About FPCP

Fishers Pointe Cooperative Preschool was established in 1996. We are a non-profit parent-participation preschool located in Fishers Indiana, enrolling children from 18 months to 5 years. We are affiliated with the Indiana Council of Preschool Cooperatives and Parent Cooperative Preschools International.

Philosophy

Our parent cooperative is dedicated to helping children, parents and teachers grow together.

FPCP is a developmentally appropriate program with a cooperative philosophy of providing a learning environment for both parents and children. Under the guidance of qualified teachers and a volunteer member board, each member will be actively involved in the school by assisting in the classroom, sharing in the business operations of the school, and by participating in ongoing educational programs, to ensure their child’s emotional, social and educational success and achievements. The length and frequency of school days is in line with the recommendations of early childhood educators as appropriate for the age of the children. Teacher-led group time is balanced with plenty of self-directed, hands-on experiences. The latter have been shown to allow the natural learning processes of children to occur. In a pre-planned “learning through play” environment children learn how to interact, problem-solve, and make decisions together. Parents, educators and researchers have found that children of these developmentally appropriate programs are not only ready for kindergarten, but also have developed a life-long love of learning.

We are what we contribute. We receive what we give.

Goals

Our goal is to foster a joy in learning and discovery that will serve a child over a lifetime.

Goals for Children:

• Interact and get along socially with peers
• Develop strong, good self-concepts which will hold well into public school years
• Be happy with school ideas and new friends
• Develop self-control, problem solving and decision-making skills
• Become aware of other’s feelings
• Cope with stress situations
• Develop physical skills – fine motor and large muscle skills
• Have a sense of satisfaction with our individualism and feelings of self-respect
• Develop intellectually, socially, emotionally and physically. Be well rounded
• Develop appropriate language, pre-reading, pre-math and simple science skills
• Stimulate curiosity in learning through discovery, exploration and play
• Encourage creativity, problem solving and decision-making skills
• Have a good, relaxing, loving, happy time in a growing and helping environment

Goals for Adults:

• Learn patient discipline – loving and gentle "ways"
• Accept the reality of preschool growing
• Realize the capabilities and limitations of 2, 3, 4, and 5 year olds
• Understand and observe children in learning situations
• Become aware of our own potentials
• Be accepting of all children just as they are
• Develop new friendships and accept responsibility
• Become a better parent

Mission

A Cooperative preschool where children, at an individual pace, can learn and develop through play; and parents can learn and grow in their abilities to be child educators at home, school and in their communities.

We are a "success oriented" school, striving to help children and their parents form positive self-concepts and good feelings of self-worth. We value the uniqueness of each child and adult involved. The children in co-ops are free to be – free to own their feelings and to express these feelings. Our job is to help them understand what these feelings are. As teachers, we will strive to be reactors to children, not judges of children. We will look for causes of action, not focusing on the act itself in cases of conflict. We will not label behavior. We will set realistic goals for ourselves and for our children. We will work to help children learn how to solve problems, not solve problems for them. We will work to foster feelings of empathy, helping children to be responsible for the results of their actions. We will all grow together in this loving, accepting setting.

Program Objectives

Our Classroom is a place where:

• your child is safe
• your child is respected
• your child is accepted for whom he or she is
• your child will learn
• your child is special
• your child is loved

Our teachers will:

• respect your child.
• celebrate your child's uniqueness.
• encourage your child.
• accept your child.
• help your child learn.
• give your child choices.
• follow your child's lead.
• guide your child to solve his/her own problems.
• love your child.

Provide a play-based curriculum that:

• supports the development of the whole child - socially, emotionally, physically, and intellectually.
• allows for the recognition of each child’s unique learning style, abilities, and developmental level.
• allows for hands on learning, where the curriculum can emerge from the children’s interests, needs and desires; making learning concrete and meaningful.

Central to our programs is the belief that:

• children thrive in an atmosphere of trust; where they are provided with support, in a safe & gentle environment.
• a child’s self esteem and ability to learn are interdependent. That is, children succeed when they have a strong sense of self; therefore we believe it is important to foster a sense of competency and independence in all aspects of the child’s being.

FPCP has a unique environment that includes an excellent adult to child ratio allowing for individual attention. We are proud of our quality programs. Examples of what play-based curriculum can provide for children’s development are:

Physical play: Physical play helps to develop an awareness of their bodies (balance, strength, coordination) and builds confidence.

Story time: Sitting quietly listening to stories develops the skills of concentration and attention, and is an introduction to the wonderful world of books and reading.

Block building: Building is a bridge between the world of pretend and reality. It provides experience in spatial relationships, opportunities for sharing, and develops large and small muscle control. Blocks also provide a pre-math experience (size and shape sorting, balance).

Painting: Painting provides an opportunity for self-expression and enjoyment. The fun of creating is more important than the end product.

Sensory Table Play: Play in these areas encourages experimentation in texture and measurement in a fun way. It also presents early scientific and math concepts.

Play dough and clay: Modeling provides a release for aggressive feelings and offers general enjoyment.

Music and rhythm: These provide a means of self-expression through experimentation with songs, instruments, finger plays, games, and dancing.

Dramatic play: This type of play is used to re-enact experiences and stories, fears and feelings. It allows children to try out different roles and promotes cooperation.

Language communication: Communication and speech improve enormously at preschool. They are developed through all forms of play.

Table toys: Puzzles, beads, games, etc. These help a child to develop his hand-eye coordination, sequencing skills, ability to follow direction, and concentration.

Cutting and pasting: These provide an experience in hand and finger manipulation as well as self-expression. When presented with a variety of materials, shapes, textures, and objects to glue, children find an enormous amount of enjoyment in their creations.

Science table: Objects and experiments feed a child's natural curiosity about the world around them and expand general knowledge.