Helpful teachers and parents are here to answer your concerns

  1. I'm not sure a co-op will work for me since I have a younger child. How do I handle childcare when I need to work in the classroom?
    Many co-op parents that have younger children will swap childcare with one another. Others ask friends or family members to help out. It is also fairly easy to swap classroom work days with other parents if you are unable to find care for your younger child on your scheduled day.
  2. My child has a severe peanut allergy. Can you accommodate him?
    Absolutely. We are a nut-free facility and make it clear to our families that nut products are not allowed in snacks or lunches. Our teachers are trained in the use of an Epi-pen and parents are also given instructions in case of an emergency.
  3. Why don't you teach reading, writing, math or any other academic subjects?
    Our focus is on helping young children develop the communication, self-help and social skills they will need to navigate kindergarten. We believe these skills lay the foundation for children's future success in academic environments. We do have weekly topics, such as space, insects, and Native American culture, which are carried out through circle time, art projects, hands-on displays and imaginative play.
  4. How much fundraising does the school do and what are the expectations of parents?
    Since we are a non-profit organization, we depend on fundraising to help pay rent and other expenses that aren't met by tuition alone. In the fall we sell Chinook Books and in the spring we have an "event" fundraiser — an auction or rummage sale. Throughout the year we partner with local businesses who donate a percentage of sales when parents shop at their stores.
  5. Does my child need to be potty-trained?
    Yes, by the first day of school. Pull-ups are OK, as long as the child can recognize the need and go to the bathroom by himself.