Preschool Cooperatives 101 Leta Mach Parent Cooperative Preschools International NCBA webinar presented on August 20, 2009

First parent cooperative preschool Sector Overview First parent cooperative preschool Founded 1916 University of Chicago Child care while mothers helped with war efforts Education for both children & parents 2

Sector Overview More than 1000 preschool co-ops and child care centers in the U.S. Since 1916 spread around the world Traditionally a Parent Model preschool Other models/adaptations since 1916 3

Sector Overview Employee Model In or near the worksite Benefits both employer & employee Senate Employees Child Care Center NIH Preschool GEO Kids 4

Sector Overview Consortium Model Several companies form the co-op Benefits both employer & employee Kids in the Kountry 5

Worker Cooperative Model Sector Overview Worker Cooperative Model Childspace Cooperative Development Philadelphia Benefits both employee & parent Health care benefits for employees Lower turnover 6

Members own the business Elect a Board of Directors Structure Members own the business Elect a Board of Directors Board hires professional staff, the preschool director Director may hire additional staff Members often help in the classroom 7

Most organized as 501c3 non-profits Typical fees: Structure Most organized as 501c3 non-profits Typical fees: Non-refundable application fee Enrollment/registration fee Monthly tuition and late fees – may require last month’s tuition at beginning of the year Non-co-oping option fee 8

University of Wisconsin Center for Cooperatives statistics Economic Impact University of Wisconsin Center for Cooperatives statistics $420M in revenue $141M in wages paid 6,000 jobs 9

Provides high-quality child care Sector Benefits Provides high-quality child care Emphasizes parent involvement Prepared and sensitive teachers Child-centered curriculum Sweat equity helps lower costs Members gain leadership and business skills and often become leaders in their communities 10

Parent Education is a key attribute Special Programs Parent Education is a key attribute Formal regular education programs Parent education material & libraries Informal education while assisting and observing in the classroom Offers a co-op family for community connection & support 11

The two-income working family makes co-oping difficult. Options: Challenges The two-income working family makes co-oping difficult. Options: Use other family members or babysitters in the classroom Contribute in other ways: committee service or weekend/evening projects Extra fees Public & private sector competition Finding and keeping a location 12

Each school is organized to meet the needs of its members Strengths Variety & Diversity Each school is organized to meet the needs of its members Educational philosophy is determined by members with elected Board and professional staff Most based on learning through play and developmentally appropriate practices

Cross Sector Opportunity Consider a cooperative child care center for employees Provide flexible hours for employees to help them work in the classroom Market the cooperative preschools in your neighborhood When appropriate, offer space in your facilities for a co-op preschool