What makes cooperative preschools different from traditional preschools? Our parents learn right along side their children. Families are actively involved in all aspects of our children's education, from leading classroom activities, to planning field trips, to making pancakes for snack and playing board games.

Eastside enthusiastically supports our teachers' and parents' efforts to make preschool an enriching experience for everyone. At Eastside, we have two programs under one roof -- a children's preschool and a parent education college course. In addition to the college commitments, Eastside families also support our teaching staff and operate the preschool as a non-profit business.

The Children's Classroom

Children aged 2-5 attend classes, up to three half-days a week, led by co-op hired teachers.

The South Puget Sound Community College Connection

One or both parents enroll in a credit-bearing South Puget Sound Community College (SPSCC) course at no extra charge. Families earn college credit by attending 9 parent education meetings per academic year and parent helping in their child's class a minimum of twice per month.

College instructors (called Family Educators) offer a variety of on-site classes, discussions or forums on early childhood behavior, development, guidance and age-appropriate activities. The sessions are offered on average once a month and make up opportunities are available for those unable to attend meetings. Eastside is fortunate to have Karen Minnich as family educator for this school year.

Many of the parent education classes are the brainchild of our Eastside parents. Book clubs, group discussions, guest speakers and special events (CPR training, trip to children's museum) about topics of interest to our families make up the bulk of our parent education classes. Parents also can earn college credit for submitting reviews of books or articles addressing early childhood education topics, by attending a board meeting, attending class meetings and some school-wide events. Earning nine parent education credits is very easy to do! For more information, see the minimum requirements page.

The great part about these parent education classes for many parents is the opportunity to exchange child-rearing experiences with other adults and to form friendships with families that last well beyond the preschool years. Being able to connect with another parent who understands the frustration, awe and humor of the preschool years is priceless! Parent helping, the "class laboratory" portion of the SPSCC class, is an opportunity for parents to test their newly acquired skills and put into practice suggestions from the family educator, teachers and other parents. Parent helping is often enlightening, energizing and highly entertaining!

The Preschool Business Operations

Cooperative families assume responsibility for the preschool's business operations and supporting the teaching staff. Involvement can range from small jobs to becoming a member of the preschool board. Each family selects or is assigned a preschool or classroom job.

The bulk of the preschool and classroom jobs require minimal time and are necessary to support the teaching staff or ensure an efficient, safe classroom and grounds for our children. Examples include the Dramatic Play Coordinator (help switch dramatic play area once a month), Library Assistant (check out books for teachers), Work Party Coordinator (organize three outdoor work parties), Shed Coordinator (makes sure toy shed stays tidy) and Parent Help Scheduler (coordinates parent helpers for a specific class).

Some preschool jobs deal more with the business operations of the school or with needs specific to a class. Examples include the Treasurer's Assistant (deposits tuition checks), Purchaser (buys housekeeping supplies), Publicity Assistant (organize community events), or Field Trip Coordinator (arranges field trips for their child's class).

Board member jobs require a larger time commitment, but parents earn an extra college credit per quarter. Examples include Membership (runs annual registration), Health & Safety Coordinator (ensures classroom and ground safety) or Class Representative (liaison between teacher and class families.)