Frequently Asked Questions
What is co-op? What makes it different to a regular preschool?
​In one word: COMMUNITY. Our school works because of the close partnership between our teachers, member families, and Parent Educators from North Seattle College. We’re a nonprofit, parent-run preschool, and families play an active role in helping the school thrive. Being part of a co-op does take a little extra time and commitment, but families get a lot in return — a high-quality preschool program, lower tuition than comparable private schools, a strong adult-to-child ratio, ongoing parenting support, and meaningful, lasting connections with other families.
What is Parent Education like at MPCP?
Throughout the year, parents receive ongoing parent education from a North Seattle College–appointed Parent Education Instructor. Many families say this is their favorite part of co-op and a big part of what makes our community special. Your Parent Educator is a resource for all things childhood and parenthood related, and can give insights based upon their in-class time with your child, and from their many years of experience! The topics are guided by current research and shaped by the real questions and experiences of our families. Over the year, you can expect conversations around early child development, sleep, nutrition, temperament, guidance, adjusting to parenthood, and more. As an added bonus, college credits are available for any caregiver who completes parent education.
What does it look like for a Caregiver to participate in the classroom?
This looks a little different by age group. In our Infants, Waddlers, and Tots classes, an adult stays in the classroom for every class. In the Twos class, families have one drop-off day and one stay day each week. In the Preschool class, families have a stay day about twice a month, depending on class size. At the start of the year, Class Reps gather family preferences and create a consistent schedule to make sure we meet required ratios. Being part of a co-op does take a little extra time and commitment, but families get a lot in return — a high-quality preschool program, lower tuition than comparable private schools, a strong adult-to-child ratio, ongoing parenting support, and meaningful, lasting connections with other families.
Our child spends their day with a Nanny or alternate caregiver - Can we join MPCP?
Absolutely! We usually have a mix of parents, nannies, au pairs and grandparents in the classroom. The diversity of adults is part of what makes co-op special! We do ask that families keep caregivers as consistent as possible to keep the classroom flowing smoothly, but understand that life happens!
What in-classroom jobs do families do on their "stay days"
Jobs are assigned by your class representative and include wiping and sanitizing surfaces, bringing snack, and vacuuming/sweeping the classroom at the end of session. But the primary role for caregivers is to act as another teacher in the classroom, assisting, guiding, and interacting with the children as they play.
Am I required to drop my child off? Can I accompany my child in the classroom all the time?
Whatever makes you and your child the most comfortable - and if that changes, no problem! We are here to support during transitions and encourage independence as your child grows. For some families, co-op is the special 1:1 time that they spend together - no chores to complete, no screens to distract, and no work emails to answer!
Do you follow a curriculum?
At MPCP, our curriculum is guided by trusted early childhood best practices and by how young children naturally grow and learn. We believe children learn best when they feel safe, supported, and free to play. Our days focus on relationships, social growth, and building confidence in a warm, welcoming environment, where children explore their world through art, music, stories, and lots of joyful play.
What is your vaccination policy?
In alignment with WA DHS requirements, we require all MPCP students to have a "Completed" WA Certificate of Immunization Status Certificate (as appropriate for their age) submitted at the start of every school year. We encourage families to follow the AAP guidelines on other offered vaccinations and to talk to your child's health provider.
What is the general format of each class?
Each class varies slightly based on the age of the students and length of class. However, schedules generally consist of free play time, circle time, outside time, and snack time. See the individual class pages for a further breakdown.
I heard that families at co-op have to have an all - school "job" - What does this mean?
We do things a little differently when it comes to member volunteering. Each family is required to contribute a minimum of 10 volunteer hours over the school year to help keep our school running smoothly and tuition costs low. We share a sign-up spreadsheet with all the tasks that need support, and families choose roles that best fit their time, interests, and skills. Our Member Engagement Chair is the person to reach out to with any further questions.
Tell me more about Evening Class Meetings?
Our Waddlers, Tots, Twos and Preschool Groups have a monthly evening meeting which includes time to connect with other families, updates from your Class Rep and Teacher Shannon, and a group discussion led by our Parent Educator on a parenting or child development topic. The meeting is on a standing day each month, and members of the class take turns to host. The Bathhouse is also available for class meetings (by request). Twice a year, we hold whole-school meetings in place of class meetings and bring in external speakers to share their specialised knowledge with us all - a recent highlight was hosting Susie Alison from Busy Toddler! Class meetings are also a great way for parents and caregivers who aren’t often in the classroom to get to know other families and Teacher Shannon.
How does MPCP support their wider community?
We pride ourselves on being an active part of Madison Park and the wider Seattle communities! In recent years, we have hosted children’s events at our school that are open to all, including a Halloween Photo Booth, Book Readings and Winter Fun events. We gathered over 200 board books for NICU families at UW hospital in conjunction with UW Speech and Learning, have hosted Winter Coat and Diaper drives for WellSpring and True Hope Tiny House Village, and collect life jackets for public use at Madison Park Beach each summer (and more!). We have a robust scholarship program that helps keep our co-op accessible financially to as many families as we can. In addition, we contribute annually to the North Seattle Co-op scholarship pool which provides funds for families to attend other area co-op preschools.