The East Bay Council is an association of East San Francisco Bay preschool cooperatives.
The Council was founded in 1946 by a group of mothers to achieve high quality preschools, to educate the parents more effectively, to help other co-ops get started, to share solutions to common problems, and to make themselves known to the wider community.
Find the East Bay co-op, parent participation nursery school near you here.
What is a Parent Participation Co-op Preschool?
At a co-op, you don't just drop off your child and wonder how he or she is doing. Instead, you take regular turns working with the nursery school—fixing snacks, reading stories, organizing games, helping with art projects, serving on committees or Parent Board. You get to know the Director and the other children and parents. You learn how kids act in groups and by themselves, and how your child fits in.
Parent Education meetings give you a chance to discuss what you learn with other co-op parents. It's your school, so you work with the director to administer business. At most co-ops, parents pitch in to clean up, paint and repair the school/playground as well as teach.
Yes, participation takes time. But look what you gain: while your child is learning to cut, paste, and make friends, you're increasing your parenting and leadership skills and sharing your child's preschool world... And it's fun!