You are not just a parent here.
You are an owner.
WCP is a cooperative preschool - which means the families enrolled run the school alongside the teachers. It takes more than dropping off. It gives back far more too.
What does it actually mean?
A cooperative preschool is owned and operated by the families of enrolled students. Our teachers are the only paid staff. Every other role is handled by parents.
This is what keeps tuition low, class sizes small, and the community genuinely close. When parents are in the building regularly, they know every child, every family, and every teacher.
Most families say the co-op ask is one of the best parts of WCP. You get a front-row seat to your child's first school experiences - and you build real friendships along the way.
Six things every WCP family agrees to
When you enroll, you take on these six commitments for the school year. They are what make WCP run.
Help in the classroom
Every family helps in their child's classroom 1-3 times per month (depending on class size and age of class). You work alongside the teacher, support activities, and get to watch your child in their element.
Hold a co-op job
Every family is assigned a role for the full year - from board positions to event planning to school maintenance. Jobs are matched to your skills and availability.
Comply with health requirements
All classroom helpers must complete an Ohio state background and health check before their first shift.
Participate in fundraising
Families take part in fundraising activities throughout the year. There are multiple events to choose from so you can get involved in ways that suit you.
Attend mandatory meetings
Four meetings per year: May Parent Conference, two Informational Meetings, and September Orientation.
Pay tuition on time
Tuition is due monthly.
A morning you will actually look forward to
Here is what happens from the moment you arrive to the moment you head home.
Arrive 15 minutes early
Help set up the classroom and get the playground or gym ready. Your teacher will walk you through exactly what needs doing.
Welcome the children
Jump straight into play. Encourage sharing, help kids settle in, and get ready to be asked to play - it is the best feeling.
Join in all morning long
Circle time, small group activities, the restroom routine, snack prep, and outdoor play. You are fully in the middle of it all.
Snack time is the highlight
Sit down with the kids and just listen. The stories you will hear are priceless. Every parent helper says this is their favourite part.
💕 Parents always leave wishing snack time lasted longer
Head outside with the class
Playground or gym time. Your energy sets the tone. Get in there and play - kids light up when helpers are having fun too.
Quick tidy-up and you are done
Follow the simple cleaning checklist to reset the room. Takes about 10 minutes.
🕑 Total time in class: roughly 2.5 hours start to finish
A year full of things to look forward to
WCP is not just classes. The school year is packed with events, celebrations, and community moments that families talk about long after their kids graduate.
September — Start of School Picnic
Kick off the year with a community picnic. Families meet, kids run around, and the school year starts on the best possible note.
October — Fall Parties
Costumes, crafts, and classroom celebrations. One of the most anticipated events of the fall semester.
November — Thanksgiving Sharing
A chance for children to practice gratitude and share something meaningful with their class community.
December — Holiday Party
Seasonal crafts, songs, and celebrations to close out the first semester together as a class.
February — Valentine's Party
Cards, treats, and a morning focused on kindness and friendship — a highlight for three and four-year-olds especially.
April — Easter Egg Hunt
A WCP tradition. Kids hunt eggs on the playground and the whole school feels like spring has arrived.
May — Class Graduations
Pre-K graduation is a proper celebration. Caps, certificates, and a room full of proud parents who have watched their kids grow all year.
All Year — Enrichment Program
Optional extracurricular activities led by WCP teachers or qualified instructors. A chance for kids to explore new interests beyond the regular class schedule.
Your window into the classroom — every week.
WCP uses ClassDojo as our main classroom communication tool. Teachers use it to share photos, updates, reminders, and news from the school day — so you always know what is happening, even when you are not there.
ClassDojo is private and secure. Only enrolled WCP families and staff have access. No ads, no public sharing.
Classroom photos
See what your child worked on today. Teachers share photos and highlights from every session.
Announcements
Reminders, schedule changes, and event updates delivered directly to your phone/computer.
Direct messaging
Send and receive private messages with your child's teacher anytime during the year.
Class community
Chat with other families in your class and build connections before you even meet in person.
What co-op parents say
The co-op commitment sounds like work. Here is what families actually experience.
Katherine Oliver
WCP Alumni Parent
★★★★★
"I loved the sense of community we felt at WCP. We gained lifelong friends. It was wonderful to take such a hands-on role in my children's first educational experience."
Amber Cron
Threes Parent
★★★★★
"Our first year at WCP has been amazing. My son loves his teacher and his friends. The teachers and parents here are a blessing - I could not recommend this school more."
Daniel Hagedorn
Pre-K Parent
★★★★★
"A wonderful school where teachers care for each student as an individual and parents get to have direct impact. We loved it so much we signed our daughter up to join her brother next year."