How The Co-op Works

As a co-op, we utilize the talents, experience, and financial contributions of our families, coupled with paid, professional staff to ensure the smooth operation of the co-op and to enhance each family’s experience. 

Families have the opportunity to be involved in a variety of ways that enable them to share in the operation and direction of the organization at a level that fits with their family circumstance. Combining the collective talents and contributions supports the quality programs and classes we offer and sustains the operations of the co-op.

We offer two types of annual membership to our co-op-Participating and Non-Participating

Non-Participating Members

Member Families are non-voting members of the organization who gain access to eligible classes and program offerings and have minimal participation requirements. They have minimal requirements, but still have access to Parent Education resources, special events and access to priority enrollment. Those enrolled ONLY in the Parent/Child or an Enrichment program are considered non-participating members. If a Member has a second child enrolled and is enrolled in the Toddler or Preschool program, they are then considered a Participating Member of the Co-op. 

Benefits:

  • Access to our classes and programs

  • Access to our lending libraries

  • Member-pricing for community-wide special events

Requirements:

  • Pay annual membership fee

  • Attend class- or program-specific orientation meeting(s)

  • Fulfill any class requirements

Participating Members

Participating Member Families are voting members of the organization who gain access to eligible class and program offerings, Participation Levels are based on your class enrollment and level of involvement. See the chart for details on the benefits and requirements across the four levels of Participating Membership.

All participating members benefit from:

  • Child Development Coaching

  • Lending Library (parent education, children’s books, play kits)

  • Education Speaker Nights

  • All-School Social Events

All participating members are required to:

  • Assist in classroom*

  • Serve on the board or o team to benefit the running of the school*

  • Attend:

    • Co-Op Welcome & Orientation Meeting (August)

    • Annual Business Meeting (Spring)

    • Trimester and/or Class-Specific Meetings or Requirements

    • Work Party for school beautification

Which participating membership level is right for me?

  • Level 4 membership is for families that are interested in the highest level of commitment to the Co-op and are able to commit to significantly impactful roles such as serving on at least two teams or serving on the Board of Directors.. Classroom assistance will be 1-2 times a month (if more is needed based upon enrollment, this group will be asked to work in the classroom more.) A limited number of Level 4 memberships are offered.

  • Level 3 membership is the most common membership level as it balances classroom commitment and co-op commitment. It is for families that are able to work in the classroom 3-5 times per month and serve on one team.

  • Level 2 membership is for families that want to be a part of the Co-Op, including serving on one team, but are only able to work in the classroom 1-2 times per month. A limited number of Level 2 memberships are offered.

  • Level 1 membership is for families that want to be a part of the Co-op, including serving on one team, but are unable to work in the classroom. A limited number of Level 1 memberships are offered.

    At the time of application, families will be asked to state their preferred membership levels. Membership levels are offered to families based on priority factors (e.g., returning family, application processing date, etc). Levels are offered based on enrollment and co-op needs.

Co-Op Fees

Enrollment Application Fee

$75 for new members, $25 for returning members, $25 for additional children within the same family who are enrolling in the same year

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Annual Co-op Membership Fee

$25 Due when offered a class spot

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Class Tuition

Varies by class or program and membership level; see specific offerings for the fee amount.

Covers monthly costs of space, operational costs, and staffing.