COOPERATIVE CHILDREN'S CENTER

I can't say enough good things about the Co-op. Our kids have been attending for almost four years and it is such a wonderful community to be a part of. Don't be scared off by the "cp-op" aspect: the volunteering requirements are relatively light, and there are opportunities to participate outside of the school day if that's what works for your family. If you are looking for childcare but want to be more involved in the school than a traditional daycare + are looking to find your "village" as a parent, the Co-op is the place for you!

The Coop is a hidden gem! We’ve been part of the community for 5 years with two children. The biggest advantage of the program is the tight-knit community, with parents forming meaningful connections with the teachers and children. The community is very inclusive, LQBTQ+ friendly, and friendly. We’ve received a lot of support from both staff and other parents. The interactions feel more direct and personal, the feedback received on our children’s development has been prompt and thoughtful. We’ve had appropriate accommodations and support in case of behavioral challenges. The classroom teacher-students ratio is low (closer to a nanny share at times). The children get a lot of attention with a focus on positive discipline and emotional development. The play-focused/emergent interest curriculum has left my older child more than ready for kindergarten with no academic concerns, and most importantly well-equipped to handle the social-emotional aspects of kindergarten. We’ve had amazing teachers, including the same teachers for both of our children, which, unfortunately, is a rarity in early childhood education. The backyard is surprising spacious, and the children are outside multiple times a day, including occasional field trips to nearby parks, museums, and the library. Parents are expected to volunteer in the classroom (up to 2 hours per week), which gives a unique opportunity to learn from the teachers and observe your child’s interactions with others. There are also flexible options to volunteer in other capacity outside the classrooms for busy parents. The one slight downside is lunch isn’t offered, but that‘s not uncommon for the area’s preschools.

This coop has been a wonderful experience for us. We started in the Sun room, and it's been so nice to be able to have a loving and engaging space for our child. The indoor rooms are fun and playful and the outdoor space is lively and spacious. The teachers are interactive, creative, and really care about the children. The low child to teacher ratio is also noteworthy. With the co-op model, it's nice to be able to be a part of a village - both for your child and also for us adults to contribute to as part of modern society.

Our son started at the Cooperative Children’s Center when he was a year old, and we truly can’t say enough good things about it! We’ve felt so supported by the teachers and staff, and by the village of other parents. The teachers are incredible! Experienced, nurturing, and deeply invested in the children’s growth. Many of them have been with the coop for years. We love the low child-to-teacher ratios, the play-based approach, and the outings. We also love that the coop is a nonprofit, which you can feel in the mission focused approach to kids, staff, and families. It’s such a rare gem of a daycare, and we’re so grateful to be part of it!

Cooperative Children's Center is an incredible facility and I'm so glad we found it when we moved to Seattle. Our lil one was at peak stranger danger phase and they really went above and beyond to make her feel comfortable starting at a new daycare. The activities they do each day are so fun and varied I'm kind of jealous. Also, while it's a coop the hours are super easy and minimal. The upside is you get to know all the kids, teachers and parents so it's a real community. Highly recommend!