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.
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 three afternoons each week.
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 three afternoons a week.
Our day includes a free play time when children are able to move about freely choosing from a wide variety of experiences, a circle time with songs, finger-plays and stories, a snack time, an outdoor play time and a quick goodbye circle. Exploration and discovery and mastery of new materials are exciting for two’s and our class room offers lots of opportunities to do this.
The free play time is an opportunity to explore:
An art area with many art materials and activities.
An imaginative play area with play kitchen set-up and play-dough and dress-up outfits.
A sensory table with regularly changing materials to explore.
Block play area with large selection of blocks and materials to extend play.
Skills area with small manipulative toys to explore and master.
A library loft for quiet reading time.
Large-motor activity time includes getting outside as often as possible and letting the children run, climb the hillside and play along the paths, play ball or ride trikes on the flat paved area, or dig in the huge sandbox. We are enjoying our new play area and love how the children have used it imaginatively and creatively.
During the day, children have the opportunity to take initiative through choice, practice co-operation and learn social skills in large and small groups, and persevere through tasks in a supportive environment. It is a very supportive environment for beginning separation from your child and helping children learn independence skills and an opportunity for children to learn to love the idea of “school”.
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. 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 Pre-3s, the children are natural scientists – Teacher Karen’s top priority is creating engaging, multi-sensory experiences for them to explore. She loves observing the 2 year old child playing and exploring in the coop classroom, doing the work of play. She also knows A LOT of songs. Helping children learn their emotions, find their independence and foster their interests through a wide variety of experiences is the backbone of our Pre-3s program.
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 the Pre-3s class, children should be at least age 2 by the time their preschool begins in September.
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 Toddlers
The toddler year of life is filled with many exciting milestones — learning to walk, learning to talk, learning that other adults and children are also in this world! Our program provides a warm, nurturing, stimulating, and safe environment for this growth and learning to occur. NorthLeaf Toddlers has a great open indoor space, which houses a treasure trove of toys and books. There is also an outside covered play area and a fenced in playground with permanent play structures.
Children must be at least 12 months and no older than 23 months by August 31 of the year they attend the preschool.
Our Teacher
Monica Harris has been teaching for over 25 years: first by teaching folks how to sing, and then later fell in love with teaching Co-op! She has a Bachelor’s of Music from the Oberlin College Conservatory of Music, as well as a Master’s in VocalPerformance and Pedagogy from Roosevelt University. She, along with her two children, participated in cooperative preschool for 7 years before becoming a teacher. Monica designs the curriculum and helps manage the classroom activities, and circle time is her specialty. She is very tuned-in with each and every student and allows for class flexibility based on each student’s abilities and energies. Kids love her Huggy-Boo!
Routine
The rough breakdown of the two hours is below:
Gross motor play (sandboxes and slides and roller toys outside in the playground in dry weather, and we have the option of playing outside under the covered area when it rains
Cleanup and put toys away
Snack time + parent cleanup
Specific activity/small motor skills—The room has areas for a variety of activities (sensory table, art projects, housekeeping, books, along with a variety of large and small toys.) The children are free to engage in whatever activity they are interested in. NOTE: This is the time when half of the parents will participate in parent ed. discussion groups.
Closing circle time—songs (puppets, stuffed animals) and goodbyes
Parent Involvement
Cooperative preschool is about involvement. Parents play an integral role during each preschool session and work together to create a safe dynamic environment for the children to explore. Parents’ work at a station during free play and every other week attend parent education sessions (in the classroom). Basic parent duties include periodically providing snack, helping with cleanup, and holding a board or committee position for the year. Once a month, parents attend a mandatory evening parent education meeting 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 learn valuable tools to enhance the growth of their children.
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 $60 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 1405/1407 of the Instructional Building. The street address is 9600 College Way N. Directions are available at the NSC Website and transportation options are outlined.
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 Multiage Spanish
The early childhood years are filled with many exciting milestones. Children learn to move, talk, and actively explore and interpret the world around them. In our Multiage Spanish class, we foster a child’s natural ability to learn and grow through play, all while exposing them to Spanish language. Maestra Leonor provides a nurturing, stimulating, and safe environment for children and their families to grow through the early childhood years. The Multiage Spanish Class is for children who will be between the ages of 3 months and 3 years by August 31 of the year they attend the preschool.
Our Schedule
The daily schedule includes outdoor large motor play, circle time, snack, free play / parent education, and closing circle. Our classroom has areas for art activities, a sensory table, home center play, block area play, fine motor manipulative play, and gross motor active play (both indoors and outdoors). At circle time we sing songs, play with puppets, the flannel board, musical instruments, and dance. After circle, we break into two groups: half of the parents meet with the parent educator to discuss parenting issues and concerns, while the other half works at various “stations” with the children.
Our Teacher
Leonor Lopez is Colombian and has been working as a teacher for more than 20 years. She has a bachelor’s degree and specialization in education. She is passionate about working with children and seeing the world through them. She arrived in Seattle in 2014 and since 2015 has worked in cooperative preschools developing curriculum based on play and immersion in Spanish. For Leonor, cooperatives are the ideal school environment as they allow integral work with families. This has motivated her to continue her training, acquiring certifications as a Parent Educator and Positive Discipline Teacher for Early Childhood in Washington State.
Parent Involvement
Parents must attend parent meetings twice a quarter (scheduled in the evenings), which focus on parenting and child development issues as well as co-op business. Also, as the co-op is run by parents, parents are expected to hold a committee position. Families may attend a day and evening or Saturday class if they wish.
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 $60 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.
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 Toddlers
The toddler years are filled with many exciting milestones, as toddlers learn to walk, to talk, and to actively explore and interpret the world around them. Our program provides a warm, nurturing, stimulating, and safe environment. Toddlers must be 12-23 months by August 31 of the year they attend the preschool.
Our Schedule
The daily schedule includes outdoor large motor play, circle time, snack, free play / parent education, and closing circle. Our classroom has areas for art activities, a sensory table, home center play, block area play, fine motor manipulative play, and gross motor active play (both indoors and outdoors). At circle time we sing songs, play with puppets and the flannel board, bring out musical instruments, and dance. After circle, we break into two groups: half of the parents meet with the parent educator to discuss parenting issues and concerns, while the other half works at various “stations” with the children.
Our Teacher
Monica Harris has been teaching for over 25 years: first by teaching folks how to sing, and then later fell in love with teaching Co-op! She has a Bachelor’s of Music from the Oberlin College Conservatory of Music, as well as a Master’s in VocalPerformance and Pedagogy from Roosevelt University. She, along with her two children, participated in cooperative preschool for 7 years before becoming a teacher. Monica designs the curriculum and helps manage the classroom activities, and circle time is her specialty. She is very tuned-in with each and every student and allows for class flexibility based on each student’s abilities and energies. Kids love her Huggy-Boo!
Parent Involvement
Parents must attend monthly parent meetings (scheduled in the evenings), which focus on parenting and child development issues as well as co-op business. Also, as the co-op is run by parents, parents are expected to hold a co-op job.
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 $60 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 1405/1407 of the Instructional Building. The street address is 9600 College Way N. Directions are available at the NSC Website and transportation options are outlined.
There is street parking available, but it gets pretty tight. A parking person coordinates parking permits for everyone.
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.
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 Pre-3s
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.
Our Schedule
Our Pre-3 class meets from 9:30-11:30 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursday. Parents participate in the classroom as teacher’s aides on one day each week, and drop their child off on the other day.
Our schedule for each class is as follows:
Free Choice
9:30-10:15
Clean up (with music)
10:15-10:25
Circle Time
10:25-10:40
Snack/Small Group
10:40-10:55
Outside Gross Motor Play
10:55-11:20
Closing Circle/Farewell
11:20-11:30
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 Pre-3’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 $90 per month.
NSC registration/tuition for one parent is currently $56.38 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.
Directions
NorthLeaf classes are held in Rooms 1304 of the Instructional Building on the Northeast corner of the North Seattle College campus. The street address is 9600 College Way N.
Street parking is available. Parking on campus is $4 for 2 hours or $6 for a day; quarterly cost for students is $50 per quarter, and we have a free load zone spaces for drop off and pick up.
Our program is play-based and child directed. We believe that children learn and grow cognitively, socially, emotionally, and physically when they play in an environment that is both stimulating and nurturing. We provide the children with open-ended activities in the art area, block area, dramatic play area, table toy area, sensory table area, and discovery/science area. Children also participate in a music circle, outdoor play and snack time. There are parents working in all the play areas so that they can provide support and guidance when needed.
Final Circle Time: Songs & Imagination Adventures/Puppets
Aria Prame Hill has always found a way to combine her love of music and teaching children. After graduating from Boston University with a Bachelor of Science in Special Education, Aria went on to pursue her passion as a jazz vocalist, studying music and performing. She brings with her a myriad of experiences that include teaching at-risk preschoolers for AmeriCorps, teaching English to Nepalese school children in a remote village, working one-on-one with children with varying developmental disabilities, and bringing music classes to daycares and preschools around Seattle. Since 2010, Aria has been teaching young children and their families the early fundamentals of music through singing and movement in the early childhood program Music Together. She loves capturing a child’s focus with engaging songs, rhythms, and stories and finds that moment of connection to be the most rewarding part of teaching young children. Aria believes in finding the unique interests of each child in order to guide their learning in an ever evolving way through play and free exploration.
With so many toddler milestones, our program provides a warm, nurturing, stimulating, and safe environment for this growth and learning to occur. The daily schedule includes developmentally appropriate activities for art, sensory table, home center play, block area play, fine motor manipulative play and gross motor active play (indoors and outdoors). We also have fun during our circle time with songs, puppets, flannel board stories, musical instruments, and dancing. Parent education discussion time is incorporated into the daily schedule, providing parents a time to discuss parenting concerns and issues.
Aria Prame Hill has always found a way to combine her love of music and teaching children. After graduating from Boston University with a Bachelor of Science in Special Education, Aria went on to pursue her passion as a jazz vocalist, studying music and performing. She brings with her a myriad of experiences that include teaching at-risk preschoolers for AmeriCorps, teaching English to Nepalese school children in a remote village, working one-on-one with children with varying developmental disabilities, and bringing music classes to daycares and preschools around Seattle. Since 2010, Aria has been teaching young children and their families the early fundamentals of music through singing and movement in the early childhood program Music Together. She loves capturing a child’s focus with engaging songs, rhythms, and stories and finds that moment of connection to be the most rewarding part of teaching young children. Aria believes in finding the unique interests of each child in order to guide their learning in an ever evolving way through play and free exploration.
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.
The Wallingford Pre-3s Class meets Monday and Wednesday mornings from 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. Children in class must be 2 years old by August 31st of that year.
Children in this program are just beginning to separate from parents and become their own selves and the classroom focus is creating a trusting and caring environment for these young ones. Skill building includes having a schedule and managing transitions, using words instead of the body as a method of interaction, increasing the vocabulary to do so and allowing the time for children to practice the skills they are learning, whether with peers or simply washing their hands. Lots of hugs and songs are included with the joy of play.
Pre-3s Class Schedule: 9:30-10:15 Free Choice Area Play 10:15-10:20 Pick-up 10:20-10:40 Small Group and Snack 10:40-11:05 Outside Play 11:05-11:10 Pick-up and Wash Hands for Circle Time 11:10-11:30 Circle Time and Goodbye Song
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.
Wedgwood Coop 3-5s Class meets Tuesday – Thursday mornings for all students. The Monday Kids (those eligible for kindergarten the following year) also meet on Monday afternoons.
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 – Katie Matesky
Katie Matesky has been a part of Wedgwood Co-op since 2014, as a parent for three years and now enjoys being the 3-5s Teacher. She has a Masters in Teaching from Seattle University and has classroom experience teaching Kindergarten and Second Grade.
Katie sees great value in the self-directed play of young children. She aims to keep the classroom child-centered and to get the class outside to play every day. Katie engages with the children in spontaneous lessons as they arise in addition to leading informal song, game and literacy gatherings of the class as a whole. Katie appreciates the joy, humor, respect and support that Wedgwood families bring to the co-operative classroom experience.
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 3 hours)
Monthly evening parent meeting includes class business and parent education
General 3-5 Class Information
Meets Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. (Monday 11:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. for age 4 years by August 31)
Age: 3 years by August 31
Cost 2022-2023: Tuition $225/month ($275 for Monday kids) + North Seattle College Tuition $52.23/quarter
For more information, contact our Parent Coordinator
The Gift of Play Supports the Love of Learning In Pre-3’s young children are afforded many opportunities to learn through playful exploration. Playful exploration accompanied by clear expectations and kind guidance from the teacher and parents promotes the development of social skills, emotional intelligence, scientific inquiry, literacy, physical capabilities (fine and large motor skills), mathematics, and a lifelong love of learning.
Our class is organized around weekly themes that emerge out of the children’s direct experience and/or interests. Themes may include the seasons, feelings, friendship, animals, transportation, the weather, plant growth, balance, etc.
The majority of the class time is free choice — children have the chance to choose from a variety of activities designed to spark curiosity and delight, inspire imaginary play, and foster creativity.
Large motor play:
We have a wonderful outdoor space to play in. Children have opportunities to throw balls, play in a sand box, paint, dance with streamers, play with small parachutes, blow bubbles, and more!
When it is rainy, we play indoors. We have a variety of indoor large motor equipment for our use.
Area play:
The art center offers open-ended creative activities such as finger painting, print making, collage, drawing, and painting with watercolors.
The home center supports dramatic play by providing a play kitchen, a table with play dough, dress-up clothes, dolls, and props related to the weekly theme.
The sensory table offers a wide variety of materials to explore: water, sand, rice, flax seed, etc.
The building area is the place to create structures, roads, train tracks, farms, zoos, habitats, etc.
The library loft is a quiet cozy area with books related to the weekly theme, books by the author of the month, and hand puppets.
The climbing room provides a wide range of possibilities for big movement.
The writing skills table includes paper, crayons, markers, stickers, envelopes, and scissors.
The table toys area offers materials that challenge fine motor control such as puzzles, peg boards, rubber band boards, and small blocks.
Circle time: Circle time includes singing, creative movement, listening to and participating in stories, and playing with rhythm and rhyme.
Pre-3s Class Teacher – Beth Graham
I began my journey with Wedgwood Co-op as a parent in the Toddlers class. As my daughter Maya has moved up to Pre-3’s so have I, as the new Pre-3 teacher. I have been so grateful for the experiences and community that Wedgwood has provided, and I am eager to share my love for early learning and play with the Wedgwood community. I feel like the Wedgwood Co-op is a magical place and I am so excited to share in that magic.
In my life before children I was an elementary school teacher. I have my Masters in Elementary Education from Seattle University. With over ten years of teaching experience, first as a reading specialist and kindergarten teacher, then later as a fourth and fifth grade teacher, I am quite passionate about learning. I am really looking forward to a fabulous school year!
Parents in the Classroom
Parent participation is an important part of the Pre-3 program. Along with holding a class job, parents participate in class one day a week. During free choice time parents rotate through the centers helping children build vocabulary, problem solve, and learn to use materials. Parents bring snack approximately five times a year, and as the year progresses the parents at each snack table plan and lead small group activities. Together, children and parents have a rewarding, growth-filled and exciting experience.
Time Commitments
Pre-3 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 weekend cleanings of the school per year (this takes approximately 3 hours
General Pre-3 Class Information
Meet Monday & Friday 9:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Age: 24 months by August 31
2022-2023: Tuition $100/month + North Seattle College Tuition $52.23/quarter
Wedgwood Coop Toddler Class meets Friday mornings from 11:30 – 1:30. Our teacher offers a curriculum to meet the needs of those curious explorers! Toddler class provides a learning time for parents, as well, and the instructor bases the adult curriculum on the needs of the parents. So…
Come and be here for the fun See the children climb and run Hear them sing and watch them play Join us for a fun filled day!
Toddlers Class Teacher – Beth Graham
I began my journey with Wedgwood Co-op as a parent in the Toddlers class. I have been so grateful for the experiences and community that Wedgwood has provided, and enjoy sharing my love for early learning and play with the Wedgwood community. I feel like the Wedgwood Co-op is a magical place and I love to share in that magic.
In my life before children I was an elementary school teacher. I have my Masters in Elementary Education from Seattle University. With over ten years of teaching experience, first as a reading specialist and kindergarten teacher, then later as a fourth and fifth grade teacher, I am quite passionate about learning.
Time Commitments
Toddler Parents attend class with their children and act as assistant teachers
Each parent has a job outside the classroom (For example: class librarian, equipment and repair, class photographer, substitute teacher)
One weekend cleaning of the school per year(takes approximately 3 hours)
Monthly evening parent meeting includes class business and parent education
General Toddler Class Information
Meet: Friday 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Age: 12 months by August 31
2022-2023: Tuition $67/month + 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 9:30-11:30am. 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 – 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.