The cooperative approach to preschooling has multiple advantages. Approximately one or two times
per month, parents work directly with students in the classroom.This rewarding experience enriches the parent and child. It
also creates a unique classroom, giving the Teacher great freedom to interact freely with every child. This is an important
asset. Children benefit from the myriad strengths, skills and ways of thinking of committed adults. The teacher provides training
to all parent helpers. This ensures consistency and allows parents to feel comfortable interacting with the children.
Students quickly get to know their classmate's parents and family members through daily interaction and school events.
It is comforting to know that the adults working with our students have a vested interest in participation because they are
personally connected to our school community.
The child is not the only one to benefit from the "parent
cooperative" concept: here the parents have a chance to observe their childrens first school experience...
and to help them take their first steps towards building socialization skills and autonomy.
Each parent has a voice at Oswego Playschool. Monthly board meetings are held to allow parents the opportunity
to influence school policy and express their questions or concerns. Evening meetings are held at times during the year
featuring speakers addressing parenting and educational issues. Parent education is a key piece of our philosophy.
Each family accepts one yearly job per child enrolled in the school, which leads to a
broad base of talented volunteers for our school. Parents are also required to contribute to and participate in the
school auction. By including the whole school in this ejoyable fundraiser, we continue to create an extended community
of alumni families and school supporters interested maintaining a thriving cooperative school.
This collaborative approach to preschooling enables Oswego Playschool to maintain the highest quality staff and facilities
at an affordable cost to parents.
