool is affiliated with the Family Life Education Department at Edmonds College (EC); the EC provides on-site Parent Instructors. Our Instructors come with a wealth of knowledge and expertise in the areas of early childhood development and parenting education. For more information about EC’s Family Life Education Department, please visit https://www.edmonds.edu/programs/fled/default.html
Benefits of a Cooperative
- Low Monthly Fees
- Parents’ presence at preschool provides an enriched experience and easier transition for children
- High adult to child ratio
- One adult to every three children in the 2’s Class
- One adult to every five children in the 3’s and 4’s Class
- No need to be potty trained
- Parent education at monthly meetings through the Family Life Education Department at Edmonds College (EC)
- Membership includes enrollment as a student at Edmonds college. Members earn college credits in Early Childhood Education.
About Lake Stevens Cooperative
At Lake Stevens Cooperative Preschool we believe that children learn best through play.
We believe in fostering values that are fundamental to learning.
We believe that through play, children develop the social and academic skills necessary for a successful transition into primary education. We believe that interaction with other parents, retirees, and other children from a variety of backgrounds enriches their perspective and enlightens the way they learn.