Prospective Families
Welcome!
Troy Cooperative Preschool (TCP) is a non-profit, non-denominational preschool operated by parents since 1970. As a nurturing, play based, community-focused cooperative preschool , we value collaboration and parent involvement to foster a strong, connected community that creates a joyful educational experience for all: children, parents and educators.
Philosophy & Mission
Our philosophy is simple: children, parents, and teachers all learning from one another. Our program is designed to nourish your child’s intellectual, emotional, physical, and social growth. We are committed to building a solid foundation in language arts, math, and science through developmentally appropriate activities that nurture the whole child.
What’s a Cooperative Preschool?
Taking part in a cooperative preschool allows you to be directly involved with your child’s early education – you will work alongside the children and teachers to help your children learn and grow! Social, emotional and intellectual skills are garnered in a hands-on way in a cooperative and creative environment.
Parents assist directly in the classroom on “work days” and with the administration and maintenance of the school – parents have a true part of running a cooperative preschool and are referred to as “members.” When you choose a cooperative preschool you commit to not only assisting with the operation of the school in some way, but also to taking an active role in your child’s learning.
Benefits of Cooperative Preschool
Bonding with your child in the classroom and carrying over themes from instruction at home
Making lasting bonds with other children and parents alongside students
Your competitive tuition means that your dollars go directly to teacher salaries, rent, and other basics. Because members volunteer their time and talents, our overhead costs remain low.
Exceptional adult to student ratios!
Flexible potty training requirements.
Co-op preschools are unique, placing high value on the input and involvement of its families.
What Do TCP Parents Contribute/Do?
A summary of membership requirements for families include:
- Working in the classroom when scheduled (usually 2-4 times per month depending on program/class size): parents help ready the classroom for student arrival, assist the teacher during class time, and help clean up the classroom.
- A parent job: this can be as a member of the preschool’s board or the laundry parent. Each family has a job they contribute to the preschool. Some are more involved than others but many hands make light work!
- Yearly meeting attendance: parents are asked to attend three meetings per year – usually around an hour each.