Tree Town Cooperative School

As part of a cooperative preschool, parents are offered the unique opportunity to be an integral part of their child’s development beyond the home. Both students and their families reap the benefits of this environment and enjoy a special sense of community that is not typical at other preschool programs.

Tree Town is run by both parents and teachers. But it is not just about helping in your child’s class. In our cooperative environment, parents’ responsibilities are twofold.

First, parents serve as teacher assistants in their child’s class. Through this first-hand involvement, parents have a wonderful opportunity to become familiar with their child's educational development and gain valuable insight into how their child interacts with his or her peers. Parents also benefit from observing the teacher’s methods for dealing with issues such as sharing, motivation and discipline, and perhaps learn new ways to communicate with their developing child. Second, each family serves on an administrative committee or on the parent board, which assist with the operation of the school.

Everyone benefits from the enthusiasm and new ideas that a cooperative generates, and from the commitment of its members. Perhaps the most lasting effect of joining a cooperative is the sense of camaraderie that develops among the parents, as they serve together on committees or the board, celebrate birthdays, welcome new births and share their parenting successes and concerns. These friendships formed around common involvement often last a lifetime.