Why Choose a Co-op Program?
| What is a Co-operative Preschool |
| Active and Non-Active Memberships |
| Your role as an Active Member of Meadowest Preschool |
| History of Meadowest Preschool |
What is a co-operative Preschool?
In a co-operative school, children, parents and teachers are equally important. The goal of a co-operative preschool is to provide an enriching preschool experience for children and to promote understanding and participation by parents in the early childhood education of their children.
Parents have the chance to be involved, creating an enjoyable and memorable experience for everyone.
A co-operative preschool is organized and administered by the parents, and operates under the direction of trained teachers. In order for a co-operative school to run successfully, everyone must work together.
There are certain duties and responsibilities which are divided up amongst the parents. The success of the daily operations of the school depends on the fulfillment of these responsibilities.
Active and Non-active Memberships
Meadowest Preschool is a co-operative school, and as such we strongly encourage all parents to participate in the operation of the school. We realize, however, that not all members are able to actively participate. We therefore have a choice of two memberships.
Active members must attend our three General Meetings, assist our teacher in the classroom on designated duty days, and commit to a job that contributes to the organization of the school.
Non-Active members are encouraged to attend General Meetings (not mandatory) and they are not required to have a job. In the event that all the spaces for Non-Active members are filled, you may be placed on a waiting list and have the option of participating as an Active member until a space is available.
Your Role as an Active Member of Meadowest
Attend scheduled duty days - As a duty parent, you will have a chance to see firsthand how your child interacts and is getting along in the classroom. Depending on the number of children registered in a particular class, duty days are usually 1-2 classes per month.
Your role will consist of things such as; preparing the snack for that day, cleaning the washrooms, sorting the children's artwork and assisting the teacher with small tasks.
These efforts truly are rewarding when you can observe how your input directly contributes to your child's first school experience. Those who are not able to participate in these roles can register as a Non-Active member for an increased monthly fee.
Take on one 'job' to help in the operation of the school - Each family will be asked to take on a school 'job'. Some jobs are more involved than others, but never is someone asked to take on a job that they do not feel comfortable doing. The jobs vary from 'Class Representative' to 'Duty Scheduler' to 'Play Dough Maker' to 'President.
Each task is equally important in order for the school to operate efficiently and maximize the teacher's time with the children. The result for your child is a better learning opportunity with a more focused teaching staff.
Non-Active members are not required to take on a school job, but are still encouraged to volunteer for any opportunities that may be presented.
Attend 3 mandatory general meetings, including an orientation session - These meetings give parents, caregivers and teachers the opportunity to express concerns or ideas about the school to the general membership. Financial operations are presented and new ideas for fundraising are brought to the table.
As a participant in these meetings, you will have firsthand knowledge of how the money is budgeted, and have say in how you think it should be spent.
History of the Preschool Movement and of Meadowest
History of the Preschool Movement
A co-operative school is a non-profit school owned and operated by the parents of the children attending the school, and whose program includes caregiver participation. Co-operative preschools have been in existence as early as 1916 when a group of University of Chicago faculty wives established the first one.
Over the next 25 years the concept expanded into many states and provinces. Further expansion occurred after the Second World War when the need for nursery schools far exceeded the availability of facilities and staff as a result of the 'baby boom'.
In 1960, Parent Co-operative Preschools International (PCPI) was formed. This group commenced uniting the efforts of over 1000 co-operative nursery schools in Canada and the United States. The International Headquarters for PCPI is in the Whiteside Taylor Centre for Cooperative Education, Baie d'Urfe, Quebec.
Meadowest Preschool, through the Association for Preschool Education, is affiliated with PCPI.
The History of Meadowest
In 1977, the new community of Meadowvale was mushrooming with a variety of clubs and neighbourhood activities, but did not have a co-operative preschool. As a result, a group of concerned parents met at the old Eden United Church building to formulate plans for a co-operative preschool.
In September 1977, the new Meadowvale West Preschool was opened in the Vroom Condominium #138 on Copenhagen Road, and admitted its first group of children. Since then the school has changed in many ways. The name has been changed to Meadowest Preschool and the school has been incorporated.
In 1979 the school became part of the Association for Preschool Education (formally Shoreline Cooperative Preschools Corporation). It also became affiliated with the Mississauga Parks and Recreation Department. This provided the school with liability insurance, an opportunity to apply for government grants and other services. In 1981 the school moved to the Meadowvale Community Centre. It has doubled its enrolment since that time.
As a result of fundraising efforts of members over the years, Meadowest Preschool is well equipped, including an outdoor playground. Most recently, Meadowest has become a registered charity to receive donations in all forms and afford the compensation of a charitable receipt.