PreK Classes

“The move to kindergarten was a breeze after our time at Co-op! My son was so well prepared–and so was I even though I miss the nurturing I got at Co-op….”

Pre K classes are for children who turn 4 but are not yet 5 as of August 31st

Pre K classes meet 4 afternoons each week,

one session with their adult, the other sessions on their own

Children’s Program

Students in this class are preparing for Kindergarten in so many ways. They continue to learn best through hands-on play, but new opportunities for pre-academics are added to preschool:

  • Literacy: writing center for dictating stories, traveling books that go home for dictated installments, opportunities for identifying and writing words 
  • Science: experiments that challenge predicting, comparing, and problem solving 
  • Math: calendar, charting, math processes in stories, songs and games 
  • Fine motor: expanded art projects, free creation with varied materials, opportunities to write 
  • Social studies: expanded curriculum themes 
  • Rich curriculum:  the high adult to child ratio allows for more curriculum activities and options

Because Social and Emotional readiness still top the list of requirements of Kindergarten teachers, our classes focus on:

  • Extended Circle Times: children practice listening in a group and regulating their own bodies 
  • Facilitated Problem Solving: adults are ready to guide children to their own solutions 
  • Empathy: Second Step curriculum to teach children to read social situations 
  • Self Regulation: learning to wait, follow teacher directed instruction, handle frustration 
  • Friendships: ways to engage friends in play, appropriate ways to say “no” 

All this and the kids just think they are playing!

Routine includes:

  • Large motor time depends on location: We get our wiggles out and play cooperative games either outdoors or in our gym. We go for walks around the neighborhood. We explore and learn about nature outside in local parks.
  • Opening Circle: Teacher directed instruction around curriculum themes, outlining choices for the day, weather, calendar, joke of the day
  • Choice time through many Learning Centers:  Kids play, explore, experiment, pretend, and create. Kids are often negotiating play/projects in small groups, and working on skills of inclusion and respecting ideas of others. We do science experiments, examine specimens from the Burke Museum, go on field trips that relate to curriculum, make books at the “Writing Center.” Special projects build from day to day.
  • Clean up:  Kids have often engaged in “Super Play” where toys/materials get mixed together and need to go back in place. Special creations can be saved and worked on for more than one day. Kids are learning to respect and care for their school as well as for each other.
  • Story Time: We read stories the kids have written,  show chapters added in our “traveling books,” read a story relating to the current curriculum. Kids are developing listening skills, practicing pre-academic tasks, predicting outcomes and discussing social themes, and much more.
  • Snack: We share a healthy snack served Family Style so we practice conversation skills and social manners.  Sometimes children cook snack related to the theme.
  • Music/Movement: Singing, dancing, rhythm and tempo, learning to share space  while using Large Muscles.

Education and Support for Parents and Parenting Partners

One adult per family is automatically enrolled as a South Seattle College student.

The year before kindergarten brings with it lots of parent concerns: Will my child be ready?  Why are they so bossy? Will they ever be able to sit still?

You will find information and support from Parenting Educators who are in class each week and available during preschool, individually and in group sessions.

Kindergarten teachers welcome Co-op kids who are full of curiosity, skilled at being a good friend, excited about and READY to learn!

You will be building your long term village by connecting with other parents, grandparents and caregivers.

Adult Involvement

As a member of this Co-op, your commitment is: 

  • Attend class one day each week, working alongside the Children’s Teacher to help to guide the children. You choose which day you come with your child and is your “work day.” 
  • If you cannot come in due to illness, etc. you ask another parent to trade with you. 
  • Provide a healthy snack on a rotating basis
  • Attend a monthly evening Class Meeting to learn about guidance and discipline to use at home and at school…and have an adult night out together!  (dates are chosen by the class at the beginning of the school year–example: first Tuesday of each month 7-9:00)
  • Choose and hold a preschool job that fits your interests, skill, and time (i.e. Board Treasurer, Class Secretary, Play-Dough Maker, Librarian)
  • Choose one quarterly parent education seminar from a variety of topics such as: Sleep, Sibling Relationships, Guidance & Discipline, Raising an Only Child, Potty Training, Picky Eating, Anti-bias Parenting, and many more!

Because this is a family program, other adults—grandparents, nannies, aunties, etc.– are welcome to attend and help fulfill these commitments

We teach you ways to interact with the kids using our “positive discipline” philosophy—tips that help at home, too. 

Fees 

Registration Fee – $85

Tuition Range for PreK classes: $235-$280/month (dependent on location)

Tuition assistance is available through our Mary E. Phillips Scholarship Fund, administered through our Parent Advisory Council.  Applications are due quarterly to your parenting educator; more information information available here.

Interested in Registration?

First, visit our Preschool Class List to see which location you prefer, based on days, times and proximity

Next, you can register easily online by visiting our Enrollment page – all the information and forms are available there!

More questions or concerns?  We are happy to talk with you personally: 

Phone – 206-773-8066 

Email – [email protected]