FAQ

Parental involvement is a key component of the co-op preschool experience. Parents typically:

• Attend class one day a week as an assistant teacher

• Attend a monthly evening class meeting for parent education and co-op business

• Choose and hold a preschool job

• Choose and attend at least one quarterly parent education seminar

Parents will also provide healthy snacks for snack time on a rotating basis.

The time commitment varies depending on the specific role and class, but it generally involves:

• Working in the classroom: 2-3 hours/week

• Attending monthly class meeting: 2 hours/month

• Attending quarterly parent education seminar: 2 hours/quarter*

• Hold and execute preschool job: variable, but typically 30-90 mins/week, depending on the job

This averages out to approximately 4 hours/week. Note that this commitment may be shared among multiple parents, caregivers, grandparents, nannies, etc.

*-Caregivers are welcome to attend more than one quarterly parent education seminar, but at least one is required.

Any trusted adult from your household circle can fulfill the obligation. This includes parents, grandparents, nannies, au pairs, etc.

Multiple adults from your household circle can share the responsibility.

Parents choose one job that best fits their time, talent, or learning interests. By participating in the co-op, you will be building skills like leadership, teamwork, budgeting, and personnel management. Examples of class jobs include:

• Class chair

• Play-dough maker

• Class librarian

• Board treasurer

• PAC rep

• Laundry person

• Board president

• Class photographer

• Community builder

Multi-Day Classes (Twos, Threes, Threes/Fours, PreK)

Planned Absences (vacation, etc.)

It is very important to find a substitute if you cannot make your assigned day at the preschool, as adult coverage is needed.

• Contact parents who work on opposite days to find a substitute/s who can work

• Work out trades or offer to host a playdate, bake some cookies, etc.

• Notify the teacher and class/parent coordinator of your pending absence and who will sub.

Unplanned Absences (illness, emergency, etc.)

• If your class has an emergency sub system: Call the E-sub person.

• If your class doesn't have an emergency sub system: Reach out to your class to see if anyone can sub for you.

• Notify the teacher and class/parent coordinator of your pending absence and who will sub.

One-Day Classes (Infants, Movers, Toddlers, Multi-Age)

• Notify the teacher and class/parent coordinator of your pending absence

If you must miss a meeting:

• Notify the parent educator directly

• If your preschool job stipulates that you participate in the meeting (e.g. secretary, class chair, committee chair, etc.), make sure someone can stand in for you to fulfill your obligation.

• Ask a friend for handouts and key announcements

• Read the meeting minutes

• And make up the missed parent discussion by attending an extra parenting class, reading a parenting book or article, attending a parenting lecture, or attending the site board meeting.

It depends. Children under 6 months old may be worn in class on your classroom workday at the following preschool locations:

• Alki

• White Center

• Lincoln Park

After 6 months of age, our Alki location offers their Multi-Age Drop-Off (MADO) class on-site. Siblings ages six months through five years will play together while their parent is working in their sibling's classroom. Learn more about MADO here.

There is an additional charge for both of these services. Reach out to inquiries@westseattlepreschools.org for more information.

Another option is to participate in our one-day Multi-Age classes, in which you may enroll more than one child and bring them all to class with you at the same time. Find out more about our Multi-Age classes here.