Ukiah Co-op Nursery School

ive school for their children. Parents gain perspective by watching their children in a group of contemporaries, by exchanging experiences with other parents, and by discussion with the teacher. It is probably safe to say that no parents ever participated in a cooperative nursery school without modifying their attitudes towards their own children and towards others. We run on a tradition school calendar and follow the Ukiah Unified School dates. There are two groups of 15 students. Two-day group consists of three year olds turning four and attend school Tuesdays and Thursdays. Parents of two-day students attend class as a Teacher Assistant two days per month. Three-day group consists of four and five year olds and attend school Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Parents of three-day students act as Teachers Assistants three days per month. Parent work days are scheduled in advance. On every school day there are three parents in addition to the Program Director (or teacher). The parent role of a teacher assistant is a pro-active one. Traditionally, participating parents have been encouraged to take as active a role as they want to assume, to be directed by the professionally-trained teacher. Each parent assumes responsibility in the areas in which he/she feels competent and comfortable. The participating parent never functions solely as an observer or clean-up helper but actively engages in the daily curriculum as prepared and led by the Program Director. Experience has shown us that parents who give the most receive the greatest benefits. Parents join together to provide maintenance and care of the school grounds. Periodically, they design and build equipment, or improve the landscaping or play areas. By sharing responsibilities of membership and by working together, parents gain new friends and perspectives about their children. Our parents offer the school much more than tuition – they bring their talents, skills, and experience. A wide variety of personalities and abilities are needed.