West Seattle’s Co-op Preschools: Welcoming a new WSB sponsor

West Seattle’s Co-op Preschools are among our newest WSB sponsors, and here’s what they want you to know:

“Kindergarten readiness! School success!” is all over the news! Kindergarten teachers consistently comment that kids who come from the Co-op Preschools are so ready to succeed. Yes, our preschools have changed with the times to make them more relevant to today’s parents and to keep up with new advances in early childhood education. But the basic formula remains: Co-op kids explore a rich curriculum, learn to think and make wise choices, practice solving problems, learn to treat others with empathy and compassion. ABC’s, 1-2-3’s—literacy, math, and science—are woven into play so children learn to approach learning with enthusiasm. And the fun and learning starts in our Parent-Infant classes through Pre-K.

Our tuition is much lower than other preschools. We can keep the tuition low because we are a nonprofit organization run by parents. Some people have heard rumors that co-op is “work,” but each parent gets to choose how much and what kind of effort they put in. Parents enjoy having their voices heard. And they enjoy getting to know other parents, seeing how their child does at school, and watching their child develop friendships with other children. Our preschool teachers follow educational guidelines established by National Association for Education of Young Children and WA State Early Learning & Development Guidelines 2012.

South Seattle Community College‘s parent-education component offers the latest in child development and guidance—someone there to share the normal joys and challenges of raising kids. Parent discussions are geared to the child’s age and the parent’s interests. We offer talks on things like: No More Diapers, Using Logical Consequences, Parenting in the Media Age, Kitchen Science, Math In The Back Yard, No More No’s, Solving Dinnertime Meltdowns.
Because parents are all learning together and have similar parenting styles they develop a community of friendships that lasts for years. As one parent says:

Both of my children were lucky to spend the first five years of their lives in the coop program. Co-op is so much more than just preschool. It is a community where both teachers and parents work together to create an environment filled with kindness, compassion, creativity, fun, and learning.

West Seattle’s Co-op Preschools have neighborhood locations in the Admiral, Alki, Lincoln Park, Arbor Heights, and SSCC campus areas, with some openings this fall (mostly for 3 and under right now and a few spaces in our Pre-K classes). Contact Judy Hall at 206-938-2278 or jkatalki@aol.com. And find out more at our website: sites.southseattle.edu/homelife

We thank the Co-op Preschools for sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news via WSB; find our current sponsor team listed in directory format here, and find info on joining the team by going here.

41 Replies to "West Seattle's Co-op Preschools: Welcoming a new WSB sponsor"

  • Fiona September 27, 2012 (3:41 pm)

    Some of my best friends, and my childrens’ best friends, were found during my 8 years at Lincoln Park Co-op, and the experience was the best.
    Thank you Co-op and all the great teachers!

  • J September 27, 2012 (3:58 pm)

    I was in Co-op with both my children (10 years of co-op!) This resource needs to be better known. I believe that parenting is much better in West Seattle than it would be without this fantastic program.

  • rockergirl September 27, 2012 (3:58 pm)

    Mine too Fiona! I feel so lucky to have met such wonderful moms and dad’s during the early years of my daughters life and to still be friends with them 23 years later. Also the teachers and parent educators are the best!

  • wsmama3 September 27, 2012 (4:09 pm)

    We LOVE co-op and all the amazing friends, teachers, and educators we have had over the years.

    They are AMAZING and I am a better parent because of them.

  • kayo September 27, 2012 (4:10 pm)

    We love co-op. In fact we do a mix of daycare and co-op because we get so much out of it. It is a great way to meet other parents and learn a lot about parenting, in addition to a wonderfully fun and enriching preschool for your child.

  • bellvy September 27, 2012 (4:19 pm)

    Who knew my 3 and 4 year old kids would be learning Spanish at the Lincoln Park Co-op Preschool? I even learned enough to keep up with them!

  • Brander Roullett September 27, 2012 (4:22 pm)

    My son is in the Co-Op program, currently his last year at Arbor heights, and we’ve loved every minute of it.

    He’s learned a lot there, and I think we’ve learned more than he has. There is a real strong focus on the whole family, and I really like how it’s gone!

  • Gillian September 27, 2012 (4:28 pm)

    A very dear friend, who is a kindergarten teacher in West Seattle, recommended Co-op to me. She said when her now grown kids were in Co-op,she learned to be a better teacher and a better parent. I’m so grateful for that advice as now, thanks to her, my son and I are in Co-op, and I’ve definitely learned to be a better parent, and we’re having so much fun. Thank you Co-op teachers and parent educators.

  • Jeff September 27, 2012 (4:31 pm)

    It’s worth pointing out, the Monster Dash 5k next month is also a fundraiser for South Seattle Community College Co-op Preschools. Good run, and good cause.

    http://www.active.com/running/seattle-wa/monster-dash-5k-and-kids-dash-2012

    • WSB September 27, 2012 (5:20 pm)

      Jeff – Been trying to find out more about that and nobody’s responded to my e-mail! If you know the organizers, have them send us some info so we can publicize it! – TR
      .
      P.S. Lincoln Park Co-op Preschool was the first school our son ever attended. For those who also have been out of that age range for some years, they’ve since changed locations, as we reported here some months back.

  • Mark September 27, 2012 (4:50 pm)

    Teacher Jane!!!!!

  • MargL September 27, 2012 (5:16 pm)

    Oh it’s so good to see all the wonderful teachers from our YEARS at Arbor Height’s co-op!! Hazel got a huge smile when I showed her the picture!
    The school did a fantastic job of preparing her for kindergarten and beyond and also prepared me for all the volunteer work I do at her school now :-D

    –Hi From San Francisco!

  • Morgan Junction Mom September 27, 2012 (5:31 pm)

    I love, love, love that we have this resource in our community. The teachers we’ve had are so much fun, and care so deeply about the kids! And I love that the curriculum is play-based. My kids have a BLAST at school, and they come home with all sorts of fun new knowledge. I almost want to have another baby, just to prolong my co-op experience… almost!

  • wsmama3 September 27, 2012 (5:37 pm)

    http://westseattlemonsterdash.blogspot.com/

    Here are more details about the run – WSB I e-mailed you!

  • Morgan Junction Mom September 27, 2012 (5:37 pm)

    Thanks for the plug about the Monster Dash, Jeff! You can also find out more here: http://westseattlemonsterdash.blogspot.com/

    Tracy – there’s a message in your inbox from the race director.

  • Kathryn September 27, 2012 (6:40 pm)

    It’s a delight to see this article about such an amazing program! My mother is both a Co-Op teacher and parent instructor and I was fortunate enough to grow up with these wonderful women!

  • lg September 27, 2012 (6:55 pm)

    The best thing about the coop program for my family (we were an Alki family) was the amazing instruction we parents had access to. For a first-time parent it was invaluable to have the wonderful parent educators as resources, as well as the many different parenting courses we could take (FREE). I know I will be life-long friends with the all of the fantastic families we met through co-op. I feel so fortunate to have been a part of the co-op experience. (A former Alki co-op mom)

  • Lorie M September 27, 2012 (7:33 pm)

    What a lovely pic of the faces I’ve grown to count on for parenting help and education for my kids. Being in class (once a week) with your kids is a great way to see what they are doing before going to “big kid school” and it becomes a mystery. Its a great way to get to know other parents in W Seattle. I doubt that would happen with a drop-off preschool.

  • Genessee neighbor September 27, 2012 (8:16 pm)

    Huge fan of the co-op preschools! Both my kids benifited from the program at SSCC.

  • Cait September 27, 2012 (8:17 pm)

    I was just asking my mom if this still existed! I grew up in WS Co-op Preschools and my mom STILL raves about it over 20 years later.

  • LJ September 27, 2012 (9:12 pm)

    I was a newcomer to west Seattle with a small child, and happened upon someone who turned me on to Co-op Preschool. It was a godsend! I made friends, learned so much about parenting, and watched my child grow with loving support! My child and I made lifelong friends through Co-op.
    This program is amazing!

  • Krista September 27, 2012 (9:17 pm)

    Another co-op fan here. We did co-op for years and there’s nothing more rewarding as a parent than seeing your child grow and learn and GET TO BE A PART OF IT! Coop was often a lifeline for me, the parent education piece critical! My children and I have formed lifelong relationships and the true meaning of community has been instilled in my kids at a young age. I suggest co-op to all my friends who are preschool-shopping.

  • Melinda September 27, 2012 (9:31 pm)

    Co-op Preschool and Kindergarten Enrichment (back when we had half day kindergarten in every school) were wonderful for our family. Happy to see the continuity of teachers from 25 (!) years ago, too!

  • Erik September 27, 2012 (9:49 pm)

    Both of our younger children have benefitted greatly from the co-op approach to preschool, and we as parents have, too. The friendships we’ve made with co-op kids and parents have continued on for years. The dedication of the teachers and parent coaches and their enthusiasm is contagious!

  • Barb September 27, 2012 (10:15 pm)

    What a treasure West Seattle has in its co-op preschool program! Each of our three kids (now 13, 15 and 19)spent four years there. Totally agree with the raves for parent education. Funny thing – parent education made working with adults at the office go more smoothly, too. Many of the lovely ladies in the picture helped make our whole family who we are today – we’re forever grateful!

  • Jenny Rourke September 27, 2012 (11:19 pm)

    I just joined a west seattle co-op last year. The parent education is amazing. The children’s teachers are talented and loving. I wouldn’t change my time in co-op for anything. A neighbor highly recommended it, and I’m so glad I joined. It’s been a lifesaver.

  • JRobins September 27, 2012 (11:26 pm)

    The time I spent in cooperative preschool with my children at Arbor Heights Co-op was so beneficial to my whole family. The parent educators and children’s teachers are wonderful. I hear there is some space available in the 2 and 3 year old classes.

  • Que September 28, 2012 (12:03 am)

    I was a lucky mom to get to be a part of Lincoln Park Co-Op with my daughter. I met incredible people there who I will always be friends with. In fact, a bunch of us still get together for coffee sometimes and our kids just started middle school. Lincoln Park provided my daughter with a wonderful foundation to build her education upon, and it made me a better mom. Thanks.

  • Leisa September 28, 2012 (6:32 am)

    We can’t say enough good things about co-op! It’s so rewarding for both the children and parents. It’s a built in support group of people who are going through the exact same things.

  • N.A. Neighbor September 28, 2012 (7:19 am)

    Aww, that picture makes me smile. What a dedicated group of professionals in that photo. It takes a special magic person to work with preschoolers and all those teachers are MAGIC. We had a great experience in Co-Op and my son was absolutely ready for kindergarten after having been through that program. And it teaches parents so much, not the least of which is how to be involved in their children’s education. Great program, so glad to see them here!

  • JJMolvik September 28, 2012 (9:06 am)

    I don’t see Teacher Linda or Teacher Ingrid? Are they no longer around, not in picture, or do I not recognize them?

  • KJ September 28, 2012 (9:41 am)

    It’s so heartwarming to see so much Co-Op love on the blog! My mom has been a teacher there for over 20 years and she absolutely loves her job. She is wonderful with the children, as are the other teachers. The best part about Co-Op, aside from the great resources it provides, is that you make lifelong friends through this program. Thirty years later, I still keep in touch with several kids from my Just Walkers class and originally met my boyfriend of five years in the Dramatic Play area of Judy Hall’s class when we were kids. He loves to joke that we’ve been together for 25 years. :)

  • kenyon September 28, 2012 (12:46 pm)

    Teacher Ingrid “retired” and moved to Eastern Washington.
    We are relatives and went through coop preschool at the College. Loved it, made great friends, and so did my kids, both still in contact with friends from pre-school now at 19 and 14 yrs.

  • GJ September 28, 2012 (4:42 pm)

    We spent 11 years years in Co-op preschools with our children. It truly shaped the way we parent and has made us much more thoughful and intentional in all aspects of our life. In a time when things are still hard for many people and parenting in our complicated world is very difficult, it is comforting to know there’s a place raising thoughtful parents and prepared children, and doing it all while building a supportive community.

  • Liz September 28, 2012 (5:22 pm)

    I was fortunate to be a parent and parent educator in the co-op preschools. My daughters and I had fun learning experiences, made life-long friends, and I had one of the most incredible work experiences of my life teaching with many of these amazing women! West Seattle families are blessed to have these amazingly dedicated and loving teachers and a program that so wonderfully supports children and families!

  • Ingrid September 28, 2012 (6:26 pm)

    Oh! I miss my coop friends and family! Thank you for enriching my life

  • LMCG September 29, 2012 (9:08 pm)

    Co-op preschool is a wonderful resource! I feel lucky to be a part and I’m learning so much and met so many interesting and kind people. Not to mention the benefits for my son. The teachers/educators are amazing. Thanks SSCC co-op!

  • Judy Hall September 30, 2012 (11:32 am)

    Yes. Ingrid Olsen-Young retired and is a new grandma living in Walla Walla.
    Linda Taylor and Karen Vegors, both teachers in our program at Alki and Arbor Heights Co-ops, were not in town when the staff photo was taken. They are talented and creative children’s teachers in our preschools.

  • Robert September 30, 2012 (11:38 am)

    Our family was enrolled with our two children in the Arbor Heights Co-op. The information and discussions about parenting and child development have been an amazing experience. I don’t know how we would have gotten thru those preschool years without the dedication of the parent educators from SSCC. Our children had wonderful experiences in the classroom with the preschool teachers, and the friendships we established with other families has been above and beyond what we had hoped for.

  • Erin October 2, 2012 (12:12 pm)

    I can’t say enough good things about SSCC Co-op. From the excellent teacher/child interaction to the one on one support parents get from the parent educators, to the extremely useful classes parents can take (cost included in the very reasonable monthly tuition), to the friends both my son and I have made…it’s been an invaluable experience. Some may not want to have a “job” in addition to working one day a week in the classroom, but for me it’s been a great experience, something to put on my resume, and hardly “work” at all. I have come to count on the teachers at Arbor Heights for advice, support and knowledge (they’ve seen everything!) and my son has grown by leaps and bounds and would not be who he is without the experiences, knowledge and friends he’s gained at AH. He’ll be more than ready for Kindergarten thannks to co-op!

  • Wendy October 3, 2012 (10:48 pm)

    I enjoyed my coop experience with my son so much that I had to become a coop teacher myself! As a parent I learned so much about bringing a positive, nurturing approach to parenting. The words of wisdom from my past teachers and parent educators ring in my ears 10 years later!
    Being a coop teacher is the BEST, most joyful job on earth. It is so rewarding to see children and their families grow and learn together each year.

Sorry, comment time is over.