Pine Lake Co-op Preschool

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions



"Research has shown a strong correlation between children who excel in school and enjoy a positive school environment, and parent involvement in the classroom." Karen Joslin, MA Author of Positive Parenting from A to Z		Frequently Asked Questions: How will the Pine Lake Co-op prepare my child for kindergarten? Social skills essential to a smooth transition to kindergarten are emphasized throughout the preschool program to help children develop the abilities to play and work cooperatively in groups, share, and work out differences peacefully. Creativity and intellectual curiosity are encouraged with activities, which allow children to learn through exploration and discovery. Listening and appropriate group behavior skills are learned through participating in circle time and concept time. Fine motor skills are practiced through various art and craft projects and creative play with sensory materials and toys, which emphasize manipulative skills. Gross motor and cooperative play skills are practiced during outdoor playtime with access to climbing equipment, slides, swings, balls, and a sandbox. What kinds of activities will my child participate in during a typical day at the preschool? "Free-play" time including toys to encourage creative and cooperative play such as a kitchen, puppets and puppet theater, doll houses, plastic animals, dress-up clothes, science table and a climbing loft with books. Art and craft projects, generally organized around a central theme being discussed throughout the preschool day, as well as paint, playdough, and sensory tables. Activities and toys that encourage small motor and manipulative skills and encourage children to think creatively and play together. Snack time and cooking projects. Concept time with discussion of topics related to science, nature and animals. Music, finger plays, stories, and sharing in the setting of group circle time. Active playtime either outdoors or in an indoor play area on wet days. Are there other activities to enhance the classroom experience? Field trips, often designed to augment the curriculum or themes for the month, are planned and coordinated for each class throughout the year to provide hands-on learning and real-world experiences. What is the basic educational philosophy at the Pine Lake Co-op? The preschool environment allows children to learn through creative activities, discovery, and exploration. Social skills are encouraged through teaching children to work out differences during play activities, behave appropriately during circle and concept time, and play together cooperatively. Specific academic skills such as reading and writing are not emphasized; rather the basic underlying skills such as fine motor and language development are encouraged and practiced. What are my responsibilities as a member of the Co-op? Work in the classroom from one to three days each month (dependent on number of class days per week). Hold a committee position to aid in operating the preschool. Positions range from serving as registrar, parent leader, treasurer or chairperson to assisting with cooking and science during class days or helping with library and supply maintenance. Positions are selected during the first parent meeting of the school year to allow each person to select a job, which matches their skills, interests and time availability. Pay a one-time cleaning fee for the year. The preschool is cleaned by a professional cleaning company once a week. Attend monthly parent education meetings to discuss issues related to the operation of the classroom and preschool, and for educational topics that are relevant to the age group of the class. What can I expect of the parent education? Parent education sessions cover topics relevant to the age of your child. The parent educator may poll parents for topics of greatest interest for these sessions. Once each year an outside speaker, generally a specialist in child development or parenting makes a presentation to the entire preschool's parent group. Access to a variety of books and articles are provided through a library of parenting resource materials located at the preschool. Bellevue Community College recruits child development experts and parent educators to speak at evening presentations during the school year. Tickets to these events are available through the preschool. What is the school year schedule and holiday schedule? Preschool begins in mid-September and continues through the end of May. The school observes the same holiday and closure schedule as the Issaquah School District (schedule distributed at the beginning of the school year.)