community education
The Cooperative School has dynamic family early childhood development education curriculum including parent tips to use at home. Teachers provide families with regular updates about classroom activities, early childhood development, and pedagogy. We train families in how to preserve children’s ongoing access to nature, play, and art.
Monthly evening meetings include workshops on topics such as fostering communication skills, parenting tips, positive discipline, and scaffolding play. The families practice tried and true conflict resolution skills and learn how to support the delivery of our curriculum.
Families work alongside professional educators. The School’s Board of Directors is comprised of current member families. Other key roles for maintaining the school and supporting its programs are filled by families.
Members are given training and guidance as well as feedback for fulfilling their roles assisting in the classroom and as stewards of the School. In turn, they are encouraged to share skills and experiences as they complete their committee and board duties. This reciprocal and collaborative process strengthens the program for future generations of families and students and has sustained the model since 1942.