Cooperative ("parent participation") preschools are terrific places to share first-hand your child's initial school experiences. Co-ops are founded on the principle that the best education will result from an active partnership among parents, teachers and children - each learning from the other.

Co-ops are non-profit, nondiscriminatory organizations owed, maintained, and administered by the parents of the children enrolled. The teachers employed by the school provide professional educational leadership, while a volunteer parent Board guides the school's management.

Each parent assists the teacher in the classroom on a regular basis. In addition to classroom participation, parents take care of enrollment, plan that budget, keep the classroom clean and repair school equipment, among other things. This participation fosters a strong sense of community, a rich and varied education curriculum, and a safe and stimulating environment for preschoolers.