Cooperative

At Neighborhood Cooperative, parents participate in and help shape the magic of their child's first school experience. Parents are involved in every aspect of the school, from making playdough to making policy. Parents run our Board of Directors, help fund and maintain our facility, and work alongside teachers in the classrooms.

The cooperative nature at Neighborhood bridges the gap between home and school. It offers parents the privilege of developing real relationships with their children's teachers and classmates. Children, in turn, become comfortable with more adults from diverse backgrounds. Our collaborative environment also allows parents to observe and learn from Neighborhood’s creative, experienced educators.

Perhaps the most wonderful part of a cooperative is the sense of community that develops among parents as they serve on committees together, celebrate birthdays, welcome new babies and share their parenting successes and challenges. Many long-lasting friendships, among both children and adults, begin at Neighborhood Cooperative.
 

Common questions

• What is expected of parents at Neighborhood?

A parent is expected to join the classroom approximately three times a year. The parent-helping is a flexible model. We meet families where they are and work with them to make the parent helping accessible to all families. In addition, each family takes on one Community Job, such as serving on our Board of Directors, or supporting a committee to help maintain our facility, plan field trips and social events, raise funds, etc. 

• Is a cooperative feasible if both parents work?

It certainly can be! The parent-help schedule is developed well in advance to accommodate preferences for days and to allow working parents to arrange for time off. We work with each family to find the right Community Job to suit your talents and other obligations in your family's life. 

• What if my child has a younger sibling at home?

We ask you to arrange care outside of school for other children when you parent-help. Members of our cooperative often share babysitters and take turns caring for one another's younger children on their parent-help days.

• What if I have more than one child in the school?

A parent-help schedule will be developed to allow you to participate in both children's classrooms. Your family is responsible for one Community Job, regardless of the number of children enrolled at Neighborhood Cooperative.