● Co-Op Life

Building a Community Together

A cooperative nursery school is more than just a place for early education—it is a non-profit, parent-run community where families and professional teachers partner to create a unique learning environment. At Fremont Parents' Nursery School, parents are the heart of our operations.

By choosing a co-op, you aren’t just enrolling your child; you are directly participating in their daily development and joining a community of like-minded families. We believe that parents become more effective and connected when given the opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of early childhood development through parent education, informal observations, and community exchange. This active partnership allows you to share your unique talents and ideas, fostering lifelong connections and a deep sense of belonging for both you and your child.

The Co-Op Difference

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Traditional School

  • Adult-directed activities

  • More "sit-and-listen"

  • Larger classrooms

  • Limited family involvement

  • Standardized for the class

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Co-Op School

  • Child-led, play-based learning

  • Active outdoor play

  • Small, nurturing classrooms

  • Parents & teachers together

  • Tailored to every child’s needs

Community Commitments

    • Weekly Workdays: One parent (or a designated relative) works in the classroom once per week for each child enrolled.

    • Hands-On Involvement: On your assigned day, you arrive at 8:40 AM to help set up and stay for approximately 10 minutes after dismissal to help wrap up. You serve as an essential collaborator alongside our professional teachers.

    • Safety First: To ensure the safety of our community, all working family members must provide the required vaccination and licensing paperwork.

  • Every family contributes by holding a specific role, which is assigned at the start of the year based on individual skills and interests.

    • Board Positions: Taking a leadership role in school governance and decision-making.

    • Parent Jobs: These are specialized, hands-on tasks that keep the school running smoothly. Examples include:

      • Garden maintenance and ecological care.

      • Field trip coordination and planning.

      • Daily essentials like laundry or supply management.

    • Parent Education: To ensure families stay aligned with the school’s teaching philosophy, one family member attends two education nights per trimester. These sessions are designed to help parents provide progressive, developmentally appropriate care both at school and at home.

    • Maintenance Days: To keep the play spaces safe and inspiring, one family member must participate in one maintenance day per trimester. These are adults-only events focused on deep cleaning and campus improvements.