Sewing of first initials and buttons by our four year olds.
Eastgate Cooperative Preschool (“Eastgate Co-Op” or “ECP”) was established in its current location in 1965 and is affiliated with the Bellevue Community College (“BCC”) Parent Education Program. ECP utilizes a collaborative “team” -- a Children’s Teacher, a BCC Parent Educator and you, the parent -- to create a safe, supportive, high-quality program for preschool-aged children. This cooperative environment offers several benefits for both child and parent. Additionally, “research clearly indicates meaningful parent involvement in schools is one of the most powerful predictors of high student achievement and healthy development.”
(L) Our ECP 'Mailbox' where students send mail to other students and the teacher. (R) Choice time in our classroom with the beginning of a gingerbread house.
Cooperative Structure:
- ECP is a multi-age preschool environment with 3-year-old students attending 2 days a week and 4-year-old students attending 3 days a week.
- With parental involvement, ECP maintains an adult-to-child ratio of 1 adult per 4 students.
- The teaching team is comprised of a Children’s Teacher and a Parent Education Instructor. The Children’s Teacher works primarily with the students and helps guide parents in the classroom with daily activities. The Parent Education Instructor works in the classroom approximately once a week, observing and supporting the children and the teacher. The Parent Education Instructor also leads the monthly parental education meeting.
- ECP is a non-profit organization governed by an elected board of parents.
- The cooperative preschool environment emphasizes developmentally appropriate learning through play, hands-on exploration and social interaction.
- Parents are an integral part of their children’s learning process as they assist in the classroom, help keep the preschool running smoothly and help establish a love of learning.
Cooperative Parent Commitment:
- Parents assist the teacher in the preschool classroom 2-4 days per month. Parent availability is taken into consideration in the monthly schedule. Sibling care is available in a parent-operated onsite nursery.
- Parents also attend Parent Education meetings once per month. Parent Education meetings include lecture and group discussion on relevant child development topics and parental issues in order to provide techniques for successful parenting.
- Parents can hold a board position or another parental job which enable the preschool to continue to run smoothly.
- Parents also assist with set-up and clean-up days and attend orientation meetings.
Benefits of our Unique Cooperative Experience:
Parents can:
- Observe, learn and practice various techniques for working with young children. Influence and share in their child’s early learning experience and demonstrate parental commitment to education
- Watch their children’s friendships blossom and grow
- Build relationships and friendships with other parents
- Obtain continuous feedback on their child’s growth and progress
- Assist in ensuring reasonable tuition rates through their involvement
Our preschool is more than a learning environment, it is a family. Come grow with us!
“For me, it’s the community you build. It’s invaluable to have open discussions about parenting issues and bond with other parents while your children are learning through play and are bonding with their peers.”
…a Co-op Parent
(L) The playground with swings, playhouse, bent ladder and even a real boat. (R) The loft allows for imaginative play above as well as space for constructing items on the light box below. |
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