About PCK

Program Overview

Program Philosophy

Administration

Admission

Participation

Contact & Operating Information

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Administration and Organization

As a cooperative program, parents contribute to the operation of the school. In effect, they are the owners of the program. The ownership involves designing and caretaking, providing input and feedback, and engaging in the life of PCK. The needs of the children and families drive what we do in the preschool and remain the focus of all programming decisions. All families are encouraged to participate in board meetings, classroom activities, and extracurricular activities. Families also contribute to the maintenance of PCK by contributing four hours of cooperative time each month to the program.

At the same time, the viability of PCK depends on it being run as a business. The director of the program is responsible for the day to day operations of the center and makes recommendations for policy to the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors, voted in by and composed of parents and community members, operates according to a long-term and annual action plan designed to meet the educational, operational, and fiscal responsibilities of PCK.

Membership: Membership in PCK derives from joining the organization and having at least one child enrolled in the program. The membership fee, a one time charge of $75.00, is collected upon enrollment. The Board of Directors is elected from the members and outside community supporters each spring.

Board of Directors: The program is administered by a Board of Directors. The Board is chosen from parents and community supporters. Any person can run for the Board and must submit an application for the entire membership to read at least one month prior to elections. All families who are active members may cast one vote for members of the Board. Board members serve one-year terms and may run for reelection.

Director: The Director is hired by the Board of Directors to coordinate the day to day activities at the preschool. The Director is responsible for keeping members informed about the life of PCK.

Teachers: Teachers are one of our key foundations in creating a caring, safe, and educational environment for children. They form the closest relationships with children outside of family members. Teachers are also critical in creating and improving the curriculum and physical environment of PCK. Each year the staff chooses a teacher to represent them as a non-voting member of the Board of Directors. We choose our teachers carefully, providing them with ongoing professional development, and celebrate their successes with our children.

Assistant Teachers: We have several assistant teachers or "floaters" at PCK who help the teachers perform their duties. They also form relationships with the children and provide additional safety and care.