“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.”

—Helen Keller

Two children at Youngset Preschool are sitting on a striped rug playing with colorful beads and string to make jewelry. Several containers of beads are scattered on the rug around them.

What is a Co-Op?

A cooperative preschool is a program that is operated by a group of parents who take an active interest in their children's first educational experience. Parents help the teacher in the classroom and are involved in decision-making.

Parent helping is the most important thing our parents do as members of a cooperative preschool. It can be a very rewarding experience for you and your child. It is an opportunity to work closely with the teacher and to learn more about your own child as well as other children.

A group of children and adults at Youngset Preschool with their hands placed together on the floor, forming a circle for a shared activity.
A father volunteering at Youngset Preschool is reading a book to a group of children in a cozy, well-lit corner of the classroom with bookshelves and large windows showing green trees outside.

What is required of each family?

Our school asks each family to contribute a certain number of hours in the classroom (see our FAQs for more information on how in class parent helping works). Every family is responsible for one committee job throughout the school year and attendance at two general membership evening meetings, in addition to fundraising activities.  Involvement by all members helps to create a close-knit community.

Learn more

Benefits of a Co-Op Preschool for Parents

  • A better understanding of their children's individuality through observing them with other children of the same age.

  • A voice in school decisions and policy-making.

  • Education in child development and parenting skills at parent meetings, conferences and through publications.

  • Mutual understanding and moral support from other parents with the same concerns, interests, and problems.

  • Memories of activities shared with children.

  • Family activities throughout the year including: Parents Night Out, Summer Picnics, Halloween Party, Special Friends' Day, Spring Auction, End-of-Year Picnic.

A father volunteering at Youngset Preschool reads a children's book to a group of kids sitting and lying on a carpeted floor.
Children playing on a colorful rug at Youngset Preschool with toy cars and a play hospital set nearby, supervised by a volunteer caregiver crouching down.
Children drawing colorful chalk art on a black chalkboard wall at Youngset Preschool.
A group of young children gathered around and touching a large tree trunk while an adult woman explains something about it.

  • " It is co-op based, which means that you sometimes assist teaching in the classroom, along with a trained teacher in each class. Don't be intimidated! It is usually just a morning once or maybe twice a month. This helps you get direct interaction with your child's education, and also makes for a more affordable price point, win-win!"

    Anna A

  • "What sets Youngset apart is its sense of community. From day one, we felt connected to our child's early educational journey. The board leadership goes above and beyond to foster a supportive environment where both children and parents feel valued and included."

    Raquel L

  • "The cooperative aspect of the school allows parents to be involved in their child's education, fostering a sense of community and teamwork."

    Pamela H

  • "I have been a part of other co-operative preschools and this community is top notch."

    Sarah B

  • "The coop model lends itself to everyone in the community hanging out, working together, and getting to know each other and everyone's kids. I feel like volunteering has made me a better parent because I get to see how the teachers handle particular situations. If you do, indeed, have the flexibility in your life to do half-time preschool and volunteer to help out sometimes, Youngset is absolutely an amazing place and I can't say enough good things about it."

    Jessica H

  • "The many parent and family events create a tight community where it is easy to make friends. I highly recommend this preschool!"

    Brynn B

  • "The co-op model has allowed us to take an active role in our child’s preschool experience. We love the community we’ve been able to cultivate here."

    Kiera R

  • "Youngset is so much more than a preschool for our family. As my daughter literally just said today, "[Youngset] preschool is like a home that you don't live in". We have found such a sense of community, belonging, meaning and joy throughout the past year at Youngset."

    Morgan F

  • "Having volunteer time in the classroom is such a parenting bonus both for me and my daughter. Every day I’m excited about what she’ll get to experience and the relationships she’ll grow."

    Allison M