The Dallas Cooperative Preschool, Inc.

This parent cooperative preschool was established in 1951.  The philosophy of the program is to provide a developmentally appropriate and fun environment for the emotional, social, and academic growth of children who are three, four, and five years old.  Mornings include a variety of activities to foster oral language and emergent literacy, pre-math skills, large and small motor skills, listening skills, and social interaction (child-child and child-adult).  Other important areas include art, music, dramatic play, blocks, science, cooking, and exercise.  We utilize multi-age grouping.  Therefore, for the majority of the morning, the children of all ages are mixed together as they enjoy their activities.  We do not have a room for three year olds, or a room for four year olds, or a room for five year olds.

We have 2 full-time plus 2 part-time degreed teachers and at least one parent at school each morning with no more than 25 children.  Many mornings during the week, we may have two or three parents helping us.

We divide the children into groups according to age and each teacher is responsible for those children in her group, to track each child’s progress throughout the year, and to conference with the child’s parents during the year.  These children identify with this teacher. 

The teachers develop the curriculum and make the initial activity choices for the day.  We spend approximately 20-30 minutes each morning with our individual groups, doing age-appropriate circle activities.  The rest of the morning is a child-directed morning.  Each teacher is in a room with several centers available for the children.  The children move from area to area as they choose.  Three, four, and five year-olds are playing side-by-side working on activities that they have chosen.  Thus, all children see and work with all three teachers every day.

Most of the children spend two to three years with us, and there is great continuity for children having the same three teachers in the same learning environment for their preschool years.  We strive to provide a positive, loving, and nurturing environment for the child’s first school experience.

History of the Co-op

The Dallas Cooperative Preschool, Inc. began in 1951 as the Mothers’ Cooperative Play School, offering care for 3 year-olds, with mothers taking turns teaching the children three days per week.  A professional teacher was hired in 1956 and by-laws were written for the school, providing the basis for the present system of majority election of a Board of Directors (Board) and participation by the parents of enrolled children.  Incorporation followed in 1965.  The school continued to grow in size and function, and has been at its present location on the grounds of John Calvin Presbyterian Church since 1972.

The Dallas Cooperative Preschool, Inc. is a non-profit, non-sectarian organization dedicated to the multilateral development of the child in intellectual skills, social skills, emotional growth, and physical growth.  The Co-op provides a unique opportunity for parent education in the field of early childhood development.  It is a bridge between home and public or private school, allowing the parent and child to grow and progress together.  An ultimate atmosphere is made possible by the rapport established between teacher, child, and parent.

The most unique aspect of the Co-op is the involvement of the parents in the day-to-day operation of the school.  A nine member Board, elected by the General Membership, manages the business and financial concerns of the preschool.  Once a month, each family assists in the school program as a serving parent providing teacher support, special skills, and a nutritious snack for the children.  This is an opportunity to share, understand, and appreciate firsthand the school experiences of one’s own child.  The Co-op requires a commitment; it is work for the parent, but most parents consider it a labor of love that offers challenge and opportunity, as well as reward.