Preschool Co-op

For nearly three decades, Gail Lampert has been working with children and parents at the South Spokane Co-Op . She started out as one of the moms who brought her three children to the preschool. She grew to love the co-op so much that she became one of the teachers and has since touched the lives of hundreds of families.

“Co-op preschool is unique in that the parents take an active part in the early learning experience,” said Elizabeth Ward of Spokane, who has a daughter enrolled at the South Spokane Co-Op. “The child gets developmentally appropriate stimulation and the parents learn valuable skills both through the preschool itself as well as the monthly evening seminars.”

South Spokane Co-op along with Manito Parent Cooperative Preschool are hosting an open house on Saturday, March 21 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Manito United Methodist Church, 3220 S. Grand Blvd. Parents interested in enrolling their preschoolers can enjoy refreshments and take part in fun crafts while learning more about the co-ops. For more information, e-mail jody713139@aol.com .

According to South Spokane’s website, sessions run September through May each year from 9:15 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. It offers a toddler day, two family days and two preschool days. Classes are available for children from birth to age 5.

The co-op is one of about six in the area that are affiliated with Community Colleges of Spokane under the Institute for Extended Learning’s Parent Cooperative Program .

Parents: Have you been involved with a preschool co-op? How does it differ from regular preschool? What was the experience like for you?