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.

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.

Auction*
Book your babysitter for our biggest grownups-only party of the year. Our largest fundraiser invites the public and IPCP families to come in from the February chill to the famous Trolley Barn 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 April air, see the school, and spend some time with your child.

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. 

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.

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