There are two parent volunteers in the class at all times to assist the two early-childhood certified teachers. This equates to each family volunteering two times per month. The high adult-to-child ratio creates a warm and nurturing environment where childrens’ needs are met quickly, and the class doesn’t have to stop if one child needs extra attention. Parents also hold one ‘job” which ranges from serving on the board of directors to making play dough each week or helping to plan the field trips.

 “Having your parents involved in your first school experience could offer benefits for young children,” said Marie Diederich, a Clarkston resident with a PhD in developmental psychology. “The co-op program can ease the separation anxiety some preschoolers experience when starting school and also offers parents and their children an opportunity to form connections with other families in the community.”

 “Take it from me, the co-op is great!” said Kim Farstvedt, who will serve as the preschool’s assistant treasurer this year as her fourth child Jack will attend the school his big brother and sisters also attended over the past several years. “I’m probably the longest consecutive co-op member, and I really see the value for families who choose this program. The co-op really prepared my older children to be enthusiastic about school and ready to learn once they entered elementary school. For me, it’s great to know so many other families to set up play dates or to just talk to for parenting advice.”