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Preschool Cooperatives 101

Preschool Cooperatives 101. Leta Mach Parent Cooperative Preschools International NCBA webinar presented on August 20, 2009. Sector Overview. First parent cooperative preschool Founded 1916 University of Chicago Child care while mothers helped with war efforts

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Preschool Cooperatives 101

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  1. Preschool Cooperatives 101 Leta Mach Parent Cooperative Preschools International NCBA webinar presented on August 20, 2009

  2. Sector Overview • First parent cooperative preschool • Founded 1916 • University of Chicago • Child care while mothers helped with war efforts • Education for both children & parents

  3. Sector Overview • More than 1000 preschool co-ops and child care centers in the U.S. • Since 1916 spread around the world • Traditionally a Parent Model preschool • Other models/adaptations since 1916

  4. Sector Overview • Employee Model • In or near the worksite • Benefits both employer & employee • Senate Employees Child Care Center • NIH Preschool • GEO Kids

  5. Sector Overview • Consortium Model • Several companies form the co-op • Benefits both employer & employee • Kids in the Kountry

  6. Sector Overview • Worker Cooperative Model • Childspace Cooperative Development Philadelphia • Benefits both employee & parent • Health care benefits for employees • Lower turnover

  7. Structure • Members own the business • Elect a Board of Directors • Board hires professional staff, the preschool director • Director may hire additional staff • Members often help in the classroom

  8. Structure • Most organized as 501c3 non-profits • Typical fees: • Non-refundable application fee • Enrollment/registration fee • Monthly tuition and late fees – may require last month’s tuition at beginning of the year • Non-co-oping option fee

  9. Economic Impact • University of Wisconsin Center for Cooperatives statistics • $420M in revenue • $141M in wages paid • 6,000 jobs

  10. Sector Benefits • Provides high-quality child care • Emphasizes parent involvement • Prepared and sensitive teachers • Child-centered curriculum • Sweat equity helps lower costs • Members gain leadership and business skills and often become leaders in their communities

  11. Special Programs • Parent Education is a key attribute • Formal regular education programs • Parent education material & libraries • Informal education while assisting and observing in the classroom • Offers a co-op family for community connection & support

  12. Challenges • The two-income working family makes co-oping difficult. Options: • Use other family members or babysitters in the classroom • Contribute in other ways: committee service or weekend/evening projects • Extra fees • Public & private sector competition • Finding and keeping a location

  13. Strengths • Variety & Diversity • Each school is organized to meet the needs of its members • Educational philosophy is determined by members with elected Board and professional staff • Most based on learning through play and developmentally appropriate practices

  14. Cross Sector Opportunity • Consider a cooperative child care center for employees • Provide flexible hours for employees to help them work in the classroom • Market the cooperative preschools in your neighborhood • When appropriate, offer space in your facilities for a co-op preschool

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