Welcome to the RVCP learning community!
What we believe
RVCP offers a multi-age, socio-emotional curriculum, with two teachers in the classroom, which enables us to meet the developmental needs of the children through authentic and meaningful relationships and activities. As children play and build relationships with each other and the grown-ups, they practice a variety of skills in which they experience both the role of expert and learner. All decisions that we make as teachers start with the child at the center. Our image of the child is one who is complete, good, competent, powerful, creative, intelligent, inquisitive, enterprising, rooted in culture, empathic, cooperative, resilient and perseverant. Our planning and reflections are built on the belief that children are exactly where they need to be and doing exactly what they need to be doing in this moment in time, and that they can accomplish what they are capable of doing, alone and with others. Our work begins with the unconditional acceptance of our children exactly where they are.
The Co-op Experience
We believe when parents engage in their child’s learning, the experience is more rewarding for both child and parents. Our preschool is a parent-run co-op, and its success depends on everyone’s contributions. As part of the RVCP community, all families are required to work in the classroom, manage a parent job and participate in fundraising events among other things. Please explore the tabs above for more information about parent participation.
Rewards of our process
- Parent involvement promotes parent-child bonding, and creates confidence in kids and parents.
- Our low child to adult ratios allow for an engaging and personal experience.
- Our teachers help each child practice life skills to become adept social beings: problem solvers, friends, and members of community.
- Our community is a wonderful way to foster friendships.
- Our monthly parent meetings provide valuable current research and parenting techniques.
- Our families are a supportive network committed to the success of each child.
Work in the Classroom
Each family must assist in the classroom on a regular basis. Generally, a parent works once per week for half-day classes, and one full day or two half days for families with full-day students. Full-day families also work out lunch coverage with other full-day families. Certain conditions (maternity leave, health issues, enrollment, etc.) may require families to work more.
Parent Jobs
Families are assigned a school job based on their interests, talents, and job availability. Parent jobs include positions such as Field Trip Coordinator, Treasurer, Maintenance, etc.
Download details
For full descriptions including detailed responsibilities, please read or download:
Board Positions:
- Co-Chairperson 1 *
- Co-Chairperson 2 *
- Secretary *
- Treasurer *
- Sunflower Class Parent Coordinator *
- Caterpillar Class Parent Coordinator *
- Salmon Class Parent Coordinator *
- Parent Advisory Council (PAC) Rep. *
- Teacher Liaison *
- Risk Management I *
- Enrollment I *
- Development Chair *
- Alumni Representative
- Board Member at Large
* Executive Board members
Community Positions:
- Working Grown-up Scheduler
- Treasurer II – Tuition
- Parent Jobs & New Parent Orientation
- Enrollment II
- PR & Office Support
- Web master and PR support
- Social Events Coordinator
- Development Support
- Development I
- Development II
- Supplies & Storeroom Manager
- Art Coordinator/Librarian
- Monthly Cleaning Coordinator
- Maintenance Coordinator
- Playground Coordinator/Lawn Mower
- Salmon Class Field Trip Coordinator
- Towels & Smocks Laundry 1
- Towels & Smocks Laundry 2
Fundraising Events
Fundraising is integral to our preschool’s operation. Throughout the year, we showcase the Fall Festival, the Children’s Film Festival, and a silent auction. Our fundraising efforts build a strong community and provide funds for the preschool’s maintenance and scholarships.
Social Events
We believe a strong community builds a better school. In class, we have a unique opportunity to connect with other co-op families on a daily basis. We also arrange social events like summer playdates and our annual picnic to strengthen our community.
School Operations
Parent Meetings
During our parent-only meetings, we discuss class activities, upcoming events, and preschool business, and our parent educator leads us in variety of early childhood development topics.
Other Responsibilities
We kick off the school year with Parent Orientation in September. Throughout the year, each family participates in one school clean-up, and helps set up and break down the classroom at the start and end of the school year (about a two hour time commitment each).
Sunflower
Our Sunflower class (2 – 3.5 years) meets on Tuesday and Friday mornings from 9:30a – 12:00p.
Caterpillar
Our Caterpillar class (2.5 – 5 years) meets on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings from 9:30a – 12:00p.
Salmon
Our Salmon class (3 – 5 years) meets Monday thru Thursday afternoons from 12:30p – 3:30p.
Fall 2018 Enrollment Information
Meet Our Teachers
RVCP offers a multi-age environment, with two teachers in the classroom, which enables us to meet the developmental needs of the children through authentic and meaningful relationships and activities.
Contact Us!
Do you have any questions or want to connect with our community? We’d love to hear from you. Give us a call, write us a letter or drop us note below and we’ll get back with you shortly.
e: enrollment@rainiervalleycooppreschool.org
p: 206-723-1555
m: 6230 Beacon Ave. S., Seattle, WA 98108