FAQ's

A cooperative preschool seeks to create a family environment in which the Director, Teacher and Parents work together in the classroom, participating in the daily operations of the preschool to allow each child to grow and develop according to their individual needs.  We believe the involvement and commitment of the parents to the co-op reinforces happy learning experiences for the child in one of his or her first ventures away from home.

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Preschool is a learning experience for parents as well as children.  Parents may observe and interact with different children as well as watch their own child interact with other children and adults. A cooperative preschool nurtures the whole family by helping parents achieve a greater understanding and enjoyment of their own child as they share in this very important chapter in their child's life. We adhere to Developmentally Appropriate Practice and a play-based curriculum.  More info on DAP can be found here.

• You will be required to assist staff as the Helper Parent with the children and fulfill cleaning duties about one day  each month.
• You are always welcome to visit the preschool.
• You will attend 2 Parent Workdays. Workdays are occasions for parents to work together to clean, renovate, repair and tackle special school projects. Workdays are scheduled two or three times a year, one in the Fall and another in the Spring. An adult from each family must participate in two workdays.
• You will hold a "job" at the preschool. Each family is responsible for either serving on the Board of Directors or filling another support job each year.  Jobs are assigned before school begins and are held until the end of the school year.
• You will participate in fundraisers and social events.

Using a play-based approach, our preschool program provides a safe, nurturing environment and a creative atmosphere that allows children to function at their own developmental level while stimulating them to their next stage of growth. The environment is carefully planned to help children learn to become independent and make choices while setting limits that allow them to feel secure.

We provide an opportunity for children to become familiar with group settings, to develop self expression, creativity, a sense of responsibility and an interest and joy in learning. We respect diversity and strive to explore many cultures.  Through new experiences a child may broaden the spectrum of his or her world.

Children attend a weekly Chapel, participate in daily prayers and Christian youth songs.

Enrichment activities include: Spanish, Multicultural presesntations, Community visitors, and others, depending on the talents and skills of parents and families.

All faiths and backgrounds are welcome.​

The PPCP accepts 15 children each school year. The Director, Lead Teacher and one Parent are present each day to guide, play and explore with the children. All parents assisting in the preschool must complete a background check. All employees are fingerprinted, have completed a background check and are certified in First Aid & CPR.

We are also blessed to be partnering with Texas State University.  Each semester interns from TSU who are studying Early Childhood Development come in weekly to help with the children.  Not only are the children learning through the different projects that the interns bring, the interns are able to see, hands on, the advantages of Play-Based Learning in a Cooperative environment..

The PPCP accepts potty-trained children who are 3 years of age by September 1st* of the year they are enrolled as well as 4 and 5 year-olds.

*Exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis for children who turn 3 by Nov 1st.

The Preschool holds class on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from

8:15/8:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.  The PPCP runs on the same holiday schedule as the SMCISD. Classes begin in mid August and end the last Wednesday in May. The preschool is closed in the summer.