Frequently Asked Questions about Cooperative Preschools and FPCP
What is a "Cooperative?"
A cooperative preschool is one in which families join together to run a preschool that stresses family involvement and the developmental growth of the child.
Parents run the school by selecting and holding one of the numerous positions that are needed to run a quality program. We elect a Board to handle some of the larger tasks, but every parent has a voice and an important job within the co-op.
The teachers are the school's only paid staff. They are selected for their qualifications as well as their demonstrated skills in working with children. They routinely continue their education through workshops and meetings.
Each class day has a consistent schedule for the children. Each day contains the different types of learning and social aspects a child needs for his or her developmental growth: free play (play centers, free choice with many large and small motor activities available), circle time (group interaction, listening to others, story time, finger plays, songs), snack (everyone seems hungry after all that play!) and recreational room play time (climber, balls, parachute, obstacle course, outdoor time etc.).
For parents, the benefits of a cooperative school are numerous. Our emphasis, alongside that of our children's development, is parent education. Throughout the year, various educational opportunities are provided--and they are free! Parent Education meetings feature a speaker on relevant family/child topics. Parent/teacher conferences are scheduled each year, but, on a daily basis, the teachers are available to discuss any concerns or questions you may have about your child. We also get together for fun at school events throughout the year. Staying connected is important to our co-op.
How do you prepare parents for their role in the classroom?
For parents, a six-hour training session referred to as Classroom Participation Training (CPT) is held to prepare you in your role as a participant in the classroom. Through a series of observation and discussion experiences, you will learn a great deal about the developmental tasks each age level is tackling both in the classroom as well as at home. You will also gain additional "know-how" at parent meetings throughout the year. And, on a daily basis, the teachers and experienced parents are there to help you.
During the summer, school families gather several times for play dates. This is a wonderful chance to meet other new and returning families (as well as the teachers) in an informal setting.
Before the beginning of school, the parents gather for an orientation session where parents can meet the teacher and the parents in their class as well as get information from the teacher on her expectations and how she expects parents to help in the classroom. Important information pertaining to the running of the school is also covered. The teacher will show you around the classroom, so that participating parents will know where things are and what they need to do when participating in the classroom.
This is my child's first school experience. What can be done to make the transition easier?
The summer play dates provide an opportunity for the child to meet the other children in the class, the teacher, and the other parents who will be participating.
Each child will have the opportunity to meet the teacher before school begins--either through a home visit or in the classroom (for an individual visit).
If a child is uncomfortable with the parent leaving, we work with you to help build the child's confidence and comfort in leaving. We will never require you to leave.
Is there structure to the children's day?
Yes. The children in our classrooms are encouraged to move freely among numerous activities provided by the teachers each day. This freedom of choice by the children and the noise they naturally generate when enthusiastic about a project should not be confused with a lack of structure to their day. After CPT class, one can see that there is actually higher level and self-directed learning going on in this type of classroom. Each class has a certain schedule for the day's activities (e.g. free play, circle time, snack, recreational large muscle play etc.) so that the children know a routine and what to expect. And, of course, some necessary structure is provided by the teacher and participating parents for the safety of everyone and because appropriate socialization within a peer group is important too. The class schedule is geared toward the age group. All toys and activities are age appropriate. We have a safe play area that encourages large-motor skills (climbing, running, obstacle course, etc.) The classrooms have well-defined areas for different kinds of activities (crafts tables, art – paint easels, playdoh tables, writing center, blocks, table toys, library, puzzles, house corner, dramatic play, sensory table, science table etc). Children enjoy field trip days as well and parents provide safe transportation.
How often will I participate in the classroom?
Depending on which class your child is in and how many children are in the classroom, you will have the opportunity to participate 1 to 3 times each month. On days you participate, you will be asked to bring snacks or drinks for the kids. A list of snack/drink suggestions will be provided to you at the beginning of the school year.
But this seems like it takes a lot of time?
Yes and no. Joining a cooperative preschool does ask more of you than a "drop off" preschool, but the time you put in is repaid many times over in countless ways both now and in the future. And, keep in mind, there are far more days that you do not participate than those that you do.
How can I participate if I have other children? (younger or older siblings)
If you have other kids (newborns or toddlers or even older children), this is the best place for you because we look out for each other. We take this part seriously. Parents trade childcare for their young or older ones on days they have to participate, so the babysitting is taken care of-and it is free! This forges even closer friendships among families. Not all of us have family in Indiana or friends who can baby-sit for us. Childcare can be held on site. This way all of your children are under one roof and you can check on them and even nurse your baby if you have to. If you have a newborn, family emergency or other need, the other parents arrange to bring meals in, have your children over to play, carpool with them to school, etc. You will never be left to do it alone!
Selfishly, I think I need more time to myself than your short school days seem to allow.
The length of our school day is geared to be appropriate for the child, in accordance with the guidelines from the NAEYC. Also, some co-op parents trade off childcare on non-school days so that each parent can have a day off while their children have familiar playmates.
I work full-time or part-time; can co-op work with my schedule?
Yes, in most cases. We have parents who work full-time and use personal time for the days they are scheduled to participate. Others have caregivers-- a nanny, grandparent, aunt, uncle, etc.--participate for them. Still others do a combination of these options. Those who work part-time usually work their participation days around their work schedules.
How will I know when I am to participate?
A parent in each class coordinates the schedule of classroom participation. This is usually done 1-2 months ahead. Before the schedule is created, each parent is asked to submit days and dates they can or cannot participate as well as their preferences for days they would like to be scheduled. Every effort is made to accommodate personal schedules. For unexpected schedule conflicts or illness, participating parents can swap days in advance, or even the morning of class.
Does my child have to be potty trained to attend?
No. This is not a requirement for enrollment.
Can I bring my child in for a pre-enrollment visit?
Absolutely. We encourage the parents and the children who will be enrolled to come take a tour of the school.
What's your holiday Schedule?
We follow HSE (Hamilton Southeastern's) school schedule.
Do you offer sibling discounts?
Yes. Tuition will be discounted by $5 per month for each additional child.
Is there a late pickup fee?
No. We ask that you be on time and on days when you can't, a parent in your class will most likely be able to help you out. Again, we pride ourselves on being supportive and helping one another.
Do I pay when we are on vacation or when my child has an illness?
Yes. If a child misses school because of a vacation or illness, full tuition must still be paid.
When is tuition due?
Tuition is due on the first day of each month. A 7-day grace period is allowed for weekends and/or holidays.
What happens if my payment is late?
After the 7-day grace period has expired, a late fee of $5 per week will be assessed. After 30 days, delinquent members will be notified that their membership is in jeopardy. Continued delinquency will result in a Board vote on termination of membership. Please remember, if you are having trouble paying your tuition, FPCP has a scholarship fund available for its members. The scholarship program is completely confidential. Look for details in your orientation packet.
What is the Board of Directors?
The Board of Directors is a group of co-op members who have volunteered to take on pivotal roles in the operation of the preschool. The Executive Board is made up of a President (or co-presidents), Vice President of Membership, Vice President of Parent Education, Treasurer, and Secretary. These are elected positions, but any member can volunteer for them. Other Board positions include Ways & Means Chair, Class Representatives, Newsletter Chair, and our teachers. Board members meet each month to conduct the business of FPCP, from the budget to fundraising to decisions about school equipment.
How can I become a Board member?
All you have to do is volunteer. Before our Annual Membership Meeting in January, tell your class rep or the Membership Chair if you are interested in a certain Board position. The slate for the Board of Directors is presented at the January Membership Meeting and is voted upon if possible. If for some reason a vote can't be taken at the January meeting, the slate will be approved at the April Membership Meeting.
Which meetings are mandatory?
Each member is required to attend three Membership meetings throughout the year. The August Member Orientation is the first, and is mandatory because of the wealth of information it provides for new members. The January Membership Meeting is mandatory because there are several important issues discussed which require a membership vote. And the April Membership Meeting is mandatory because of the items we vote on. Of course, members are welcome to attend any and all Board meetings throughout the year.
To what extent must I participate in fund raising events?
FPCP does not have any fund raising participation requirements. We encourage our members to participate as much as they are comfortable with, and we strive to make fund raising fun. We avoid selling things as much as possible and instead focus on events that involve the community, such as our Water Balloon Fight and the HollyDaze Boutique. We also plan events with local restaurants who will return a percentage of our expenditures back to the school. While fundraising is not mandatory, we do depend upon the income from our fundraising efforts to finance the school. We ask that you participate in our fundraising events as much as you can.
How do you communicate with parents?
We have several ways to communicate with our members. Monthly newsletters, bulletin boards located just outside of the classrooms, emails, mailboxes for each parent, class calendars, class coffee's, membership meetings, board meeting minutes and teacher lesson plans are just some examples.
What's the teacher-child ratio in each group?
We have excellent teacher-child ratios. There are three adults in every classroom (the teacher and two participating parents). Our Cubs class has 10 kids, Teddies has 12 kids, Koalas has 14 kids, Grizzlies has 12 kids and Pandas has 18 kids.
My child has special needs. Can you accommodate them?
Yes, in most cases. Each situation is considered on an individual basis with the teacher. Every effort is made to meet each child where they are, and yet consideration is made for the safety and well-being of the class as a whole. If your child's special need is a food allergy, all parents in the class are told about any food allergies and are expected to bring one snack that is appropriate for all the children. Our school is a peanut/nut free school. If a child needs special therapists in the classroom to assist with developmental delays or conditions such as autism or Down's syndrome, accommodations are made whenever possible.
Can you tell me about health, hygiene and safety rules?
A good preschool is clean and sanitary and observes basic safety rules. Fishers Pointe prides itself on this. Children are taught to wash their hands or use "magic soap" (hand sanitizing gel) before entering the classroom. Everyone washes their hands before feeding the children. Toys are replaced as often as needed. There are daily clean-up procedures that each class follows at the end of their class session. A full classroom clean-up is scheduled 4 times each year. We provide members with health and safety guidelines at the beginning of the school year.
Your children will only be released to you unless you provide further instructions. Pick up occurs inside the building. The teacher will release your child to you at the classroom door at the end of each day.
Our teachers do have CPR and First Aid training. In fact, we offer these classes to all of our members at the beginning of the year. There is a small fee involved.
The staff is well trained with handling emergencies. The kids do go through a "drill" with the teachers.
Bottom line: Why should I consider a cooperative preschool?
It is the beginning of a lifetime involvement in your child's education.
It is a chance to understand the developmental tasks your child is accomplishing.
It is an opportunity to see for yourself how your child interacts with others--not just hear about it from the teacher.
Participating in your child's preschool classroom makes it possible to judge for yourself if your child is ready for kindergarten.
It is a chance to build friendships with other parents who are like-minded and committed to their families and to their children's education.
Co-op uses approved practices within the guidelines of the NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children)
It is one of the best decisions you will ever make!