Parent Cooperative Preschools International

Hot off the press! The May issue of Cooperatively Speaking is ready for reading.

Happy summer!



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Your Voice Matters! Email from PCPI Share Your Co-op Stories - What Makes Your School Special? May 18, 2026 Vol. 56, No. 6 INSIDE THIS ISSUE And the Winner is... | Thanks for Inviting Us Co-ops Face Licensing Challenges

In honor of Teacher Appreciation Week PCPI would like to acknowledge the many jobs a co-op teacher holds. Let us know in the comments what jobs we have forgotten! or

Jackie is being recognized for more than 40 years of extraordinary dedication to early childhood education and the cooperative school model. A passionate advocate for play based, child-centered learning, she has shaped curriculum, mentored generations of teachers, and built strong, trusting relationships with families. Jackie’s leadership, deep institutional knowledge, and unwavering belief in community have strengthened cooperative schools and enriched the lives of countless children. Her legacy is one of connection, mentorship, and an enduring commitment to honoring childhood.

Since becoming a member of Nature’s Pointe Cooperative Preschool, Ari has been reliable and committed to the school. They have been on the Board of Directors since 2020, serving as Fundraising Chair, Class Representative, Membership Chair, and President. While serving as President the last two years, Ari has shown exceptional leadership skills. When confronted with challenging situations, they are rational and reasonable and help staff as needed. The school’s staff feel reassured knowing that they have Ari’s (and in turn, other board members’) support. Ari has also successfully led Nature’s Pointe through a challenging relocation process.

Kara Reavis is a dedicated educator and cooperative leader who embodies the spirit of parent cooperative preschool. A former parent and board member turned teacher at Kenilworth Community Preschool, Kara brings developmentally appropriate curriculum, creative arts, and inclusive practices into every classroom. With a Master of Arts in Teaching, Dyslexia Certificate, and Think Brain First certification, she is deeply committed to supporting children and empowering parents. Through her service to PCPI and her nurturing, community-centered approach, Kara strengthens families, schools, and the cooperative movement—truly making us stronger together.

Katherine “Kate” Weaver has devoted 18 years of exceptional service to the parent cooperative preschool movement, evolving from a co-oping parent into the school’s Administrator and Licensing Specialist. For the past 15 years, she has ensured financial stability, regulatory compliance, successful licensing inspections, and up-to-date training for staff and co-oping parents. Kate’s steady leadership, deep institutional knowledge, and collaborative spirit provide the foundation that allows families, teachers, and the cooperative model to thrive, making her truly deserving of the PCPI Stronger Together Award.

Whitney is the driving force behind Village Roots Collective, building a thriving, play-based parent cooperative where children and families grow at their own pace and are respected for who they are. Through extensive research, leadership, and countless unpaid hours, she helped grow VRC into a flourishing community serving 60 children ages 3–12, with continued expansion into middle school underway. Her vision, dedication, and advocacy for parent cooperatives and alternative education have shaped a true village. This award honors Whitney’s unwavering commitment, leadership, and the lasting impact of her work, which never goes unnoticed. .roots.collective

We are so happy to welcome Cambridgeport Children’s Center as PCPI members!

And that’s a wrap on our annual meeting! It was wonderful coming together to collaborate on how PCPI can continue to support co-op schools, councils, teachers and families. Co-op is community!