Pre-K Program

Program and Philosophy

We believe that a child's preschool 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. These fleeting years of early childhood are a time when children 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. While children may be trained to name letters at a very early age, for example, this exercise holds little meaning for them. Their nursery school time is better spent in 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 young children the skills and the confidence they need to be able to:

  • Work well with others
  • Approach learning with an attitude of involvement and active engagement
  • Use their own initiative in exploring new learning situations
  • Have a strong sense of their own worth and the valuable contributions that each individual brings to a group, and to
  • Make good choices for themselves

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 hands on activities and interactions with adults and other children.

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

To be eligible for the Pre-K class, a child should be four years old before October 1st. The Pre-K class meets at the Rosemont garden facility three hours per day, four days a week from 11:30am to 2:30pm. Parents participate in the child's classroom from one time a month to one time a week, according to the number of days their child attends and the number of children they have enrolled in the school. Parents also help provide snacks for the children on a rotating basis.

Tuition

Tuition and Registration Forms can be found under Registration.

Parents working together with experienced staff provide an adult/child ration of 1:5. This allows for careful supervision and support for each child's needs. Parents often arrange to trade childcare for siblings during their work days at school.

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 Families and Children 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

Locations

We have two locations:

  • Preschool and Pre-K: 109 Rosemont Garden, Lexington, KY 40503, (859) 276-6350
  • Preschool and Kindergarten: 3564A Clays Mill Road, Lexington, KY 40503, (859) 223-1713
©2008 Fayette Cooperating Nursery School and Kindergarten