What is a Cooperative Preschool?

Cooperative preschools differ from traditional schools in the varied and extensive level of parent participation. IPCP offers opportunities for parents to learn about and contribute to their children’s early educational experiences.

“One of the things that makes IPCP such a special place is the community that is formed through the hard work and dedication of our parents. Whether they are volunteering in the classroom, pulling weeds from the gardens, building a bench, or caring for our animals, our parents truly care for this school and are dedicated to making it a special place for every child who attends.”
— Emily Howland, Executive Director

The Cooperative Commitment

All parents contribute to the school in each of the following key ways:

Joining their child at school for Parent Helper Days

In this role, parents provide a nutritious snack, help with cleaning up, and assist teachers during the school day. Parent Helper Days provide parents with a great opportunity to be part of their child’s day, help them in their activities, and meet their friends. These days are allocated to each family according to how many days their child attends IPCP—and can range from six to twelve days in the school year.

Making improvements to our school during Buildings & Grounds Workdays

Each family participates in two Buildings & Grounds Workdays per school year to help with maintenance and beautification at the school. Projects can include yard work, painting, cleaning, and general maintenance – no skill is required. These days occur on pre-scheduled weekend days from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm.

Contributing to IPCP’s operations through Monthly Committee Meetings

Each family is assigned a committee to serve suited to their unique set of skills, knowledge, and interests. One parent per household is required to attend each usually-monthly committee meeting. The primary responsibility of each committee is to support IPCP’s operations by working closely with the administrative staff of the preschool. Committees meet monthly and divide up responsibilities between members. 

Attending Events and Activities

From seasonal celebrations to social meet-and-greets, we like to find reasons to hang out. Three events are kid-free and attendance is mandatory for at least one parent per household.

Annual Events and Traditions

Back-to-School Night*
If it’s August, it must be time to start the school year with an adult-only picnic where we BYOB and swap summer vacation stories and meet the new families.

Hallowgreen Party
A “spooky” night in October where the children (and some parents) get dressed up and celebrate fall.

Alumni Play Date
Each fall we invite IPCP graduates for a big playdate — a great time for families to reconnect.

March Business Meeting*
The new board members are voted on, and introduced. The yearly budget and high priority topics are shared with the whole school. 

Auction*
Book your babysitter for our biggest grownups-only party of the year. Our largest fundraiser invites the public and IPCP families to bid on gift certificates, unique items, and activities for all tastes and budgets. Live music, food and drinks, and a live auction round out the parent-run evening. 

Grandparents and Special Friends Day
Invite the special people in your child’s life to join this picnic lunch in the beautiful spring air, see the school, and spend some time with your child.

Art Night
Each May, the teachers celebrate the year by putting a collection of the students’ artwork on display in the Outdoor Classroom. It’s a fun night with food and drinks and plenty of children running around playing.

Planting Days
Parents are invited to help us with Spring and Fall planting. Both green thumbs — and not-so-green thumbs — are welcome.

*Events marked with an asterisk are adults-only, and attendance is required for at least one member of the household.

Committees

Each family is required to serve on a committee of their preference and attend monthly meetings. Current committees include: 

  • Admissions: Oversees all aspects of the admissions process including prospective parent meetings, interviews, and enrollment decisions. 

  • Auction: Plans and oversees the school’s largest annual fundraiser. 

  • Building and Grounds: Oversees maintenance of the school and runs monthly B&G  workdays. 

  • Communications: Maintain the website and executes advertising, social media, and marketing ventures. 

  • Development: Responsible for developing community engagement for the IPCP community as a whole: including wine-nights, playdates in the park, and fun outings for families and parents alike to spend time with each other. 

  • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Assists in maintaining an inclusive and equitable school environment through DEI-focused educational opportunities, collaboration with other committees, policy review, and conducting an annual school-wide survey.

  • Outdoor Classroom: Maintains our outdoor spaces, plans two plantings per year, and oversees the care of the school’s animals. 

  • Parent Education and Involvement: Oversees the Parent Helper sign-up, administration care, and food brigades for families. 

  • Personnel: Assists the administrative staff in the development of staff policies, assists with hiring, and plans all staff appreciation events.

Summary: What Each Family Contributes

  • Parent Helper Days (6-to-12 per year, 4.5 hours per day)

  • Buildings and Grounds Workdays (2 per year, 4 hours per workday)

  • Committees (1 person per family, usually with monthly meetings)

  • Auction (Secure a donation, attend, and fulfill one shift at the event as needed)

    Total: approximately 5-to-7 hours per month per family