Looking for people interested in starting our own co-op preschool in Seattle.

[Tater]

Hi All,

I would love to start a co-op with other AP parents. I'm a certified teacher for k-8 and will soon be endorsed in early childhood education. I'm also a former Peace Corps Volunteer who has taught in some pretty diverse environments. My family has been trying to find a co-op in the Seattle area that will allow me to wear my 9 month-old during my 2.5 year-old's class. All of the co-ops that I have contacted have declined. So I thought, why not try to start an AP co-op in Seattle with other parents who are passionate about the benefits of AP.
Working together, we could create the curriculum based on a number of templates/models available online or that someone else may already be familiar with and prefer. We can set the times and location that work best for us. If anyone is interested please let me know! I'm very excited about the possibility. If something like this already exists, I'd love to hear about it!

Best regards,

Taylor

[lisalulu]

Not trying to discourage you from forming your own but have you tried King Street Co-op? When I was looking there, they allowed you to bring your infant with on your work day.

[jenneology]

I encountered the same frustration with my 2.5 yr old and baby combo. I love the idea.

Most of the more alternative co-ops (King Street, University, etc) I found were full-time and that was too much for my tastes. I wanted some enriching educational opportunities on the scale of 2-3 times a week 2-3 hours at a time.
I ended up working with some moms in my neighborhood to do a preschool coop. But the AP appeals to me. Our curriculum right now is really mainstream: letter of the day, which is fine for the 2-3 year olds because its introducing letters. My little boy (35 months) has really been enjoying it.

I'm interested in your ideas. Are you thinking you want to rent a space or rotate with parents homes? I dreamed of starting a storefront preschool coop here in Seattle but didn't pursue it because I'll be moving away in a couple of years.

[jennklogan]

Originally Posted by jenneology

I encountered the same frustration with my 2.5 yr old and baby combo. I love the idea.

Most of the more alternative co-ops (King Street, University, etc) I found were full-time and that was too much for my tastes. I wanted some enriching educational opportunities on the scale of 2-3 times a week 2-3 hours at a time.
I ended up working with some moms in my neighborhood to do a preschool coop. But the AP appeals to me. Our curriculum right now is really mainstream: letter of the day, which is fine for the 2-3 year olds because its introducing letters. My little boy (35 months) has really been enjoying it.

This is exactly what I'm looking for! Are you planning on having this next year?

[bjorker]

My daughter is too old to be a part of this now, but eventually I might be interested for the new babe. I'd love to keep in contact if you guys get something going.

[sparrowheart]

It has been a while since this was originally posted, so not sure if you moved forward with your idea. I would be very interested in participating if you are forming a co-op.

thanks

[jenneology]

Right now, we're going through the process to get my little boy into the German immersion preschool in the U District (SAGA) and I've applied to UW as a PhD student next year so I'll be needing full time care. If I don't get in to the program, I probably won't do a co-op because of the German preschool.

But if both fall through, yes, I'm still interested in a AP Co-op.

What ideas are you considering that would be AP/NFL?

[libabean]

I know this is a pretty old thread but the co-op my daughter and I attend it pretty crunchy and you can wear your babies during classes for your older child. It is in Shoreline though so it might be sort of far for some of you that are more central. Anyway, it is called Shorenorth.

[cheeriomama]

I just saw this thread online and while I realize it was a few years ago I wanted to check and see if you ever started a co-op program? If so, can you please send me any information as I have two little ones and am looking for a suitable program. 

Thanks!