Parent Child Center Kids in a Boat

Three to Five Years Old

Your child has a natural way of learning: play!
  • At the Walla Walla Community College Cooperative Preschool, children create their own learning experiences by playing in thoughtfully prepared environments.
  • We value the education and development of the whole child: social, emotional, gross-motor, and
  • We honor that a parent or caregiver is a child’s teacher.

Classroom Time

Exploration and playful learning fill our preschool days. An experienced teacher, with parents assisting, guide our children. As a parent, you will work in the classroom 2-4 time per month on a fixed day of your choosing. Occasionally, you will provide a snack for the group. Your time in the classroom is a unique opportunity to play and learn side-by-side with your child while engaging in our thoughtfully prepared environment. Children will play outside every day, sing songs, listen to stories, create art, practice drawing and writing, build with blocks, participate in pretend play, make new friends, hone social skills, and get excited about learning.

A Parent’s Experience

When parents work in the classroom, they develop a better understanding of their own children and other children of the same age. They see what behavior is developmentally appropriate, how temperament affects each child, and how social interactions between children happen.

Research clearly indicates meaningful parent involvement in schools is one of the most powerful predictors of high student achievement and healthy development. During the early years, there is no better way to begin this involvement than by joining a Cooperative Preschool Program.

Of course, parents are the best toy in the classroom, and parents play best when they feel connected and supported. We support parents by holding a monthly evening parent education meeting, led by an experienced educator. Discussion topics vary and connect directly to the joys and challenges facing modern parents. A Cooperative non-profit business meeting is also held at this monthly gathering.

How it Works

At the WWCC Cooperative Preschool, parents play an essential role in the school’s success. Your responsibilities include:

  • Periodically helping in the classroom (2-3 times per month depending on class)
  • Providing healthy snacks several times a year
  • Attending mandatory monthly parent meetings and participating in the business of the non-profit Cooperative Preschool
  • Taking on an administrative job: serving on the Executive Board, taking pictures, organizing service projects, etc.

Age requirements

Children ages 3-5 may be enrolled in the WWCC Cooperative Preschool. We have two sections, Tuesday-Thursday (3 and 4 year olds) & Monday-Wednesday-Friday (4 and 5 year olds). Your child must reach the minimum age for the class within the month they begin Preschool.  Enrollment begins in March for the following school year. Children are not required to be potty trained to attend, but diaper changing requires parental assistance.

Current Parent Cooperative Preschool Classes
Location Days Time Parent Educator Teacher Credits
WWCC Monday/Wednesday/Friday 8:30 AM – 11:30 AM Jen Stone Valerie Neuschwander  3
WWCC Tuesday/Thursday 8:30 AM – 11:30 AM Jen Stone Valerie Neuschwander  3

WWCC Cooperative Preschools follow the Walla Walla Public Schools Academic Calendar