Island Cooperative Preschool

A little over a year ago, we decided to look into options that would provide opportunities for the girls to be around other kids. The idea of preschool at 18 months sounded preposterous, but we also wanted something to combat our natural tendencies towards being hermits. We found a local cooperative that had a free play day on their outdoor playscape and went to investigate. The layout of the playground was amazing! The teacher seemed fabulous. And the price was right. So we signed Alina and Avery up to be Penguins at Island Cooperative Preschool.

Here we are dressed up for the first day in September 2012. I had no clue what we were in for! Talk about extreme levels of cuteness - picture 10 toddlers, just newly confident with their balance, exploring a cornucopia of experiences. We are talking mud pie messes, dumping tubs of trains, and giant smiles for new accomplishments and discoveries.

But the school ended up being so much more. I never could have expected the feeling of community that the cooperative help of the members creates. Being a co-op, the school tasks are done by the families: washing towels, rotating library books, organizing the fundraising events, building the playground, cleaning the dishes at snack, and so much more! Plus, through the monthly parent education, we learn valuable skills and articulate important values & beliefs before applying everything we learn as teaching parents directly in that classroom. That is right...not the typical preschool where you just drop off your kid and leave (though there is a bit of this, too!). Here, I have the opportunity to be in the classroom sharing in the learning experiences and dirty digging with my daughters! The quality time and deep connection these moments provide are truly priceless.

So now we find ourselves in our second year, with two very proud Sea Otters. The picture to the left is Avery (in green 'Brobee' shirt) and Alina on their first day this year. Pretty sure they have worn these waffle-knit shirts everyday of class so far. This has been appreciated by everyone else since it is an easy tell for who is who.

Snack time and circle time continue to be the favorites with a close follow up by anything involving water. Alina sings most of the songs out loud and Avery loves to fill up the red minivan with as many cats & dogs before touring the classroom. I enjoy my interactions with the other kids and parents in the class. And I know this will be another year full of wonderful memories!