A cooperative preschool (or co-op) is a non profit organization run by the parents and caregivers who make up that community. In the preschool classrooms, parents become active partners in their children’s education by working as a teachers assistant one day a week and participate in the hands-on learning environment of the classroom.

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Cooperative Preschool Overview

A cooperative preschool (or co-op) is a non profit organization run by the parents and caregivers who make up that community. Your child will attend class from one to three days a week (depending on their class and age). In the preschool classrooms, parents become active partners in their children’s education by working as a teachers assistant one day a week and participate in the hands-on learning environment of the classroom.

As a caregiver in a co-op, you are a part “owner” of the preschool and will share in maintaining the preschool, decision making, fundraising, attending meetings and serve on a committee responsible for a specific task that enables our school to continue to run smoothly. North City Co-op works in partnership with Shoreline Community College whom provides parent education faculty for our members and administrative support for our school.


The benefits of a cooperative preschool include:

  • comparatively low tuition
  • the opportunity to work directly with children (including your own) in an environment geared to their needs
  • to discover positive ways to interact within our families
  • meeting new families and developing friendships
  • Learning invaluable information and gaining insight and various viewpoints regarding child development and relevant topics pertaining to your child(ren)

With the enthusiastic contribution from each member, our school and children will thrive!


What you can expect when you become a member of North City Co-op:

  • Work in the classrooms as teacher assistants once a week.
  • Attend community meetings (4 per year, evenings) and weekly parent education sessions (during class time).
  • Participate in a chosen preschool committee.
  • Maintain the preschool facilities and supplies as needed.
  • Register as a Parent Education student with Shoreline Community College.