DC Parks and Rec. Preschool Coop

[Anonymous]

I know registration for these opens in a few weeks - how hard is it to get a spot? I am worried I will be left with no other options for my DS for a preschool!!

[Anonymous]

The good programs fill up quickly. You should get up early! Good luck.

[Anonymous]

Which location are you thinking about?

[Anonymous]

I hear the teacher at Mitchell Park is awesome

[Anonymous]

There is a perpetual waiting list at Mitchell. But also make sure you're prepared for the coop model. This is not a pre-school in the traditional sense. FYI - There is a new coop at Columbia Heights a few blocks from Target in the new community center. Contact DPR early education - it's their job to help you . Try not to panic.

[Anonymous]

When I first registered my daughter for the co-op at Chevy Chase Playground (2 years ago), the internet registration opened at midnight. There were about 9 spots available, and they were filled in the first 7 minutes. But since then, we've had kids drop out of the program mid-year, and have been unable to fill the spots.

I think registration opens at 6am this year - be sure to be online early - ahead of time - and make sure you're registered on the site so that you have a username & password and can complete the registration.

We've really loved the program - the parental involvement, the "playschool" atmosphere. Today the kids spent an hour on the playground in the morning, and were out on the playground again when I arrived for pick-up. I think that is just right for 4 year olds after several days of rain. They have plenty of time for serious school in the years ahead.

At Chevy Chase Playground co-op, there are 11 kids, one teacher, and two duty day parents each day. That means you have duty day once a week.

I know the Chevy Chase Community Center has twice as many kids, and so the parents don't do duty day as often.

My younger daughter will be attending next year, so we have 2 more years of co-op ahead of us!

[Anonymous]

At the program's closing carnival today, the director said that all co-ops are now fully registered for the upcoming year. It can not hurt to call and follow up though. People's plans change all the time.