What is a Co-operative?
 Parent organized and incorporated as a distinct legal entity, (either a non-profit or
a
 Charitable, Cooperative Corporation)
Parent members have certain rights and responsibilities under the Co-operative
Corporations Act.
Membership is voluntary but a level of participation is mandatory under organizational
by-laws and / or policies and procedures.
How does the Co-op benefit my Child?
Grows physically by experiencing activities designed to develop large and small muscle
co-ordination using carefully selected equipment.
Grows intellectually by solving problems, thinking creatively and expanding
language development.
Grows socially through play, sharing and co-operating with other children in a supervised
learning environment.
Grows emotionally by learning to channel emotions constructively, by increasing their
independence in meeting and solving problems through the growth of self esteem.
Why Parents Join a Co-op?
Parents are committed to the co-op philosophy of “for the good of all children”.
Parents want to play an active role in their children’s preschool experience.
Parents want the best for their children.
By their participation in the co-op parents ensure the preschool is affordable
for all parents and children in the community.
What is the Parental Commitment to the Co-op philosophy?
Maintain a positive attitude. It will reassure your child that you believe this new
experience will be successful.
A positive attitude will also contribute to a good emotional climate for other
children and parents in the program.
Commit to the ideal of “For the Good of All”. Realize that your contributions have a
direct effect on the future of the program.
Your action or lack of action will determine whether this community asset
will serve future families.
What are the Parent Responsibilities in the Co-op?
To be aware of the organization's structure.
Learn and follow by-laws, policies and procedures.
Be a member in good standing (fees paid, fundraising and participation commitments met,
forms completed and in on time).
Promote the Co-op with others in the community.
Attend orientation and training sessions for Duty Parents (if applicable).
Be on time for your Duty Days (if applicable).
Ask questions for clarification when unsure of your role.
Attend meetings.
Share your talents in the program and by working on committees.
The Co-op organization?
The board is elected by the Members to hire the staff and to take care of the organization and all that that entails.
Program Supervisors and Teachers are professional Early Childhood Educators hired by the board to provide the program for the children in their care.
Parent Members elect the Board and fulfill their other volunteer obligations to the preschool.
The heart of the organization is the ECE (Early Childhood Educator) As qualified professionals they are members of the new College of
Early Childhood Educators (CECE)
They are enablers, learners, leaders and good communicators
They advocate for children and families in their community
Their first consideration is your child
Keep all records of the children and meet all Day Nurseries Act (DNA) requirements
Seeks and works with special referral agencies for children in need
They are in charge of developing and executing the preschool curriculum
Works with and trains parents assisting with the program
Works with the board in an advisory capacity (voice but not vote) |
