The Cooperative Experience

Our non-profit school is a true cooperative, run by an executive committee made up of parents working closely with the members of the nursery school, the director, the teachers and the community.

Our cooperative school recognizes that parents are the primary educators of their children. It encourages mothers and fathers to share their interests and talents not only in the classroom, but also in a support position by serving on the executive committee, in a coordinator role, or on committees. These direct parental efforts and involvement make the Metcalfe Cooperative Nursery School an exceptional educational opportunity.

Benefits of a Co-op

Being a member of a cooperative nursery school requires time and commitment from member families, but the benefits are indisputable.

Benefits for the Child

• A safe, stimulating environment to encourage natural love of learning.
• A developmentally appropriate environment that promotes their physical, social, emotional and cognitive development.
• A low teacher-child ratio.
• Highly individualized attention and support as they learn to communicate and problem-solve with others.
• An opportunity for the initial separation from the primary caregiver(s) and the building of independence in your preschool child, making for a g entle transition from home to school environment.
• A chance to interact with other adults and establish a relationship of trust.

Benefits for the Parent

• Opportunities to share parenting ideas and concerns.
• Greater involvement in your child’s early learning education.
• Increased understanding of child development.
• Relationships with other families, teachers and children in the community.
• Flexible part-time care for parents in part-time or home-based work situations.

Parent Participation

The Metcalfe Cooperative Nursery School depends on the commitment of time and energy of every member of the cooperative for its continued success. The goal is to keep tuition fees down and provide safe, quality, age appropriate programming for our children. When you register your child in the Metcalfe Cooperative Nursery School, you are choosing to play an active role in your child’s development and an active role in maintaining and preserving a vital community service.

When you register, you agree to comply with all of the nursery school regulations and to participate fully as a cooperative member as outlined in the Parent Participation Agreement.