Threes
Three is an age of imagination, conversation, growing independence, and increasingly real friendships. Threes gives children room to test new skills, solve problems, move their bodies, and learn how to be part of a group, all within a playful classroom designed for active learning. Adults grow alongside them, with support for the joys and challenges that come with this wonderfully complicated stage.
"Three is such a funny in-between age. They can seem so grown up one minute and need you completely the next. Co-op helped me understand that both can be true."
Threes at a Glance
Age
For children who turn 3 but are not yet 4 by August 31.
Schedule
Two or three class days each week, depending on class.
Participation
One class day each week with an adult; remaining class days independently.
Children's Program
Three-year-olds are full of ideas and ready to learn by doing. In Threes, children explore a stimulating classroom filled with opportunities to create, pretend, build, move, investigate, and play with other children.
Through guided play, children strengthen social skills, use language to express themselves and solve problems, practice regulating their bodies and emotions, and build the early thinking skills that form a foundation for later reading, math, and learning.
Teachers help children navigate some of the biggest challenges of being three: waiting, sharing space, negotiating with friends, handling disappointment, and figuring out what to do when another child has a different idea.
We meet those moments with patience, positive discipline, and proactive teaching, helping children become increasingly confident members of their classroom community.
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What Class Looks like
Each class follows a predictable rhythm designed to help children feel secure, engaged, and ready to learn through play.
Choice Time
Children choose from classroom activities where they can create, build, pretend, explore, climb, and practice playing with others.
Clean-Up Time
Children take increasing responsibility for their classroom by helping care for shared materials and spaces.
Story & Circle Time
Children practice listening, participating in a group, extending their attention, and learning to regulate their bodies and emotions.
Snack Time
Children sit together for a healthy snack provided by families according to program and health guidelines, practicing conversation and independence along the way.
Music & Movement
Songs, rhythm, dancing, and active play let children use their whole bodies while learning how to move and participate alongside others.
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Support for Parents & Caregivers
One adult from each family enrolls through South Seattle College as part of the co-op program.
Three-year-olds can feel remarkably capable one moment and completely overwhelmed the next. Their growing language, independence, imagination, and opinions make this an exciting stage, and sometimes a challenging one to parent.
A South Seattle College parent educator participates in the program and helps families understand child development, behavior, communication, and positive-discipline approaches that can be useful both at preschool and at home.
Families have opportunities to ask questions, share experiences, and learn from one another as they navigate friendships, separation, boundaries, emotional regulation, sleep, toileting, sibling relationships, and other parts of life with a three-year-old.
As children begin forming stronger friendships, adults often do too. Co-op gives families the chance to build a community of people they trust, enjoy, and can grow alongside for years to come.
How Families Participate
Co-op works because families are active participants in the classroom and the community.
In Threes, your family's participation includes:
Working in the classroom one class day each week, alongside the children’s teacher.
Helping provide snack on a rotating basis.
Participating in a monthly class meeting that combines preschool business, community-building, and parent education.
Taking on a co-op job that fits your interests, skills, and available time.
Attending a quarterly parent education seminar from a range of practical parenting and child-development topics.
Participation can be shared. Grandparents, nannies, aunties, uncles, and other important adults in your child's life are welcome to take part and help your family fulfill its co-op commitments.
Current Threes Classes
Find the location and schedule that works best for your family.
Cost & Financial Support
We are committed to making our programs accessible to as many families as possible.
Registration & Tuition
Registration fees are charged annually. Monthly tuition varies by class and location; current tuition is shown with each class above.
Financial Assistance
Tuition assistance is available through SSC Cooperative Preschools scholarship funds. Families can apply for support throughout the school year.