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How to Organize a Preschool Co-op

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June 10, 2013 by Sarah Punkoney, MAT

How to Organize a Preschool Co-op - Stay at Home Educator

As my regular readers already know, each school year I participate in a preschool co-op.  This is where I gather together with a small group of moms and we all take responsibility in  creating a school-like atmosphere in our homes to teach our children during their preschool years, instead of sending them to a formal preschool.  I have done this for two years, and have learned a few things along the way, which it why I’m offering you to follow along a five day series of posts about how to organize a preschool co-op in your area.

This five day series will begin June 17, 2013 and run through June 21, 2013.  Please join in by subscribing to receive posts via E-mail, RSS, on Facebook, and on Pinterest.

This five day series will include the following:

Day 1: Finding and Selecting Participants

This post will focus on how to find other moms willing to participate in a preschool co-op and some things to consider when inviting others to join.  For example: Where do you find other mothers to join in?  Are any mothers working part time?  Are all homes suitable for housing preschool co-op?  Are all dads on board, too?  What is everyone’s level of commitment?  Etcetera.

Day 2: Setting Goals and Expectations

Now that you have others who will join in the work and fun, this post will focus on how to set goals and expectations for the group.  For example: What kind of atmosphere do you want preschool co-op to have?  What about disciplining students?  Are your goals academic focused or social focused?  Play based or skills based learning?  Etcetera.

Day 3: Selecting Learning Materials

You know what the goals and expectations are, so now it is time to select learning materials that meet those expectations.  For example: Are you buying a curriculum?  Are you writing your own curriculum?  Buying workbooks?  How are materials to be paid for?  What is the sequence of learning concepts?  Are you following state standards, if available?  Etcetera.

Day 4: Determining Duration and Frequency

So far so good.  You’re well on your way to having a well organized, functional preschool co-op.  Now to decide on when to have preschool and how often.  For example: When should you start in the year?  Should you follow a public school calendar?  What time of day works best?  How often should preschool be held? Etcetera.

Day 5: Assigning Roles and Responsibilities

Finally, it is time to assign roles and responsibilities for each participating mother.  This post will focus on things to consider when assigning and taking on responsibilities and what they might entail.  For example:  Will each mom take equal time teaching?  What if a mom doesn’t feel she is capable of teaching? What are other roles moms can have if not teaching?  If developing learning curriculum from scratch, who will write it?  Who will make manipulatives?  How will materials be paid for?  Etcetera.

This five day series will begin June 17, 2013 and run through June 21, 2013.  Please join in by subscribing to receive posts via E-mail, RSS, on Facebook, and on Pinterest.

Sarah Punkoney, MAT

I’m Sarah, an educator turned stay-at-home-mama of five! I’m the owner and creator of Stay At Home Educator, a website about intentional teaching and purposeful learning in the early childhood years. I’ve taught a range of levels, from preschool to college and a little bit of everything in between. Right now my focus is teaching my children and running a preschool from my home. Credentials include: Bachelors in Art, Masters in Curriculum and Instruction.

stayathomeeducator.com/

Filed Under: Preschool Co-op, Preschool Planning

« How Children Learn Through Block Play
Day 1: Finding and Selecting Participants »

Comments

  1. Kim @ The Educators' Spin On It says

    June 12, 2013 at 8:17 pm

    We do the same thing too, LOVE IT. I’m looking forward to see your great ideas to inspire our group!

  2. Ana says

    June 21, 2013 at 8:28 am

    I am the President of my daughter’s cooperative preschool and am thrilled to read your series! Co-ops are not only a wonderful place for kids to start their education but they are a great resource for families.
    Thanks for sharing your tips and strategies!

Trackbacks

  1. Day 5: Assigning Roles and Responsibilities says:
    November 7, 2013 at 4:06 pm

    […] How to Organize a Preschool Co-op: Overview Day 1: Finding and Selecting Participants Day 2: Setting Goals and Expectations Day 3: Selecting Learning Materials Day 4: Determining Duration and Frequency […]

  2. Day 3: Selecting Learning Materials says:
    November 7, 2013 at 4:07 pm

    […] How to Organize a Preschool Co-op: Overview Day 1: Finding and Selecting Participants Day 2: Setting Goals and Expectations […]

  3. Day 4: Determining Duration and Frequency says:
    November 7, 2013 at 4:07 pm

    […] How to Organize a Preschool Co-op: Overview Day 1: Finding and Selecting Participants Day 2: Setting Goals and Expectations Day 3: Selecting Learning Materials […]

  4. Day 2: Establishing Goals and Expectations says:
    November 7, 2013 at 4:07 pm

    […] How to Organize a Preschool Co-op: Overview Day 1: Finding and Selecting Participants […]

  5. Day 1: Finding and Selecting Participants says:
    July 17, 2014 at 4:04 pm

    […] ← How to Organize a Preschool Co-op Day 2: Setting Goals and Expectations → […]

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