These are general questions working parents or parents interested in Co-op’s programs ask.

If you like more information, please contact Co-op at 223-1713 or 276-6350 for more information or schedule a visit today.  If you would like a registration form you may download the PDF from this web site under Registration.

We strongly encourage you and your child to visit when considering enrollment.

What are my parent commitments?

Parent participation is a multilevel commitment. You will assist in the classroom regularly, depending on how often your child attends. For example, you will assist in the classroom approximately 12 times during the year if your child attends twice a week. All parents will receive training before working in the classroom. Parents are also expected to help with fundraising and other classroom tasks.

May I choose parent workdays that fit my schedule?

YES! Parents choose their classroom workdays at the beginning of each period. We try to accommodate parents’ personal schedules.

I'm a little overwhelmed. How do I make sure I don't miss some event, activity, or something I'm supposed to do?

The parent files, at school near the entry doors, are an important way for us to communicate with you. Please check daily for notices, memos, etc. Check with your teacher, mentor, or Parent-Teacher Liaison for your class's parent file location. Feel free to use these files yourself to leave messages for your teacher, others or parent elected President of the Board. Also, check the bulletin boards regularly for notices.

Help! What can I do with my younger child/baby when I need to work at Co-op?

There are so many others in your situation, so have no fear! There is a list on the bulletin board of those willing to trade child-care on workdays. Please sign up if you are interested in participating. You will receive a copy of the list in your parent folders at school soon after our year begins. We also have a Family Support person at your location. Feel free to call them if you have circumstances that may require special attention.

What if I can't work on my scheduled day - my child's sick, I have to go out of town, or need to go to my office on short notice?

Since working at Co-op is such an important component of the Co-op experience, for you and your child, we recommend you make every attempt to trade days with another working parent. You'll find most everyone amenable to this. Of course if your child is sick or you have little advance notice for another reason, it's nice to have a contingency plan. We have several parents who will work for pay for just this situation. A list is posted on the bulletin board and you will receive a copy in your parent file at school. The cost is $20 per day and is handled directly with the substituting parent. It is your responsibility.

What are clean-up days/task list duties?

There is a list of regular on going duties that must be performed to maintain the cleanliness and safety of the school or to assist with preparation of school materials. Being part of a cooperative, these duties are our responsibility. In general, each family will be required to do either 3 clean-up days, or 1 clean-up day and 1 task which will last approximately twelve weeks. They are not difficult tasks and you will find one that isn't too distasteful to you. You may actually love to clean the guinea pig cage or vacuum floors, who knows??!

I feel unsure about how to discipline at Co-op. What do I do?

This is one of the most common concerns of new Co-opers. If you don't know what to do, ask for help, preferably from a Co-op teacher or veteran parent. It takes tim to learn how to discipline the Co-op way. One thing that really helps was the list of "Words at Co-op" phrases you may review this list on our web site. If we all use the phrases the kids get use to them and respond to them more easily. The children need for us to support them and keep the environment positive. Recognize that everyone is doing the best they can at the moment (you included).