Program and Philosophy

We believe that a child's kindergarten experience should be one in which the foundations are laid for a lifetime of learning through appropriate early childhood educational experiences.  Children are best prepared for academic learning when they have had opportunities for rich experiences in hands-on learning. Kindergarteners benefit most from being offered a variety of ways in which to make abstract concepts their own, rather than focusing on drills and rote memorization.  Their experience at school is most meaningful for them when they are encouraged to pursue their own self-initiated learning in a rich and supportive environment. The best use of their time includes activities which help them to learn about the world, the people in it, and their relationship to it all. At Co-op, we strive to give kindergarteners the skills and the confidence they need to be able to:

• Work well with others
• Respect themselves and others
• Approach learning with an attitude of involvement and active engagement
• Manage their time effectively to accomplish the expected goals within the school day
• Pursue self-initiated learning and exploration of new learning situations
• Have a strong sense of their own worth and the valuable contributions that each individual brings to a group
• Make good choices for themselves
• Feel successful interpersonally and academically through excellent hands-on learning opportunities
• Make a successful transition on to the next appropriate learning environment

The Fayette Cooperating Nursery School and Kindergarten provides a positive first school experience for children in Central Kentucky and offers a unique program that nurtures parents as well as children. The curriculum and facilities are carefully designed to meet the social, intellectual, emotional, and physical needs of children. Children learn through age-appropriate activities and interactions with adults and other children. Individualized attention from the teacher allows children to be appropriately challenged as they become more academically proficient.

Some of the tools and activities provided for learning math and language skills include:

• Unifix cubes for simple math
• Cuisenaire rods for addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division
• Graphing
• Calendar for practice in patterning and sequencing
• Whole language learning with inclusion of phonics
• Journals for practice in language skills
• Labeling pictures
• Word searches in the newspaper

The foundation of the Co-op program is direct involvement of the parents in all aspects of the school. In addition to a qualified teacher, three parents work each day in the classroom. Many programs and training opportunities are sponsored by the school each year for parents to learn about working with groups of children, as well as to gain insight into the development of their own child. Positive approaches and constructive choices are integral parts of the philosophy of the school.

Class and Fee Information

Children attend class three hours per day, five days a week from 11:45 am to 2:45pm. This program is for children who turn 5 years old before October 1st. Parents participate in the child's classroom two to four times per month depending on enrollment. Parents also help provide nutritious snacks for the children on a rotating basis. Parents working together with experienced staff provide an adult/child ration of 1:6 in Kindergarten. This allows for careful supervision and support for each child's needs. Parents often arrange to trade childcare for siblings during their workdays at school.

Tuition

Tuition and Registration Forms can be found under Registration.

Parent Commitment

One of the great strengths of our school is the level of parent involvement. In addition to the opportunities for classroom work experience, parents have other areas of responsibility (all parent programs are approved for Cabinet for Health & Family Services training hours). These programs are an excellent way to receive support for your parenting and training for your classroom workdays. The Cabinet for Health & Family Services requires parents working at school to have 12 hours of training per year. There are also regularly scheduled clean up days and a monthly task list that help in the maintenance of facilities.

All participating adults are screened for records of crimes against children and must have on file at school a negative TB patch test or chest x-ray. Each child must have a current immunization certificate.

Visiting Co-op

Visiting the classroom is an excellent way to see the hands-on, creative environment that is available to children. Parents are welcome at any time. You may want to call beforehand and we strongly encourage you to plan your visit so that you can experience the major portion of the day. Your child is welcome to visit with you.

During your observation time you will notice a definite structure to the day. You will see children naturally focused on teacher-prepared activities. Within the structure you will see children initiating learning situations, both cognitive and social, that meet their individual needs. They will be working on resolving conflicts, expressing ideas and feelings, and managing their time. They are supported in this important work by caring adults who will be using many types of approaches with individual children, including positive redirection, reminders, encouragement, and opportunities to gain self-control. Many different learning styles are accommodated within the classroom, and creative thinking is encouraged.

Play is the important work of children. Through play, children express and work through their feelings and concerns as well as learn to accommodate new ideas. Please feel free to ask questions while you are visiting and to call with any concerns or ideas that you have. Registration papers will be sent to you upon your request.

Benefits of a Co-op Education

• Education that supports life-long learning
• Involvement with your child, his or her playmates, and the teacher
• Supportive Relationships for you and your child with other families who share similar goals for their child's education
• Opportunities for growth and understanding as a parent
• Acceptance of the individual needs and strengths of each child and parent

Location

• 3564A Clays Mill Road, Lexington, KY 40503, (859) 223-1713