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 2-3 times per month. 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 check before their first shift. The school covers the cost for your designated helper if needed.
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 Gathering, two Informational Meetings, and September Orientation.
Pay tuition on time
Tuition is due monthly. An annual payment option is available for families who pay the full year by August 1.
What a parent helper day actually looks like
First time helping in the classroom? Here is exactly what you will do from start to finish.
Arrive 15 minutes early
Come in before class starts to help set up the classroom and prepare the playground or gym for the day's activities.
Welcome the children
As students arrive, jump into play. Your job is to engage with the kids - encourage sharing, turn-taking, and help them settle in.
Join in throughout the morning
Sit with kids at circle time, work with small groups at tables, help with the restroom routine, prepare snack, and join outdoor play.
Snack time conversations
Sit with the children at snack and enjoy the chatter. You will hear the most wonderful stories. This is one of the best parts of the morning.
Head outside
Go to the playground or gym with the class. Join in the play - your energy makes a real difference to the kids.
End-of-day cleaning
Follow the daily cleaning checklist to help get the classroom ready for the next session. Takes about 10 minutes.
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 — Halloween 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 — Mother's Day Parties
Children celebrate the people who love them most. One of the most heartfelt mornings of the school year.
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.
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.
★★★★★
"The co-op aspect is a huge positive for us. I love getting to help out in the classroom and be involved in the decisions the school makes."
★★★★★
"Being part of their journey gives you a front-row seat to their growth while building your village and connecting with the community."
★★★★★
"It is a place where everyone is on the educational team. It has been fun and encouraging to be part of the educational process."