Parent Co-Op
Community Preschool is a parent cooperative preschool, and parents play a vital role in the daily functioning and overall running of the school. Our commitment has remained steadfast since our founding in 1971 … to provide an early childhood play-based program that gives your child a healthy developmental education experience – an experience that involves you as well. Our cooperative program gives parents the opportunity to be involved in their child’s first school experience. When your child is “Special Person”, you attend school with your child, assisting in the classroom approximately 3-6 times per year (depending on the number of days your child attends school). While helping in the classroom, parents have a “window” into their children’s day and get to know their classmates. Parents often tell us how much they enjoy having this very special time with their child. We encourage families to reach out should any questions arise regarding family participation.
Families also participate in our program by serving on the Board of Directors or on one of four committees:
- Auction Committee: Members plan our annual auction, usually held in early March.
- Housing Committee: Help with minor repairs and periodic facility-related tasks, and do a deep cleaning of the classroom a couple times during the school year.
- Social Committee: Provide refreshments for school-wide events throughout the year. Also help with auction set-up and take-down.
- Teacher Prep Committee: Assist our teachers by cutting, tracing, and helping prep classroom art projects throughout the school year.
Music Classes
Each month, all of our classes enjoy a music class with Ms. Kristen from Music Together North Shore.
An Emphasis on Community
Our Fundraising and Social Committees put on events every month that allow our families to connect outside of Preschool. Parents Night Out, Coffee Dates, and Summer Play Dates are all ways that we continue to promote Community outside of the classroom. Our families are friends long after their children leave our school! In addition, Community Preschool has an Outreach Committee that is proud to contribute to the wider Milwaukee community during the year. Some Outreach events have included donation of surplus Halloween candy to groups who serve those in need, a gift drive to benefit Milwaukee children in the Harambee and Crossroads neighborhoods, book drive, crafts to nursing homes, and winter gear donations. It is one of the school’s priorities to contribute to the greater Milwaukee community in meaningful ways.
Special Events
Play Date with a Teacher – In early fall, each child receives a one-on-one visit at home from a teacher. It’s a chance for your child and his/her teacher to get to know each other while they spend special time together. The visit lasts about 45 minutes and includes playing with toys, a teacher-provided art project, and story time. While many families have told us how much they appreciate these visits, they are optional for you and your child.
Soup & Songs (preschool classes only) – Near Thanksgiving, we invite families to hear the children sing songs and share a delicious vegetable soup prepared by the children.
Fathers’ Night (preschool classes only) – One evening in the winter, the children and their dads (or another close family friend/relative) come to school to spend an hour playing, singing, and spending time together.
Mothers’ Day Tea (preschool classes only) – In May, moms (or another close family friend/relative) are invited to join the children for songs, a story, and a very special child-prepared snack.
Spring Jubilee – We celebrate our school year with an end-of-year party for all families that includes entertainment and refreshments.
CPS Playground Picnic – On the last day of school, classes gather with parents for a potluck picnic.
