As an elementary school teacher, I really wanted to be involved in my daughter's first school experience. I thought about home schooling, but worried that she would not get enough of the social interaction that is so important at her age; plus, I didn't know how I'd manage it with a second child on the way. Then I learned about cooperative preschools and thought that sounded like the perfect solution. I visited the three local co-op preschools and decided on RCNS for several reasons:
Curriculum: I like that the curriculum is not overly academic. Play-based learning is developmentally appropriate and allows children to move at their own pace based on their own particular interests while also learning valuable social skills.
Setting: RCNS is not on a main street. When the kids go out to play, they hear nature, not traffic. There is lots of green space to run around, surrounded by trees. The building is above ground, so there is lots of natural light. While some of the rooms are smaller than at other schools, the teachers really take full advantage of every inch of space to make it visually stimulating and engaging for students.
Safety: I like that the outdoor play area is not visible from the street. Aside from drop-off and pick-up times, the building is kept locked. When it is unlocked, there is always someone either in the office right by the entrance or in the hallway, so people can't just wander in unnoticed. There are always at least two adults in the classroom at any given time: the teacher and a co-oping parent or school aide. Also, there are only two people who are allowed to change diapers: the Director and the Assistant Directors. This was very reassuring, for both me and for my daughter.
We are halfway through my daughter's second year at RCNS, so now I can include the following reasons why I love this school:
Co-oping: I love being in my daughter's classroom every month! It gives me the chance to see what she is learning, to get to know her classmates and teacher, and to learn more about child behavior and development. My daughter is always so excited when it is my turn to co-op. It's a great opportunity to bond with your child and shows them just how much you value their education.
Teachers: My daughter was in Ms. Sofya's 3s class and Ms. Rana's 4s class, and I have been very pleased with both teachers. I have also heard great things about the other teachers from other parents, and we parents should know since we have all spent time co-oping in our children's classrooms!
Community: One of the best things about my experience at RCNS is being part of the school community. At a non-cooperative preschool, there just isn't much opportunity to get to know other families when the only time you see them is at drop-off and pick-up. I have loved getting to know the other RCNS families while participating in the various school activities. And since the preschool is parent-owned and parent-run, I know that I have an important role to play in this community and that my voice matters. I have gotten a lot of support from other parents since having my second child. Another really neat thing about RCNS is the diversity. It is truly an international community. I love learning about other countries and cultures and I am so happy that my daughter also has that opportunity through her preschool classmates.
In closing, there are lots of good preschools in this area, but if you want one that emphasizes developmentally appropriate learning, allows you to participate directly in your child's educational experience, and provides a diverse, supportive community of families, then RCNS is the right preschool for your child!
All USA
As an elementary school teacher, I really wanted to be involved in my daughter's first school experience. I thought about home schooling, but worried that she would not get enough of the social interaction that is so important at her age; plus, I didn't know how I'd manage it with a second child on the way. Then I learned about cooperative preschools and thought that sounded like the perfect solution. I visited the three local co-op preschools and decided on RCNS for several reasons: Curriculum: I like that the curriculum is not overly academic. Play-based learning is developmentally appropriate and allows children to move at their own pace based on their own particular interests while also learning valuable social skills. Setting: RCNS is not on a main street. When the kids go out to play, they hear nature, not traffic. There is lots of green space to run around, surrounded by trees. The building is above ground, so there is lots of natural light. While some of the rooms are smaller than at other schools, the teachers really take full advantage of every inch of space to make it visually stimulating and engaging for students. Safety: I like that the outdoor play area is not visible from the street. Aside from drop-off and pick-up times, the building is kept locked. When it is unlocked, there is always someone either in the office right by the entrance or in the hallway, so people can't just wander in unnoticed. There are always at least two adults in the classroom at any given time: the teacher and a co-oping parent or school aide. Also, there are only two people who are allowed to change diapers: the Director and the Assistant Directors. This was very reassuring, for both me and for my daughter. We are halfway through my daughter's second year at RCNS, so now I can include the following reasons why I love this school: Co-oping: I love being in my daughter's classroom every month! It gives me the chance to see what she is learning, to get to know her classmates and teacher, and to learn more about child behavior and development. My daughter is always so excited when it is my turn to co-op. It's a great opportunity to bond with your child and shows them just how much you value their education. Teachers: My daughter was in Ms. Sofya's 3s class and Ms. Rana's 4s class, and I have been very pleased with both teachers. I have also heard great things about the other teachers from other parents, and we parents should know since we have all spent time co-oping in our children's classrooms! Community: One of the best things about my experience at RCNS is being part of the school community. At a non-cooperative preschool, there just isn't much opportunity to get to know other families when the only time you see them is at drop-off and pick-up. I have loved getting to know the other RCNS families while participating in the various school activities. And since the preschool is parent-owned and parent-run, I know that I have an important role to play in this community and that my voice matters. I have gotten a lot of support from other parents since having my second child. Another really neat thing about RCNS is the diversity. It is truly an international community. I love learning about other countries and cultures and I am so happy that my daughter also has that opportunity through her preschool classmates. In closing, there are lots of good preschools in this area, but if you want one that emphasizes developmentally appropriate learning, allows you to participate directly in your child's educational experience, and provides a diverse, supportive community of families, then RCNS is the right preschool for your child!