Admission & Parent Involvement
Admission
WPNS welcomes families from all backgrounds and communities to enroll in our magical school, To be admitted to WPNS, your child must meet all of the following criteria:
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Student 2 years or older at the time of enrollment
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Have a negative tuberculosis test and health screening both for child and working parent(s)
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Be up-to-date on immunizations per state law (check requirements here)
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Current health and emergency information for their children.
Parent Involvement at WPNS
Toilet training is NOT a prerequisite for attending WPNS
Joining a cooperative preschool means joining a supportive and welcoming community who cares as much about your child and their development as you do. Being a cooperative preschool also means families participate in more of the school's operations and day-to-day workings than at a traditional preschool. So before enrolling in WPNS, decide if joining a cooperative preschool is the right fit for you and your family.
Below are some of the ways our community of parents are involved at WPNS.
Parent Working Days
Depending on their program, parents work up to four days per month interacting with students, assisting teachers, leading activities and helping with set up and clean up. Parents are given an apron in the morning that includes the various tasks they are responsible for during that day. Parent volunteers who choose to do working days are also required to have a current TB test and health screening. School volunteers are checked against the Megan’s Law web site to help protect our children.
Membership Meetings
WPNS holds a Membership Meeting on the first Tuesday of each month from 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Members are "owners" at a co-op and vote on important matters impacting the operation of the school. Attendance is mandatory and childcare is available. We have fantastic helpers who watch the children during the meeting, and the children love being in the school after hours.
Parent Education Meetings
WPNS offers a Parent Education Meeting each month on the third Tuesday of the month from 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Parents are expected to attend a minimum of two of these classes per school year. Childcare is available for WPNS families. Examples of some of our past Parent Education Meetings include kindergarten readiness, the importance of sensory integration for early childhood development, and conflict resolution.
Fundraising
Parents participate in two large fundraising events per year, including our SpringFest, typically held in April or May. We also have smaller, ongoing money makers throughout the year. The money earned from these events goes directly toward improving the school.
Service Hours
Throughout the school year, parents are responsible for fulfilling 25 hours of service to the school (about 2.5 hours a month)through various projects and basic upkeep. Parents are able to fulfill these hours through family jobs, school clean up days and various projects the teachers need help with.