Watchung Cooperative Preschool

About

Watchung Cooperative Preschool is a nonprofit community learning through play, connecting parents, teachers and children since 1967.

Story

Preschool is one of the first decisions you will make that influences the educational, social and personal priorities you set for your child. School signifies your child’s first big step away from home. It becomes their launch pad for learning, developing and connecting socially with the world around them. It is a precious time. It is a fleeting moment. You want to be a part of it.

At the Watchung Co-op, we understand the need to be involved in your child’s first preschool experience. And we make it a reality.

Our philosophy emphasizes the social and emotional well-being of our students and fosters their love of learning while nurturing each child's individual learning style.

WHAT WE OFFER
- Educational programs for 2 ½ - 3 year olds (Creative Play); and 3 - 5 year olds (Discovery Pre-Kindergarten)
- Learning through play-based experiences
- An opportunity to be in the classroom with your child
- Collaboration between teachers and parents
- Flexible school days/hours; extended hours; drop-ins
- Nurturing [We hug!]
- Community building/social network

OUR CO-OP COMMUNITY
Our co-op community begins in the morning when a parent or caregiver lends a hand in their child’s classroom and extends to a number of situations that support the administrative, creative and financial aspects of our nonprofit school.

At the Watchung Co-op parents and teachers share a connection. We demonstrate the strength and resilience of our cooperative community in everyday situations inside and outside of the classroom. The collaborative efforts and passion of our teachers, students, parents and Board have helped to strengthen our school, enabling it to thrive in many unique ways.

LET’S PLAY! OUR EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS
Play is fun. And educational! Our play-based learning approach stimulates thinking, creativity and socialization. It encourages pretending, talking, laughing and exploring. The Watchung
Co-op has often been cited by local elementary school teachers for instilling a higher level of confidence and achievement.

Mission

A community learning through play: connecting parents, teachers and children.