Bayshore Co-op Preschool

I am in my second year at the co-​op — this year with both of my sons. Not only has the preschool help prepare my sons for Kindergarten it has allowed me the opportunity to be a larger part of their growth. It is wonderful to get to know so well all of the kids (and adults) that your children spend their time at school with. Next year will be my younger sons last year but I will definitely be back in in 2017 with my daughter!

We had two kids go through the co-​op, so we spent a total of 4 years at the school. We had a wonderful experience with this preschool. We are still close to many of the families we met through the school. You do have to work 2 – 3 times per month, attend a monthly parent’s meeting, attend clean-​up events and support fundraising. There is more work to put in than most drop-​off preschools, but the price is very affordable and you get so much more out of the experience.
My daughter, which is our second child, had a lot of health problems when she was a toddler so she was much more clingy than our son. I really appreciated that I could spend some of her preschool days with her, sit during circle time at the beginning of the day and go on field trips, which made her feel much more comfortable with the preschool. My presence really helped give her a better transition into preschool. By her second year, she had no problem leaving me, but still loved the days when I stayed the whole day.

I chose this school for my second and last child and am super happy with that choice. My eldest daughter attended a private school and also a parks program. They were both decent programs, but in comparison, I’m much happier with the experience my younger daughter is getting at Bayshore. The teacher is fantastic– fun, patient, caring and creative. The families that attend area all very hands on and truly care about every child under their watch during the school day. The time commitment is average for a cooperative preschool and I enjoy the time spent with the other parents. But above and beyond all of that, my daughter enjoys herself, loves her little friends, flourishes in the outdoor, beach environment, and couldn’t wait to get back to school for her second year this year!

Parent-​participation outdoor preschool. Gorgeous locale. 13 – 16 families, so it’s the «village» approach to preschool. Very affordable! You work 2 – 4 mornings a month.
From the blog-​site:
Benefits of belonging to the Bayshore Co-​op Pre-​School:
— Opportunity to be involved with your child’s educational development
— Beautiful bayside location
— Small class size
— Low monthly fees
— Large outdoor play area
— Parental support group
The morning program is structured and includes a morning welcome session, time to play outdoors in the bike yard, snack time, a small group teacher-​led educational activity, an hour of free choice play, clean-​up time, and story time, and ends with play time on the Bayshore Playground.
May 2009:
Why Bayshore Co-​op?
From five parents (i.e., one third of families):
«I chose Bayshore Co-​Op for my daughter because of the close-​knit community we get in our children’s education. I love that we are basically with the same group of people for 2 years. Not only has my daughter made some life long friends, but I feel that I have as well. Ms. Cori, our teacher is fantastic! She has nurtured and educated my daughter, and has given her a preschool education that I truly believe in. The fundamentals of sharing, taking turns, talking about your feelings and having fun have all been reinforced though Ms. Cori’s teachings. Those are the important things in Preschool and life long skills she will take with her into Kindergarten next year!»
«I tell people back home where my son goes to school and they simply can’t believe how lucky we are to have a school that is outdoors and next to the beautiful bay. We are truly blessed that our child gets to attend a school with constant fresh air and refreshing ocean breezes. All of this with the added bonus of a backdrop filled with sand, water, seagulls, and the occasional boat sailing past. Our magnificent surroundings add an incredibly calming effect unlike anything I’ve ever seen at any other school. All children should be so lucky.»
«Because you get a chance to watch your children play with others in a beautiful setting with a wonderful teacher and an amazing group of parents.
Because children (and parents) value community and the Co-​op gives a strong sense of community and connectivity.»
«For me I like that I can be apart of my son’s learning journey and see how he interacts with other children and adults. It’s a learning experience for me as well, helping other children is gives you a different perspective. There are a lot of reasons, I just really enjoy it!»
«I love that my spirited child is thriving at an outdoor preschool in the company of other spirited children. Ms. Cori is a gem, the most patient and loving teacher I have encountered. I look forward to my son having memories one day of playing with his friends at this idyllic location that genuinely nurtured him.»
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… and Ms. Cori is AWESOME!