Q: What is a co-op?
A: A cooperative preschool is a non-profit organization owned and operated by the parents of the children enrolled. Together, the members shape the direction and policies of the schools with the guidance of a qualified teacher. They share a philosophy that emphasizes the importance of self-esteem in a child’s healthy development that recognizes the value of learning through play.
Q: What are my responsibilities as a co-op parent?
A: Parent participation is essential to the operation of our school. Parents work a few times a month in the classroom, attend 3 membership meetings throughout the year and hold a non-classroom job. Non-classroom jobs range from play dough maker to a position on the board. Families are also required to participate in fundraisers to help keep our tuition low.
Q: How often do I need to work in the classroom?
A: Approximately two to three times per month, depending on enrollment. On those days, you would need to arrive 15 minutes before drop-off time, and stay 15-20 minutes after pick-up time, to complete the working parent check list. Your child can be in the classroom during that time.
Q: What if I can’t work in the classroom due to work or other obligations?
A: APCP offers 3 levels of membership. Full co-op, Partial co-op and Non co-op. Full co-op members work in the classroom on a rotating schedule and hold a job. Partial co-op members can hold a job OR work in the classroom. Non co-op members do not work in the classroom or hold a job. To keep the school running smoothly space is limited for the partial and non-co-op membership levels.
Q. What is the student to teacher ratio and how many children are in each class?
A. Each class can have up to 20 children. Each class has two teachers. There will typically be 2 assist parents. However, if enrollment is low, there may only be 1 assist parent.
Q: Can a nanny or a family member work in the classroom instead of a parent?
A: Absolutely. Talk to our Board 1st Vice President during registration or our Board President at any time during the year and they will provide you with the necessary paperwork.
Q: Does my child need to be potty trained?
A: No, children need not be toilet trained to attend classes. We ask that you send your child to school with a change of clothes and an extra diaper.
Q: What do I need to do to enroll my child?
A: Enrollment is easy. Fill out our application and mail it along with your registration fee. Private tours can also be set up, click on the Contact Us link on our home page to send your request.
Q: Can I bring my other children with me when I work in the classroom?
A: Siblings shouldn’t be in the classroom while you are working. We do have a FREE baby swap available to all parents that is located in the room next to the preschool classroom.
Q: Will my child play outside?
A: Yes. Unless the weather is very wet, classes play outside in a fenced play area with climbing equipment and a sandbox. If bad weather prevents this, the children do gross-motor play inside.
Q: What is the G.D.C.N.C?
A: The Greater Detroit Cooperative Nursery Council (G.D.C.N.C.) is a non-profit volunteer organization dedicated to providing guidance and resources to parent cooperative preschools, an alternative for parents who want to be involved in their child’s early education. We currently serve 48 affiliated preschools in the Greater Detroit area. http://www.gdcnc.org