Resources
Whether you are a parent searching for a cooperative for your child, an individual thinking about starting a cooperative preschool in your area, or a member seeking to network with others who share your interests, PCPI has resources to help.
Thinking of starting a co-op?
““I don’t know any way parents can learn as much as they can through participating in a parent cooperative nursery school.””
One of the most common questions we hear is "How can I start a co-op where I live?" We are here to help!
Belonging to a cooperative preschool is a special experience for parents and children. Most programs are based on the idea that children learn through play and that the program must be developmentally appropriate for the preschool age group. Further, one of the key attributes of a cooperative school program is parent education.
PCPI has a great collection of resources and experience to share that can help you get started. Check out our publications and materials for additional supports.
Taking part in a cooperative preschool allows you to be directly involved with your child’s early education. Being able to supervise your child, and the teacher, guarantees your child is safe and with the best teachers anywhere. Interacting with a community of other parents who share your commitment to childhood and receiving modeling by the teacher as you help, gives you opportunities to learn alongside your child. Most importantly, choosing a cooperative preschool gives you extra time to bond with your child and create memories together. Your child will always know that education is important in your family because you live it everyday.
A parent cooperative preschool is organized by a group of families with similar philosophies who hire a trained teacher to provide their children with a quality preschool experience. The preschool is administered and maintained by the parents. The parents assist the professional teachers in the classroom on a rotating basis and participate in the educational program of all the children. Each family shares in the business operation of the school (usually a nonprofit venture), thus making it truly a cooperative venture. Parents, preschool children and their teachers all go to school together and learn together.
Parents gain insight into child behavior by observing other children. They observe how other parents and the professional teachers handle various situations and gain greater understanding and enjoyment of their own children through active participation in their education. They have the opportunity to share their experiences and expertise with others while working together in a cooperative setting. Through serving on the Board, parents learn about administration, running meetings and other skills useful to them in other areas and states of their lives. They also learn useful ideas for helping their children at home and in the world around them..
Children participate in a supervised play and learning experience with children of their own age. Equipment, materials and physical facilities are scaled to child size. An opportunity is provided to interact with adults other than their own parents. The children are able to find security and a feeling of belonging in a world which is non-threatening and interested in them. Learning to respect and accept the rights and differences of others is emphasized. Children have hands-on experiences in creative arts, music, science, literature, and language geared to their needs and developmental level.
Parents and children develop an extended family with friendships they carry through their lives. Parents gain a strong sense of responsibility and develop positive self worth which carries over into every aspect of community life. The cooperative organization provides preschool experiences within the financial means of most families.
Publications and Materials
PCPI offers a wide variety of resources to support those who are considering starting a cooperative school as well as cooperative schools that have been in operation for many years. Below you will find links to articles that can be downloaded at no cost as well as items available for purchase through our online store. Digital publications and materials are free to members. Members receive a 20% discount on all other purchases.
What does it really mean to be a co-oping member of a preschool? Lesley Romanoff, Past President of PCPI and Lead Teacher of Takoma Park Cooperative Nursery School, shares her thoughts.
Has P-L-A-Y become a Four Letter Word?
Read why play is an integral part of early childhood education in this article from the PCPI archives.
Play Label Downloadables
Play in the Block Corner
Play in the House Corner
Play in the Art Corner
Play in the Writer's Corner
Play Based Vs. Academic Preschools
Research indicates that preschool children learn best through a play-based curriculum. Read the article by Kathryn Ems, M.S., Past President of Parent Cooperative Preschools International.
For a basic overview of cooperative preschools and child care centers including their structure and benefits, download this PowerPoint presentation.
The items are available for purchase as digital downloads with the exception of videos and printed promotional flyers, which will be mailed. Digital products are free to members by using a discount code at check out. Email enquiries@preschools.coop to request a member discount code
A basic introduction to the cooperative preschool philosophy and model. Includes sample forms and much more.
This book is intended for parents and others who work with young children to help in the development of communication skills and the interaction of parents, children and teachers.
A distinctive promotional flyer explaining the parent cooperative preschool to the general public.
To request publications by mail, send check or money order made out to PCPI. If paying the membership rate, list the name of the organization or individual holding membership. Please write Materials Order on the outside of the envelope and mail to the following:
PCPI Publications Order
PO Box 230327
Portland, OR 97281-0327
Awards and Grants
Membership Benefits
PCPI makes a number of grant opportunities available to members each year. Overviews of each grant are provided below. Click the buttons to learn more and access grant application forms when they are released.
The Katharine Whiteside Taylor Grant is for Canadian members to fund parent education programs.
Due: December 15, 2023
Established in memory of Rebecca (Becky) Allen, a founding member of PCPI, this grant supports parent education projects in member schools.
Due: December 15, 2023
This grant supports parent-led community projects in member schools.
Due: December 15, 2023
This grant assists member preschools with start-up and/or emergent funding needs.
Due: December 15th, 2023
The Marika Townshend Travel Grant program helps our members attend the PCPI annual meeting.
Due: February 15, 2024
PCPI awards are available to honor outstanding members each year. Award nominations are accepted from members each spring, and recipients are announced at the PCPI Annual Meeting.
PCPI will present awards to those who have rendered outstanding service to the cooperative preschool movement. The Awards Committee depends on members to nominate people deserving special recognition.
Award categories include:
Stronger Together Award (formerly District Award)
Continuing Service Award (formerly Continue Service District Award)
National Award
Susie Stone Outstanding Educator Award
Robin Garthright Bunster Award for Excellence in Teaching
Certificate of Appreciation
Honorary Life Membership
Due: March 1, 2024
A list of past award recipients is available by clicking the button below. Information about award recipients and their accomplishments is also published in Cooperatively Speaking following the awards ceremony held at the annual meeting.
Award nominations must be accompanied by a $20 application fee. The fee can be paid online or by mail - instructions are included on the nomination form.
The PCPI Awards pin is also available to purchase to honor award recipients.
Online payment for PCPI Annual Awards applications. Application forms must be submitted separately and can be found at www.preschools.coop/forms.
The PCPI pin with the historic logo reminds us of the long and strong history of the organization and of parent cooperative preschools. The pin is available to honor PCPI award recipients for their contributions to the cooperative movement. Shipping is included in the product price.
Cooperatively Speaking
Cooperatively Speaking, the PCPI newsletter, is electronically distributed to members each month. The publication includes news about the cooperative community, school profiles, information about upcoming events and grant opportunities.
January 2024 (Volume 54, No. 1)
December 2023 (Volume 53, No. 10)
November 2023 (Volume 53, No. 9)
October 2023 (Volume 53, No. 8)
September 2023 (Volume 53, No. 7)
August 2023 (Volume 53, No. 6)
July 2023 (Volume 53, No. 5)
April 2023 (Volume 53, No. 4)
March 2023 (Volume 53, No. 3)
February 2023 (Volume 53, No. 2)
January 2023 (Volume 53, No. 1)
Helpful Resources
Our Cooperatively Speaking Facebook group, allows members to extend conversation, pose questions, post photos, and share ideas. The group has a limited membership and is intended as a private place to ask questions and seek advice from peers. You can send a membership request and answer three questions, and your request will be verified and approved by the group administrator.
This online forum is new for 2021 and is intended to provide another way to connect with and share information with other members. Ask to join the Google Group by clicking the link or by emailing PCPI Newsletter Editor.
Jovial and PCPI have developed a strong partnership through their shared missions to support cooperative preschools. Jovial provides preschool management software free of charge to cooperative schools.
Tools for easier parenting
and a happier family
Resources for Parenting is a new sponsor for Parent Cooperative Preschools International. The owner, Jennifer Watanabe, is a long-time parent educator and parent coach. She offers tools that parents can use to make family life better.
Jennifer loves co-ops. She participated in co-op preschool with both of her sons, who are now 30 and 26 years old. She retired from Bellevue College in Washington state after 24 years of teaching parenting classes, including at some of the college’s sponsored cooperative preschools.
She teaches Positive Discipline classes. She also teaches classes and workshops for parents who want to simplify their family and work life.
