PARENT RESPONSIBILITIES
The “cooperative” part of the Co-op is what makes it a unique preschool program. The parents are an integral part of the program. Parents are required to participate in the program on a regular basis throughout the year. Parent Responsibilities include:
1. Parent Helper Days: The class vice-president schedules these in advance. For the 3 year-old program, you can expect to work about once a month and for the 4’s it will be twice a month. Parents with multiple kids will work a corresponding multiple of days more than a single-child parent. Your helper day will mainly consist of assisting teachers and children with their daily projects and activities. Active and cooperative participation from parents is mutually beneficial to the children, teachers, program and the parents themselves. There is an involved spirit of community and friendship at our Co-op as a result. Key things to keep in mind when it is your volunteering day:
A) Arrive 15 minutes early (9:00 AM or 12:15 PM) to assist the teachers in preparing the classroom for the daily activities
B) Supply juice/cups or snack/napkins, as indicated on the monthly calendar
C) Before and after snack, clean the table and sweep the floor around the snack table
D) After the class is over, vacuum the rug and assist in any further cleaning
E) Do not bring any siblings or other children on your helper days
F) Refrain from using your cellphone while you are a helper
G) Snacks cannot contain nuts or be milk-based. They must be packaged and sealed when brought in, but can be mixed/cut once in the classroom.
2. Housekeeping: These days are scheduled once a semester and involve a cleaning assignment for the last 30 minutes of class or another duty as specified by the teacher (for example, cleaning toys or dress-up clothes).
3. Credits: Each parent earns three credits per semester by completing odd jobs such as cutting out crafts projects, purchasing supplies or small items, or making play dough.
