The 3s Program

The Co-op’s 3-year-old program centers on the transition from home to school. As they move away from family and out into the world, children start to view themselves as capable beings who can become responsible for themselves – all with the support of their family and community. Each day in the Co-op offers opportunities for children to try new things, discover themselves, and, of course, play! The goal is to develop a love of learning, and children can do that in an intentional environment where every choice leads to a valuable experience, whether from building at the workbench or pretending in the creative play area. Throughout the year, children have positive, age-appropriate experiences with literacy, science, mathematical concepts, and the arts. The adult:child ratio is 1:4, and enrollment is capped at 18 children. 

Time commitment for families

3’s parents are required to:

• Work in the classroom as a parent volunteer (about 2 times a month)
• Serve in a designated job or as an officer on the board (several hours a month)
• Attend one housekeeping of the school (one Saturday morning during the school year)
• Attend General Membership Meetings (6 – 7 evenings a school year)
• Pack up the classroom a Saturday morning after school closes  (Closing the Closet)
• Attend orientation (one evening right before the school year begins)

Sample Schedule