DC Co-op Program Preschool

[Anonymous]

I would love to hear more about it. Have you and your child participated? Is it ok if a nanny takes the parent's place? When does registration begin? Thanks.

[Anonymous]

Yes, nannies can take the coop days. We "paid" our nanny back by allowing her to have the morning off when our kid was in the coop preschool.

Feedback on Col. Heights playschool (it's really not a preschool - they are there to teach kids to play well and to get ready for "real" preschool)

Great things:
The kids play together outside of the coop and it's great to have kids and parent they know.

Facts on the costs..
the current cost is $7 per day - no twin discount. The cost is going to be $12 per day per kid in the fall again no twin discount unless you make under $55,000 per year. There is going to be no change in the program -- almost twice as much but your not getting anything "new."

Registration is $30 per kid

One of the 2 duty parents brings a craft or activity to lead the kids in.

We have a snack fund and everyone puts in $20 per kid about every 2 to 3 months.

That $7 (now $12) buck a day buys you the space (it's nice), plenty of toys, access to a gym (key during rainy days and the winter), access to a shared playground. That's what you are paying for.

Not so great things...

Our experience with the "dc park and rec teacher" and I use the term loosely - is that she is responsible for opening the classroom and staying until 12:30. I find it a battle to try and improve the program. The teacher is not changing - I think you really need to take her out of your decision to join. It's the parent's on duty who plan, led and do everything. If that's ok with you then it will work for you.

Parking -- if you are planing to drive - street parking is very limited and restricted to 2 hours (if not in the zone) - they ticket. There is also street cleaning to add to the mix. Our teacher has to move her car every time during our coop group -- many of the children comment on this when she leaves.

[Anonymous]

And, another perspective:

Many parents don't know, but the DC Parks & Recreation Department has for many years offered part-time preschool daycare at very affordable price (less than $10/day) for kids age 2 years old to 4 years old at
selected locations. One of the locations is at the new Columbia Heights Recreation Center (http://app.dpr.dc.gov/DPR/information/rec_center/rec_center.asp?id=652), which also has a new playground, indoor gym, etc. and is just 2 blocks
from the Columbia and 16th Street intersection. I have had my kiddo in the program for over a year and have been very happy with the program - it has been a great way to increase his socialization skills and expose him to time away from momma without committing to or paying
for a full-time program. At this location, the program runs
Mon-Wed-Fri from 9 am to 12 pm. It is a "coop" program, which means that DC provides the primary teacher (and a huge amount of toys and art supplies) but the parents all pitch in as the second teacher on a
rotating basis. Because I would love this program to continue, and because I've been inspired by another parent who has taken it on herself to organize a parent-to-parent elementary-school info meeting, I am organizing a little meeting on Friday, April 3 at 12:00 at the Columbia Heights Recreation Center (fourth floor, turn right and go to end of the hall) for any parents who would like to see the coop room and talk with some parents who have participated in the program.
There may be employees and teachers from DC Park & Rec there as well.

Usually there is a long wait list to get into the program but the Columbia Heights location is relatively new and therefore unknown to many parents. I believe DC Parks & Rec starts accepting applications in mid-April for a start date in September. More info here -
http://dpr.dc.gov/dpr/cwp/view,a,1241,q,641000.asp

[Anonymous]

Thank you both for your responses. These are super helpful. Do you know the ages for the young and older program? The website seems to be inconsistent from what I have heard elsewhere. I am specifically wondering where a two year old fits in to the program.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Thank you both for your responses. These are super helpful. Do you know the ages for the young and older program? The website seems to be inconsistent from what I have heard elsewhere. I am specifically wondering where a two year old fits in to the program.

A couple facts and corrections:

Palisades used to offer a Tadpoles and Frogs program: Tadpoles range from 18 mons-2 years and attend 2x/week; Frogs attend 3x/week and are between 2 - 2 1/2. I think they offered the program this year as well. Our children attended some years back. Really great for those shy Tadpoles as well as firstborns who may enjoy the socialization.

Correction: unless DCPR changed the policy, each coop decides if a nanny can work in lieu of a parent. My kids were in two coops and both allowed nannies to work. One, however, had not done that for a long time and was reticent to change the policy. The head teacher can be the driving force on that. Some of the parents also have strong feelings about it. I always supported allowing the nannies to work and the nannies were very involved. Some parents don't want to socialize with the nannies. Some folks don't think that the nanny pulls his/her weight, i.e., basically focused on his/her charge, not all the children. I think coop parents would be supportive if they saw that the family was involved in the coop and were clear with the nanny about the expectations of the nanny when working at the coop.

I think it is great, great, great and strongly urge you to consider it for your child.

[Anonymous]

I believe the Columbia Heights coop still offers two different programs, one starting at 18 months - 2.5 years, the other 2.5 years - 5 years (tho' really most kids are 2.5-4 yrs old).

[Anonymous]

This program is about to start accepting applications for next year, by the way. My kid was in the younger class this year and loved it. We will be in the 2 yrs plus class next year.

[Anonymous]

This is a program for younger children. If your child is DCPS or charter preschool age, I'd recommend they enter a more structured program.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Parking -- if you are planing to drive - street parking is very limited and restricted to 2 hours (if not in the zone) - they ticket. There is also street cleaning to add to the mix. Our teacher has to move her car every time during our coop group -- many of the children comment on this when she leaves.

Isn't there only one teacher in this program?

I would have assumed that parent/nanny volunteers, who presumably aren't background checked to the same degree as the teacher, aren't allowed to be alone with other people's children -- is that not the policy?

[Anonymous]

Program goes up to age 3, so if you get in nowhere, it's an option for 3 days per week. All parent volunteers and nannies must undergo a background check and fingerprinting before they can coop.

[Anonymous]

We have been at Mitchell Park on 23rd and S for several years abd have loved it. We have had a couple of teachers and for the most part they have been very engaged. I believe the work they did at MP really prepared my son for school.

[Anonymous]

I'm really interested in having my DD attend one of the co-op programs in the fall. I'm primarily interested in Columbia Heights or Mitchell Park location. Is there a way to "tour" the programs and speak with other parents/caregivers who are involved? Thanks!

[Anonymous]

There are open houses being planned. e-mail the program director [e-mail] for more info.

Girard is 3 days per week 9-12 for 2-4 yr olds; 2 days per week 9-12 for 18 months+. I think the rest of the programs are 5 days per week 9-12 (and start at 2.5 yrs), except for Palisades, which also has a program for the younger kids.

[Anonymous]

Be careful of certain teachers. There are some great ones and there are others who are not. Some very loose hiring qualifications.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Be careful of certain teachers. There are some great ones and there are others who are not. Some very loose hiring qualifications.

Agreed. Standards and qualifications are MUCH lower at Parks & Rec than they are in the schools! If you got shut-out of DCPS I would strongly recommend you look for the charter pre-schools that haven't yet had lotteries and apply.