About Colonial
Accreditation Colonial Nursery School, Inc. is approved by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE). The MSDE Office of Child Care licenses the Two’s Program and is an affiliate of Colonial Nursery School, Inc.
Being owned by our members means that each family in the Three’s and
Four’s program is responsible for holding a position in the school,
while families in the Two’s program are invited to volunteer for a
position. Each family is responsible for co-oping (assisting) in the
classrooms 2-4 times per month. General membership meetings are held to review and vote on key issues affecting the school. Parents also discuss with the teacher or director the monthly calendar and activities. It is expected that every family attend and participate in all fundraising events that directly benefit the school. In the past, families have been required to raise or contribute up to $250 per child. Each family is also responsible for attending one of the three school clean-ups during the school year.
Part of our commitment to the cooperative environment includes the
school's membership with Parent Cooperative Preschools International (www.preschools.coop).
PCPI s a non-profit international council dedicated to the family and the community. PCPI represents more than 50,000 families and teachers, providing on-going support to families, educators, and social agencies who recognize the value of parents as teachers of their children and the necessity of educating parents to meet the developmental needs of their children.
Parent Involvement
What are my parent responsibilities? Parents are required to co-op at the school assisting the teacher, to attend membership meetings, and to help with fundraising. Parents of 3 and 4-year old students are required to hold a job within the school.
What will I do when I work at the school?
You will be scheduled to co-op approximately 2-4 times a month depending on the number of days
your class meets. Helper parents must arrive 15 minutes early to help the teacher prepare for the day. During the day your co-oping duties will include various activities such as putting toys outside for recess, helping the children wash their hands, or administering snack. Your primary responsibility is to HAVE FUN WITH THE CHILDREN! There is plenty of time to help them, play with them and learn with them. Involvement on this level is what co-oping is all about.
What kind of job will I have? Colonial Nursery School recognizes each family has different needs and capabilities and we want to make sure that your job fits your talents and interests. Some jobs, such as Executive Board positions, are extremely involved while others, such as school historian, housekeeping, or gardener are not quite so taxing.
What are the general membership meetings about?
The general membership meets three to four times per year (September – May) at
the school. The meetings cover important issues taking place at
Colonial, including fundraising, school policies, co-op
responsibilities, and decisions which sometimes require a vote by the
membership.
What about fundraising?
We have one major fundraising event each year – A Live and Silent Auction Night Out. We also have smaller fundraisers such as Chevy’s fundraiser night, gift card purchases, e-scripts are just a few. All proceeds go to the school.
What are the benefits of being in a co-op?
By helping in your child’s class on a regular basis, you get to see first hand how your child reacts and adapts to a wide variety of learning stimuli. You will get to know your child’s classmates and their parents. Serving as a member of Colonial and making important decisions about the school will form friendships and bonds that last a lifetime.
