Frequently Asked Questions

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What is a cooperative preschool or child care?

Although it can be called a parent cooperative or parent participation preschool, playschool, nursery school, playgroup, child care center or early childhood center, a parent co-op is a place where children, parents, and teachers go to school together and learn together.

Co-ops come in all shapes and sizes because they are a unique reflection of their members. Most share some common characteristics, like professional teachers, parent participation in some form, and play-based curriculum.

Is there a co-op near me?

We hope so! You can search our directory by address, city, state or province to find a member school.

How can I balance a co-op and my job?

Each cooperative preschool or child care is an independent organization, and each one operates a little differently. They all seek to serve the members of their community. With the understanding that many grown-ups have jobs, schools often offer flexibility to accommodate working parents.

Can I start my own co-op preschool?

Of course! And we’re here to help. There is no one way, no "right" way to build a co-op preschool. Rules and regulations vary widely among different states and provinces. Be sure to obtain the necessary information from the appropriate governmental agency in your area early in the process. PCPI’s publication, How to Start a Preschool or Child Care Cooperative, could be an excellent guide as you start your journey.

If our school is a member of a Council, does that mean we’re members of PCPI?

It’s great that you’re involved in a regional collective for cooperative schools. PCPI has many council affiliates, and each has a seat on our board and can influence the projects we undertake. But PCPI and its councils operate independently. Choosing to become a direct member of PCPI makes your school eligible to participate in training, and to apply for grants and awards, gives you access to materials and publications, and gives your school a listing in our online directory.