Who We Are…
The Stanwood Cooperative Preschool (SCP) has been owned and operated by families from the Stanwood, Camano Island and Arlington areas since 1976. Our preschool is staffed by professional teachers who work together with parents to operate a successful, stimulating and engaging classroom. Our basic philosophy is that young children learn best through hands-on activities and the social interactions of play.
What is a Cooperative Preschool?
A cooperative preschool is a community of parents and children working and learning together. We welcome parents, grandparents and other caregivers to participate in our program. Our program encourages parents to share their interests and talents. Parents involvement on a weekly basis in the classroom is enriching, not only for the child but also the parent, allowing a glimpse into your child's world, at the same time sending a message to the child that they are important. Because of parental involvement, we are able to keep costs far below almost all other preschools making the experience more affordable for everyone. There are partial scholarships for families who qualify because we believe that every child has the right to attend preschool. For more information on this, and all other aspects of cooperative preschooling contact us at stanwoodcoop@gmail.com
In addition to working in the classroom, parents participate in the operation of the school and
Benefits for Children:
Children are encouraged to express themselves verbally, emotionally and creatively through the rich diverse mediums of language, art, dramatic play, block building, music, and movement.
Benefits for Parents:
Hands on participation in all aspects of early childhood education. Information and ideas on child development and parenting skills are embedded in the classroom, at business meetings, and in parent enrichment.
In addition to working in the classroom, parents participate in the operation of the school and
- Attend monthly parent education and business meetings
- Hold a parent job or serve as a member of the board of directors
- Serve on committees to support the many facets of the cooperative
- Fundraising projects and events
Benefits for Children:
Children are encouraged to express themselves verbally, emotionally and creatively through the rich diverse mediums of language, art, dramatic play, block building, music, and movement.
- Our children develop a positive attitude toward school.
- Small child to parent/teacher ratios create a nurturing and attentive environment.
- Learning is special when a parent is there to share it!
Benefits for Parents:
Hands on participation in all aspects of early childhood education. Information and ideas on child development and parenting skills are embedded in the classroom, at business meetings, and in parent enrichment.
- A support network of friends with the same interests and concerns
- An opportunity to observe the first years of school
- Discover new and hidden talents while contributing abilities
- A voice in school decisions and policy-making
- Ease of communication with teachers
- A chance to effectively advocate on behalf of children
- Personal involvement in your child's learning has a lasting impact on you and your community
Our Educators…
Our Lab Coordinator works with parents to provide a warm, nurturing environment in which the children can learn and create. They also provides parents with information about age appropriate learning and behaviors.
SCP members are students of Edmonds College. A few of the benefits are:
Our Lab Coordinator works with parents to provide a warm, nurturing environment in which the children can learn and create. They also provides parents with information about age appropriate learning and behaviors.
SCP members are students of Edmonds College. A few of the benefits are:
- Parent or care giver working in the classroom earns college credits through working in the classroom and attending meetings.
- EC Family Life instructors are in the classroom once per week showing parents best practices for working with children. Parents gain insight and real time parenting experience.
- At monthly parent education classes members learn new parenting skills, discuss early childhood education topics, and share parenting challenges, goals and successes.
- Members are able to reach out to their Family Life instructor for help with parenting challenges.
- Members are eligible for an EdPass, student ID#, and student email which they can use for student discounts.
