What is a Cooperative Nursery School?

The "Little Red Schoolhouse" has been in operation as a Cooperative Nursery School since 1960. A cooperative program is unique, requires the loving dedication of all involved and provides our children with the most enriching nursery school experience. The cooperative nature of the school means parents/ caregivers are much more involved in their child's nursery school experience. Part of our cooperative arrangement is the role of 'helper parent' which is the unique opportunity to particiapte in your child's first school experience. Commitment is usually no more than once a month and can be fulfilled by parents, grandparents or other care givers. Benefits of Enrolling at CPNS:

  • Opportunity to share in child's first educational experience
  • Developmentally appropriate program based on learning through play
  • Balanced program focused on providing children with the social and educational skills needed for life long learning
  • Children learn team work through example of parents and teacher working together to run the school
  • Parent supervised weekly summer playgroup (siblings welcome), June, July and August
  • Home visits by teacher in August for new students
  • Field trips - apple picking, fire station, animal show, musical show
  • Making friends and having fun!

Cooperative Aspect Family Responsibilities:

  • Participate as a helping parent in your child's class on a rotating basis (approximately once per month for 3.5 hours)
  • Participate on a committee (approximately 2 hours per month)
  • Attend two school meetings a year (potluck dinner in November, auction in March, approximately six hours total)
  • Participate in the fundraising auction
  • Attend 1 of 3 'work days' to prepare the school for the change in seasons (approximately 3 hours)
  • Transport your child to and from school and field trips

*Please note: Families who are only enrolled in one day programs have a limited cooperative commitment:

  • Participate as a helping parent in your child's class on a rotating basis (approximately once per month for 2.5-3.5 hours)
  • Attend 1 of 3 'work days' to prepare the school for the change in seasons (approximately 3 hours)
  • Transport your child to and from school and field trips