Lafayette Nursery School is a parent participation nursery school, also known as a co-op. Unlike other forms of preschool, a co-op requires more than tuition - it requires a commitment of your time and energy. Participating parents must assist in the classroom, clean and maintain the school, and attend parent education evenings. 

In return, a co-op becomes your school as much as it is your child’s school.  You work in it.  You give your energy and your ideas.  You put yourself into the school.  You help to shape it and to make it whatever it becomes.  

Assisting in the Classroom

The role of the participating parent is that of encouraging a warm, relaxed and creative atmosphere with the children and to assist the Director in setting up and presenting the children's program. There is a minimum of one adult to every five children. You will have expert guidance and lots of back up. 
 
Each school day, one parent will be responsible for 
a healthy snack for all children, participating parents, and instructors. 

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Classroom Housekeeping

Each family contributes their time to between two and three housekeeping assignments, including one housekeeping workday, during the year. Housekeeping involves cleaning the school interior during non-school hours, and the schedule is created by the Housekeeping Chair. 

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School Maintenance

There is one maintenance assignment during the year for each family. Maintenance involves repairing, building, cleaning, or completing whatever needs to be done to keep the school in good shape. The schedule and task list is created by the Maintenance Chair. 
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Parent Education

As a school, we are committed to providing guidance to our parent members, and any members of the community who desire it. We sponsor various meetings and events at our school in conjunction with other nursery schools for this purpose. We also post notices of classes, lectures and activities in the surrounding area. In addition, the school has a Parent Education Library located in the office. This consists of books, pamphlets and videos on child development, safety and guidance. ​

Includes excerpts from "But Why A Co-Op?", an essay by James L. Hymes