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A Little More About Us...
Parent run and focused on families.
The Federal Way Cooperative Preschool is a parent-operated, non-profit corporation affiliated with Bates Technical College that provides quality learning experiences for children and promotes development of knowledge and skills for strong healthy families.
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At FWCP we believe:
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Parents are the first and most important teachers in a child's life.
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A successful preschool education depends on parent participation on all levels.
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Parents who participate tend to stay involved in their child's education.
What is a Cooperative Preschool?
A cooperative preschool is a nonprofit organization run by parents and an elected board of directors. Parents work in the classroom on a rotating schedule to assist the teacher. Parents also enroll in a continuing education class through Bates Technical College and earn clock hours by attending parenting classes as part of our monthly meetings.
What are my responsibilities as a co-op parent?
Parent participation is essential to the operation of our school. Parents work a few times a month in the classroom, earn parent education credits and hold a non-classroom job. Non-classroom jobs range from designated play dough maker to a position on the board. Parent education credits are earned through, educational advisor meetings (held during class) and parent education and family events (held in the evening). Families are also required to participate in fundraisers to help keep our tuition low.
What does registration as a Bates student mean? Registration with Bates Technical College means that parents are enrolled in a continuing education program and are earning clock hours toward a Parenting Certificate. Working in the classroom is considered laboratory hours and attending parent education meetings and family events are the lecture for the program. No other classroom time or visits to the Bates campus in Tacoma are required.
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Why Choose a Co-Op?
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Cooperative preschools are the best place to learn right along with your child
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let parents participate in their child's education
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have a high adult-to-child ratio, meaning lots of helping hands and individual attention for each child
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have excellent teachers who regularly update their knowledge and skills at Bates Technical College workshops and seminars receive lots of support and information from early childhood professionals at Bates Technical College and the community
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use approved practices within the guidelines of the National Association for the Education of Young Children
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give parents a voice in decisions and policy- making
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allow parents and children to build a great foundation of respect and cooperation
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give parents a chance to celebrate those fleeting first years with their children
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recognize that parents are the most important teachers a child will have
Meet Teacher Cat Eidsness
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Teacher Cat Eidsness has a BS in Zoology.
She has 22 years of experience working with children as a former co-op parent and board member and teacher.
This is her 15th year teaching at our school!
Her love for animals and insects is evident throughout her curriculum and classroom pets.
The Bates College Difference
The cooperative preschool program is a parent- and child-participation program. Parents are enrolled in the Bates Technical College parent education program, and on a monthly basis, they attend a parent education opportunity presented by the co-op preschool, Bates Technical College, or a community agency, as part of the lecture requirement. While parents are enrolled in the Bates parent education program, they earn college credit in a continuing education program.
Child Studies Instructors from Bates Technical College provide the cooperative preschools with teacher and leadership training, parent education seminars, technical assistance, information and support.
Parents enrolled in affiliated cooperative preschools have access to many parenting resources on the Bates campus, including parenting seminars and the Resource Center, an early-childhood work center where parents can create projects to take home and do with their children. There is also an early childhood library, laminating and book binding, and over 500 die cuts for scrapbooking and craft activities.
What does registration as a Bates student mean?
Registration with Bates Technical College means that parents are enrolled in a continuing education program and are earning clock hours toward a Parenting Certificate. Working in the classroom is considered laboratory hours and attending parent education meetings and family events are the lecture for the program. No other classroom time or visits to the Bates campus in Tacoma are required.