The Kindergarten Readiness class is open to all children ages 4-5 years old that are enrolled in the Preschool class and will be attending Kindergarten the following school year. This add-on class extends the school day once a week and creates a full day of preschool to help prepare for a Kindergarten schedule.
The Nature Explorers Class is open to all children enrolled in the Preschool class (see above). This add-on class creates a full day of preschool to help prepare for an eventual Kindergarten schedule. Nature Explorers is CHCP’s answer to Outdoor Preschool! The class will be held entirely outdoors in Volunteer Park and our onsite outdoor play yard.
The Preschool class meets three times weekly. A parent or caregiver attends one class a week with their child. Children enrolled in this class can also enroll in the Preschool Add-On Classes as their age allows (see below).
The Preschool day will follow a class schedule that includes group time (ie, circle and lunch) and long periods of choice time.
Certain centers in the room are constant. Every school day will include a math table, a writing area (open for drawing, paper creations and self-directed writing), a dramatic play area and an opportunity to build with blocks.
There will be daily art activities and many opportunities to be creative (and messy).
Besides just natural times to make scientific inquiry, the teacher will present a science experiment once a week.
The class will play outside up to an hour daily unless the weather is particularly bad.
Kids will eat a snack provided by the scheduled family in the middle of class and finish the day with lunch together that each child brings from home.
The Preschool Enrichment class is open to all children enrolled in the Preschool class (see above). This add-on class creates a full day of preschool to help prepare for a Kindergarten schedule. The Enrichment program will consist of project-based learning activities (ie: art, baking, science, service learning, etc.) taught by an CHCP teacher with the potential for rotating 10-12 week specialty session taught within the preschool by outside vendors contracted with CHCP. Past enrichment vendors have included kids yoga, music, dance, soccer, etc.
Students will participate in an outdoor based preschool that connects our Nature Explore certification with the NSC cooperative preschool model.
The Eagle class meets on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays 11:15 am – 1:45 pm.
This class will be an outdoor-based 3-5’s class that meets 3 days a week for 2 ½ hours.Parents attend one class a week with their child. Children attend three classes each week with the age-appropriate goal of separating from their parent. Board and parent education meetings are held one evening a month throughout the school year (children do not attend these meetings).
If you have questions about the school, would like to be placed on the waitlist or apply for next year, please contact our Parent Coordinator.
Our class schedule:
11:15 am – 11:40 am Large Motor Play Outside 11:50 am – 12:05 pm Lunch 12:05 pm – 12:25 pm Science Circle 12:25 pm – 1:15 pm Free Play (Outside, weather permitting) 1:15 pm – 1:25 pm Clean Up 1:25 pm – 1:45 pm Circle Time
Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9:00 to 11:30 AM
Status:Enrollment starts Feb 11
Waiting List:None
Age: Must be 2½ and no older than 3½ by July 31st.
WHAT DO CRICKETS LEARN?
Crickets learn how to interact, negotiate and play with others. As they explore their world they begin to realize that it’s much more fun to play with a friend than to play alone. They learn how to form friendships and about other people’s feelings. Crickets start playing interactive games wth each other. They learn through stories, singing, play, art and games. Crickets are improving their large and fine motor skills daily and are learning to interact with their environment in new ways
Daily Class Schedule
WELCOME CIRCLE
We will meet at the beginning of each day to welcome children into the classroom. After singing and talking about the day’s activities, the teacher and assistant teachers will transition the children into free choice activities.
FREE CHOICE ACTIVITIES
This is the most important part of the day! During this block of time, the children will choose among art and sensory activities, blocks, the water table, the dramatics center, puzzles and games, the library center, and much more. Many of these activities will relate to our present theme; some will be daily activities that are available throughout the year. Each child may choose to participate in several activities or concentrate on a particular center. The choice is up to the child.
CIRCLE TIME
We will meet for a few minutes each day to share news in the children’s lives. This time may also be spent acting out stories, reading, reciting finger plays and poems, and moving to music and rhythm.
SNACK TIME
After washing our hands, we will sit down to a snack that has been prepared by the children or snack parent. Snacks should be simple, nourishing finger foods (see SNACK SUGGESTIONS). Foods that relate to the season or our classroom themes are appreciated. All working parents are to sit down with the children at the tables where they can encourage the children to talk with one another and to help the children as needed.
LARGE MOTOR ACTIVITIES
After the children have cleaned up their snack area and put their place mats next to the sink, they will be dismissed to the big room for large motor activities, or instructed to put coats on for outdoor play at the park across the street. Please send a coat or sweatshirt to school each day.
GOOD-BYE SONG
Parents are welcome to come into the classroom for a last song and good-bye to our classmates.
Age: Must be at least 3½ by July 31st and no older than 5 by August 31st.
WHAT DO DRAGONFLIES LEARN?
By the time a child reaches age three or so, they have begun to engage in cooperative play on a large scale for the first time. With the support of loving parents and a head teacher, the dragonflies learn to negotiate conflicts that inevitably arise in their play, they learn to utilize the social skills they’ve been role playing in circle, and they learn to navigate the ever changing world of friendships. In addition to learning important lessons in community living, they also have the freedom to develop their own sense of self. Every day dragonflies are offered a myriad of different mediums to choose from. They choose how to express their innermost self—whether it be through story dictation, constructing buildings, painting on the easels, clay sculpting, or dancing to music. Academic areas such as reading and writing and science and mathematics are integrated deliberately into the every day activities. Children thus receive the message that learning is always available in the here and now. And it is useful and practical and it is something they are wired to do. Dragonfly parent alums have testified that their children thrive in kindergarten because not only do they leave LCP with appropriate academic skills, they also leave with an emotional awareness and assertiveness that allows them to negotiate strong relationships with other children and adults.
Daily Class Schedule
WELCOME CIRCLE
We will meet at the beginning of each day to welcome children into the classroom. After singing and talking about the day’s activities, the teacher and assistant teachers will transition the children into free choice activities.
FREE CHOICE ACTIVITIES
This is the most important part of the day! During this block of time, the children will choose among art and sensory activities, blocks, the water table, the dramatics center, puzzles and games, the library center, and much more. Many of these activities will relate to our present theme; some will be daily activities that are available throughout the year. Each child may choose to participate in several activities or concentrate on a particular center. The choice is up to the child.
CIRCLE TIME
We will meet for a few minutes each day to share news in the children’s lives. This time may also be spent acting out stories, reading, reciting finger plays and poems, and moving to music and rhythm.
SNACK TIME
After washing our hands, we will sit down to a snack that has been prepared by the children or snack parent. Snacks should be simple, nourishing finger foods (see SNACK SUGGESTIONS). Foods that relate to the season or our classroom themes are appreciated. All working parents are to sit down with the children at the tables where they can encourage the children to talk with one another and to help the children as needed.
LARGE MOTOR ACTIVITIES
After the children have cleaned up their snack area and put their place mats next to the sink, they will be dismissed to the big room for large motor activities, or instructed to put coats on for outdoor play at the park across the street. Please send a coat or sweatshirt to school each day.
GOOD-BYE SONG
Parents are welcome to come into the classroom for a last song and good-bye to our classmates.
For each day of class, Teacher Marissa prepares the curriculum, sets up the classroom, and supervises the assisting parents. The classroom is organized into distinct areas for: snack, art projects, dramatics, library, fine motor skills, blocks, and circle time. For exercise and gross motor skills, the preschool utilizes the Loyal Heights Community Center playground and the church’s indoor gym. Each class has a parent educator from North Seattle College who participates in the classroom on a weekly basis and teaches at the monthly parent meeting.
Daily Schedule
All children attend the morning session, 9:00am – 11:30am.
4-5 year olds eat lunch together and attend an additional Pre-K session until 1:00pm.
Three & Four-year-olds join us Monday-Thursday afternoons. Three-year-olds begin with three afternoons, Tuesday-Thursday. Our older group of four-year-olds can choose to add a fourth afternoon on Mondays. Caregivers alternate between staying in class and dropping off, in a schedule agreed upon early in the school year.
The 2/3s split class comes to class 3 days per week for 2 – 2 1/2 hours. A parent or caregiver attends class with their child 1 day for every 2 days that the child attends on their own. In the 2/3s split class, children have free choice, circle time, snack, music, and playground time, as well as cooking projects, and field trips around the city. Children must be 2.5 by August 31 of a given school year.
Our Pre-K class is for 4 and 5 year olds that will be going on to kindergarten the following year. Pre-K’s come to class 4 days a week for 3 hours. A parent or caregiver attends class with their child 1 day per week and the child goes on their own the other 3 days. In the Pre-K class, children have free choice, circle time, snack, music, and playground time, as well as cooking projects, field trips around the city, and personal safety instruction. Children must be 4 by August 31 of a given school year.
For 2021-2022: Class H: Mon/Tue/Wed 915am – 1215pm Class I: Mon/Tue/Wed 900am – 1130am
Status:Enrolling
Waiting List:None
3 year olds, or “Three’s,” come to class 3 days per week for 2 – 2 1/2 hours. A parent or caregiver attends class with their child 1 day for every 2 days that the child attends on their own. In the 3’s class, children have free choice, circle time, snack, music, and playground time, as well as cooking projects, and field trips around the city. Children must be 3 by August 31 of a given school year.
Our school day emphasizes creative and imaginative play and includes a free-play time with children choosing activities in the art area, the manipulative toys and puzzle area, the blocks area, the home center, the sensory area, and the art area. Pre-reading and pre-math skills are introduced in the play, and we often work with the children during activities to scribe descriptions of their art and their own stories. We have a snack time focused on social interaction; opening and closing circle times with songs, activities and stories and a large muscle time. For large motor play, our school site offers a choice of an indoor space as well as an outdoor space. We have a large sandbox; a hill with stumps, plants and bark; a climbing toy; a ground level slide and a flat pavement area. We love to get the children outside to run, climb, play ball or dig in the sandbox.
We encourage social skills development and provide a safe and secure environment for children to develop friendships, explore expression of their feelings and practice problem solving skills. During the day children have the opportunity to take initiative through choice and practice co-operation in large and small groups.
PreK meets an additional hour in the afternoons.
Our Teacher – Karen Murphy
Teacher Karen was a coop parent for 5 years with her own two children and she is excited to be part of the NSC coop teaching family. She has a BS in Kinesiology and past experience teaching preschool and working in an after school program for elementary students. She loves the joy she finds in observing preschoolers play and explore in the coop classroom. Teacher Karen creates the environment for the children and engages them in rich language to enhance their learning. She uses routine to create predictability which allows the children to thrive.
Teacher Karen believes that preschool is a place for children of all backgrounds to come together and that play is how they learn best. In her classroom, children have many opportunities for creative and imaginative play.
In 3-5s, Karen’s goal for the kids is to learn who they are, how to be a part of their community (whatever that is for them), how to advocate for themselves, and working through conflict and dealing with disappointment. But mostly she wants the kids and parents to have fun learning!
Karen lives with her husband, 2 daughters, and a cat in the Maple Leaf neighborhood and enjoys cooking, exploring new places, and searching for the best Mexican food in Seattle.
Eligibility
To enroll in a three-to-fives class children should be age 3 by the 1st September of the new school year. PreK meets an additional hour in the afternoons three days.
Latona, Northeast Toddlers, University Ravenna and On-Campus Infants have merged to form NorthLeaf Campus Cooperative Preschool. A preschool and learning community located at North Seattle College for children ages 3 months to Pre-K starting in 2021-2022.
About NorthLeaf 3-5s and Pre-K
Children learn and grow as they play: exploring the world around them and finding their place in it. At NorthLeaf, we foster a child’s natural curiosity in a spacious, sunlit, play-based classroom setting and spacious outdoor play areas. Each class has dedicated time for music, singing, movement and stories in addition to free-choice playtime which includes, Art, Blocks, Sensory, Dramatic Play, Large Motor, and the Library.
To enroll in a three-to-fives class children should be age 3 by the 1st September of the new school year. To enroll in the Pre-K class children should be age 4 by the 1st September of the new school year.
Our Schedule
Our 3-5s class meets from 9-11:45 a.m on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Pre-K participants stay on after class from 11:45am to 1pm for dedicated Pre-K time.
Parents participate in the classroom as teacher’s aides on one day each week, and drop their child off on the other days.
To enroll in 3-5s class, children should be age 3 by the 1st September of the new school year.
Our schedule for each class is as follows (subject to change to fit the needs of the class):
Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays: 9:00 – 11:45 am
Sign in/Drop-off & Welcome Circle
9:00-9:15
Discovery
9:15-10:20
Clean up
10:20-10:30
Movement Circle
10:30-10:40
Small Group & Snacks
10:40-11:10
Outside Large Motor
11:10-11:35
Closing Circle
11:35-11:45
Pre-K: Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays: 11:45am – 12:45 pm (in addition to 3-5 schedule above)
Large Group Sharing/Circle Time
11:45-11:55
Small Group Activities
11:55-12:25
Lunch
12:25-12:35
Read-A-Loud/Story Time
12:35-12:45
Our Teacher
Teacher Apurva has a PhD in Social Work from the University of Washington, with experience working with children in educational and therapy environments. She has been active with her 2 children as a parent in North Seattle College co-op preschool from 2012 until 2019. Apurva shares her enthusiasm for co-op now as a teacher:
“My introduction to the co-op environment started back in early 2012, when my daughter was 18 months old and as they say, ‘it takes a village to raise a child’. Not only did the co-op fit in my educational philosophy, it also helped form a community for me and my family. I’m a firm believer of play-based early learning, while involving and building a ‘safe’ community around our children. In fact the local emergency contacts we list today for kids at school are the co-op parents who we’ve known since 2012.
As I have witnessed with my kids, preschool is a magical journey and one of my passions is to develop the imagination and create memorable rituals, traditions, and celebrations that honor childhood. As a teacher my goal is to provide a safe, comfortable, stimulating, fun, and educational environment with a structured routine based on age appropriate lesson plans. I want children to be active learners and disciplined, creative thinkers; to learn to work hard, make good choices, and be kind. I also believe that children at this age and stage of development are naturally curious and accepting of differences. Being mindful of that, I would incorporate age appropriate ‘we’re different, we’re the same’ philosophy. I want children to love coming to school each day!
I also strive to provide an environment that is consistently secure and inclusive, so children feel comfortable and secure to form emotional attachments. Being in a loving and nurturing environment forms these types of attachments and I believe that emotional engagement is the key to all powerful learning. That is why I bring love, laughter, passion, and meaningful projects into the Latona 3-5’s program.”
Parent Involvement
Cooperative preschool is about involvement. Not only do the parents play important roles as assistant teachers one day per week, they also run the school through Board and Committee positions. Parents attend a parent education meeting once a month that is facilitated by a trained Parent Educator. These meetings provide an opportunity to ask questions and to discuss a variety of topics relevant to your child’s development. Through working at school and attending the meetings, parents get to know others in their community and form lasting friendships. We hope you consider joining our school!
Fees (for 2022-2023)
The fee structure is outlined below. You pay monthly tuition for your child to attend co-op and you also pay a quarterly tuition (three times per year) to North Seattle College for your parent education portion.
There is a non-refundable registration fee of $40.
Monthly child’s tuition to the co-op is $145 per month. Pre-K is an additional $50 per month.
NSC registration/tuition for one parent is currently $52.23 per quarter for three credits.
If you choose to park a vehicle on campus, parking permits are $50 per quarter.
If costs are prohibitive for your family, scholarships may be applied for through our Parent Advisory Committee. See Scholarship Information.
Location & Parking
The class is on the Northeast corner of the North Seattle College campus, in Room 1304 of the Instructional Building. The street address is 9600 College Way N. Directions are available at the NSC Website and transportation options are outlined.
In addition to our regular preschool program, we offer summer classes for children from infancy to pre-kindergarten. Our summer program helps to bridge the time between school years, giving children something to look forward to over the summer. As with our regular preschool program, our summer program encourages a child’s natural curiosity through its play-based curriculum, sunlit classroom settings, and spacious outdoor play areas.
We have three classes in our summer program – Infants, Toddlers, and Multiage. Each class runs for six weeks, from the middle of June to the end of July. Children should attend the class that corresponds with their age from the current school year.
Our preschool programming is for children 2 to 5 years of age, 2 to 5 days per week. Students who will turn 2 by August 31 are eligible to join the Preschool class, and those who will turn 4 by August 31 may join the Pre-K hours. On Fridays, babies and toddlers under 2 have Circle Time.
Siblings under 2 may stay with their caregiver in the Preschool class.
This class is a supplement to the threes/fives class, offered only the currently enrolled children. It gives families a 5-day/week option for children as they prepare for Kindergarten.
A little more “worldly-wise”, with greater vocabulary, and sense of self, this class offers fun ways for children to work together in groups through collaborative activities (building, imaginative play, etc.). With a two out of the three days drop-off, it’s an opportunity for children to learn to be even more independent and rely on trusted adults for assistance. Longer circle time, greater emphasis on story-telling, conversations, and following instructions are emphasized. Pre-academic skills, such as counting, spelling, using scissors, among others, are introduced.
In your search for a preschool you may view many styles of early childhood education. Many programs, even cooperative ones, have a great deal of structured time. With each adult-led change of activity comes a corresponding transition for the child. Current research shows that children are busier and more scheduled than ever before. Yet research also points to a child’s need for uninterrupted time to imagine and explore.
Through imaginary play, children process information, acquire pre-literacy and pre-math skills, learn conflict resolution, and explore fears and doubts. The Sandhurst 3-5’s program enables children to practice making developmentally appropriate choices in an enriched environment.
This program focuses on social development. The child-driven class allows for open choice in all areas, including exploring nature, building, art, science, music, literacy, fine motor, and imaginary play. This curriculum facilitates exploration, planning and implementation of children’s ideas.
Pre-3s are children turning three during the school year (aged 24 to 35 months as of August 31). The children begin to learn more about cooperation in a group as they continue to enjoy circle time, table top activities, block area, sensory experiences, music and art.
Child-lead Transitions from one activity to next are emphasized. Parents attend one session per week with their child.
Our Teacher
Jamie Keene is excited for another year on the Sandhurst Co-op team as the 3-5s teacher!
Jamie graduated from the University of Minnesota Veterinary School and practiced as a small animal veterinarian before finding her love of play-based early childhood education when she was a co-op preschool parent with her children.
Jamie aims to create an indoor/outdoor classroom that sparks a love of learning through fun and play while also providing a safe and supportive environment for preschoolers to develop the social skills needed for a great start in kindergarten. Jamie loves having the 3-5s classroom be a place where preschoolers and their families can find friendship and community.
Class Details
Classes meet Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9am to noon for all students ages 3-5. Wednesdays are outdoor days and Mondays and Fridays are indoor and outdoor days. Thursdays from 9am to noon are field trip days for the older students ages 4-5. Tuition is $220/month for 3 days and $252/month for 4 days.
With Teacher Molly Wilson and Parent Educator Melanie Salonen
Fee: $290/Month Children should be 4 by Aug 31st
Curriculum in this class has been thoughtfully developed to give your child a strong foundation for their transition into kindergarten. Kindergarteners enrolled in morning Kindergarten are welcome to join this afternoon class!
Vashon Maury Co-operative Preschool admits students of any race, color, national origin, and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. VMCP does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admission policies, scholarship programs, and other school-administered programs.
The 3-4s preschool program provides many opportunities for creative and imaginative play. The children engage in open-ended art projects, lots of pretend play, block construction, sensory table play, storytelling and dramatization, concrete investigation of science and math concepts, and various types of manipulative activities. We encourage the children to share ideas, thoughts, and concerns in small and large groups. Those activities build confidence, self-esteem, and group cohesiveness. We provide a safe place where kids can learn about their world through play, while building lasting friendships.
Suzie Barrows received a Certificate of Early Childhood Education from North Seattle College and has been teaching preschool since 2001. Joining Victory Heights in 2006, she enthusiastically encourages creativity and exploration through play and a hands-on approach to learning. Fundamentally, Suzie believes in making a connection to every child based on that child’s individual personality and temperament. A former co-op parent herself, Suzie has four children of her own.
The Pre-K curriculum prepares children for kindergarten. The children engage in many opportunities to improve their academic and social skills. During free time, students improve verbal skills through telling stories and learning letters. The classroom discovery station provides hands-on time for measuring and experimentation through various science, math, and cooking projects. Activities to develop social skills include working together in small groups, assisting with clean-up and having a classroom “job” each week.
Pre-K Co-op Details:
For children age 4 by August 31st
Meets: Monday/Wednesday/Friday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Tuesday 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Suzie Barrows received a Certificate of Early Childhood Education from North Seattle College and has been teaching preschool since 2001. Joining Victory Heights in 2006, she enthusiastically encourages creativity and exploration through play and a hands-on approach to learning. Fundamentally, Suzie believes in making a connection to every child based on that child’s individual personality and temperament. A former co-op parent herself, Suzie has four children of her own.
The Wallingford 3-5s Class meets from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM on Tuesday, Thursday, & Friday. Children must be 3 years old by August 31 of that year to participate. Those children who are 4 years old by August 31 will also meet for PreK-specific curriculum and small groups on Monday from 12:30 – 3:30 PM and Tuesday, Thursday, & Friday from 12:00 – 1:00 PM.
Our 3-5s class focuses on social development and play based fun, encouraging kids to explore their own curiosities in our inviting classroom! Wallingford Co-op has a rich curriculum that provides opportunities for early literacy, beginning math and unique preschool art. Children in the 3-5s class will have fun answering a “Question of the Day” where each child votes using their picture or writing their name implementing our beginning handwriting program. Our classroom also has an extensive block collection which naturally incorporates early math, engineering, dramatic play, problem solving, and complex social play with peers.
Our Pre-K Lunch Bunch will enjoy an extra hour in the classroom each day, learning to eat lunch away from home and finishing their day with Pre-K specific activities. Pre-K children also attend school on Monday afternoons. These extended hours in the classroom allow us to dive deeper into our Pre-K curriculum, which includes author studies, dictation of “Preschool News”, specific science explorations, and special units such as our Family Study, which are meaningful for this age group.
3-5s Class Schedule for Tuesday, Thursday & Friday: 9:00-9:10 Arrival 9:10-9:25 Morning Meeting 9:25-10:40 Free Play 10:40-11:00 Clean Up and Wash Hands 11:00-11:15 Snack 11:15-11:45 Outside Play 11:45-12:00 Music and Story Circle 12:00 Goodbye to 3-4s 12:00-12:25 PreK Lunch 12:25-12:50 PreK Activities 12:50-1:00 PreK Closing Circle
PreK Class Schedule for Monday: 12:30-12:40 Arrival 12:40-12:50 Meeting 12:50-2:00 Free Play 2:00-2:15 Clean Up and Wash Hands 2:15-2:30 Snack 2:30-3:10 Outside Play 3:10-3:30 Music and Story Circle
Our Teacher – Elise Knox
Elise thoroughly enjoyed participating in co-op preschool as a parent for 13 years, the last 9 of which were spent at Wallingford. While her kids were ready to move on after their coop years, Elise found that she wasn’t! It was exciting for her to transition into teaching, and she finds her many years of coop preschool experience to be an invaluable resource. She has taught a Parent/Infant class, Pre-3’s, 3-4’s, and PreK children. Elise studied psychology at Washington State University and is devoted to the pursuit of educational opportunities that enhance her proficiency both in and out of the classroom. Elise lives in the West Woodland neighborhood with her lively family of 6. She is deeply involved at West Woodland Elementary where she runs the Enrichment Program. As time allows, she enjoys adventuring in the PNW, reading, supporting her kids in their many endeavors, and spending time with friends and family.
Teacher Elise believes in the coop preschool model because it supports families and allows children to learn through play in a safe and encouraging environment. When children learn through play, their learning is meaningful and relevant. For this reason, play is at the heart of the school day in the 3-5’s class. Children who are engaged in free play will naturally “bump into” one another and will learn much in the process. Children will develop and fine-tune social skills; grow in emotional awareness; become creative problem solvers; make progress in controlling impulses; persevere through disappointment and rejection; and gain practice in coping with strong feelings. Children will take creative, social, and physical risks; make mistakes; and try again in the context of a warm and supportive classroom community. Enticing art, science, and other areas of study are thoughtfully prepared with the children’s development in mind. Teacher Elise’s warm, calm, and engaging demeanor puts the children at ease. The connection she forms with each child lets them know that they are each an important part of their classroom community.
Beginning in the 2022-2023 school year, Wedgwood Co-op 3-5s kids will be attending 4 days a week with the Pre-K (formerly “Monday”) kids. The Pre-K kids will go on field trips on the first Monday of every month.
The program offers a rich, child-centered curriculum based on imaginative play, creativity, and experiential activities. Frequent guests allow us to focus on a topic of interest that each child would like to learn more about. Guests have included an artist, dentist, veterinarian, soccer coaches, tea party queen, firefighters, babies, scientists, bug collector, farmer, dancers, pilot, musicians, gardeners, chefs, bus driver, paleontologist, storyteller, marine biologist, train engineer, and carpenter. We make great memories and capture our children’s unique interests during their special weeks.
The focus in the classroom is on community, and small groups are seen as families gathering for learning activities based on the interest of the children. Wedgwood has an indoor climbing room, giving children an outlet for stretching their minds and muscles and a new play space that provides two levels of play. The 3-5’s Class offers children a safe and exciting place to explore the world.
3-5s Class Teacher – Alicia Aahl
Teacher Alicia engages children in the classroom with full sensory experiences, everything from new foods to gross motor skill courses. She loves to watch kiddos develop confidence in themselves so they can share that with the world.
She is a mother of three and has been in the cooperative system for 7 years. She remembers being in co-op as a child herself and believes in play based learning.
Time Commitments
3-5 Parents attend class with their children one day/week and act as assistant teachers
Each parent has a job outside the classroom (For example: class chair, parent coordinator, equipment and repair, class photographer, substitute teacher)
Two or three weekend cleanings of the school per year (takes approximately 1 hour)
Monthly evening parent meeting includes class business and parent education
General 3-5 Class Information
Meets
September-December:
Monday 12noon-3pm (1st Monday of month only Pre-K)
Tuesday-Thursday 9am-12pm
January-June:
Monday 11-3pm (1st Monday of month only Pre-K).
Tuesday-Thursday 9am-1pm
Age: 3 or 4 years old by August 31
Cost 2022-2023: Tuition $258/month for 3-5s; $275/month for MPre-K + North Seattle College Tuition $52.23/quarter
We also have multi-age classes available over the summer, see SUMMER SESSIONS INFO
The Multiage program focuses on activities that foster creativity, sensory awareness, dramatic enactment of social roles, appreciation of books, small and large muscle skills and an awareness of the community.
Children in this class are 2-4 years old. The child must be 24 months by August 31st of the current year to enter the class.
Classes meet Tuesday/Thursday 9:30-12pm. Parent meetings are one evening per month.
Our activities include free play with age-appropriate and constructions with wood, wire and foam, cooking, and field trips. art projects, sensory exploration, blocks, manipulatives, books and dramatic play; snack; circle time with stories, finger plays and instruments; and large muscle play, outdoors or indoors.
The Multiage program focuses on activities that foster creativity, sensory awareness, dramatic enactment of social roles, appreciation of books, small and large muscle skills and an awareness of the community.
Children in this class are 2-4 years old. The child must be 24 months by August 31st of the current year to enter the class.
Classes meet Monday/Wednesday/Friday 9:30am – 1pm Parent meetings are one evening per month.
Our activities include free play with age-appropriate and constructions with wood, wire and foam, cooking, and field trips. art projects, sensory exploration, blocks, manipulatives, books and dramatic play; snack; circle time with stories, finger plays and instruments; and large muscle play, outdoors or indoors.
Elise thoroughly enjoyed participating in co-op preschool as a parent for 13 years, the last 9 of which were spent at Wallingford. While her kids were ready to move on after their coop years, Elise found that she wasn’t! It was exciting for her to transition into teaching, and she finds her many years of coop preschool experience to be an invaluable resource. She has taught a Parent/Infant class, Pre-3’s, 3-4’s, and PreK children. Elise studied psychology at Washington State University and is devoted to the pursuit of educational opportunities that enhance her proficiency both in and out of the classroom. Elise lives in the West Woodland neighborhood with her lively family of 6. She is deeply involved at West Woodland Elementary where she runs the Enrichment Program. As time allows, she enjoys adventuring in the PNW, reading, supporting her kids in their many endeavors, and spending time with friends and family.
