Rainier Valley Cooperative Preschool strives to provide a safe and fun environment with age-appropriate activities for young children, and opportunities for parent education and community building for parents. Since 1978, we have served hundreds of families in the Beacon Hill, Mount Baker, Columbia City, and Rainier Beach areas. Year after year our program serves families who reflect the social, e
thnic, religious and economic diversity of our neighborhood. A high degree of participation is required of families enrolled in the preschool, which allows our program to keep its costs low and maintain its accessibility. Our school is one of very few preschool options in South Seattle for middle and low-income families who are not looking for full-time day care. Our low tuition keeps the program accessible. We annually conduct successful fundraising events with support from local merchants to balance our operating budget and provide scholarships for families who need assistance. Our cooperative preschool is entirely run by its volunteer members. The preschool employs one full-time teacher and two part-time teachers who all have a professional background in Early Childhood Education. Parents or caregivers of children enrolled in the preschool are required to work in their child’s class as assistant teachers on a regular basis, typically once per week. Each family also takes on a Parent Job, such as Enrollment Coordinator or Supplies Manager, to assist in running the school. A group of parents is elected as the board to function as the governing body of the school. All caregivers meet once a month to carry on the business of the school and to participate in parent education programs.
