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

2. 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

3. 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

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

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

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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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