How is a Co-op different from other schools?
I’ve heard a Co-op is a lot of work. How much time is actually involved?
What is ‘Classroom Helping’? How much am I expected to be in the classroom and am I able to participate more or less?
How can I become more involved in the school?
Is the school EEC Certified?
How do you handle behavior?
Does my child need to be toilet trained?
What are the teacher ratios?
Do you provide food?
What is your sick policy?
What kinds of things do you do with the kids all day?
Don’t see your question on this list? Please feel free to Contact Us.
How is a Co-op different from other schools?
A cooperative preschool is unique, as it is a parent-run school. Our Board of Directors, school Director, and educators work together to create an atmosphere that allows for a family -entered education for our children. Parents and caregivers have the opportunity to participate in the school, and have an intimate perspective on their child’s educational program. This creates an atmosphere of transparency, as families are regularly present in their child’s class. Families who want the opportunity to be involved in their child’s education in a meaningful way will find the Co-op a good fit for them.
Return to top.
I’ve heard a Co-op is a lot of work. How much time is actually involved?
We strive to make our school accessible, even for busy or working families. We ask each family to participate in the school in three ways: Classroom Helping a minimum of five times a year, School Improvement Days (buyout option available), and taking on a Family Choice Position (buyout option available). Family Choice assignments are jobs that directly benefit the school, and take no more than fifteen hours over the course of the school year. We do offer limited buyout options for families who cannot meet this commitment.
Return to top.
What is ‘Classroom Helping’? How much am I expected to be in the classroom and am I able to participate more or less?
Classroom Helping is a requirement five times a year. This is a wonderful opportunity to view first-hand how a day proceeds in your child’s classroom. When participating in the classroom, the parent or other caregiver is expected to assist the teacher as much as they are comfortable, following the guidelines in our Handbook. This usually includes taking part in daily activities, as well as helping with clean-up and tidying as necessary.
Return to top.
How can I become more involved in the school?
We are always delighted by enthusiastic members. Parents are encouraged to bring in special activities, such as particular areas of expertise, or holiday and cultural celebrations. Some examples include celebrations of Chanukah and Chinese New Year, in addition to science demonstrations and gardening projects.
We also have a parent run Board of Directors. The Board Positions include President, Director of Operations, Director of Enrollment, Treasurer, Director of Communication, Director of Building and Grounds, Director of Community Events, Director of Marketing, and Director of Social Events. Participating as a Board Member fulfills the Family Choice requirement.
Return to top.
Yes. All of our educators are EEC certified, and the school is completely EEC compliant.
Return to top.
At the Sudbury Cooperative Preschool, we see guiding children through difficult situations as part of the learning process, and use these as teachable moments. We use praise and redirection to help children navigate challenging interactions. We set developmentally appropriate healthy limits with the help of the students, and support an environment that allows everyone to thrive and succeed. Our team of educators model behavior, modify the classroom environment as necessary, work to prevent problems before they arise, and reinforce making good choices as a way to encourage and support children. We make sure each child feels heard and understood and is given the appropriate guidance when they encounter challenging situations. Our goal is to help children self-regulate, build self-esteem, and navigate their relationships with confidence.
Return to top.
Does my child need to be toilet trained?
We do not require toilet training. Our educators work with families to encourage each child in self-toileting as they are comfortable and ready.
Return to top.
We more than allow for the mandated EEC guidelines for child to teacher ratios, as they vary by age.
In our Toddler Program we are licensed for up to nine students with two educators, but generally cap those classes at eight students, for a maximum ratio of 4:1.
In Preschool we have two educators with a maximum class size of fifteen students, so the maximum ratio is 7.5:1.
In Pre-K, we add an assistant to each class once there are ten students enrolled, so the maximum ratio is 9:1. Our Pre-K classes have a maximum of twelve students with two educators.
Return to top.
We do not. Parents bring in a snack for the whole class on a rotating schedule. If your child stays for lunch during Extended Day, you will also provide this.
Our school is a nut free environment, and we also cater to many different food allergies. Each year, prior to the beginning of the school year, classes are evaluated for food allergies. Snacks that are brought in to the school will be aligned with allergy needs. For more information on our approach to food allergies, please see our page on Allergies in Preschool.
Return to top.
We ask that all parents agree to keep children home if they have had a fever within the past 24 hours. We also request that parents keep a child home if he or she is exhibiting a constant cough or heavy nasal discharge, is not him or herself, or is overtired from unusual activity.
Return to top.
What kinds of things do you do with the kids all day?
Our day is geared around playful learning experiences engaging all areas of learning. Children explore the environment through hands-on activities that are focused toward appropriate developmental stages. Our classrooms are designed to provide children with ample opportunities to grow and learn from supportive relationships with their peers and our team of educators. Through a carefully designed curriculum, children use their natural curiosity as the vehicle for learning.
Return to top.