Frequently Asked Question

General Questions

What ages do you serve?
We offer programs for children ages 2 to 5 years old, preparing them for kindergarten in a fun, engaging, and developmentally appropriate way.

What is a cooperative preschool?
A cooperative (co-op) preschool is a parent-run, nonprofit school where families participate in the classroom, assist teachers, and take on small school jobs to help with operations. This model fosters a strong community and provides a rich, interactive learning environment for children.

Are programs offered year round?

The school year runs from the end of August through May. While other classes may be offered during summer, our core programs are only offered during the school year. Click here to view our 2024-2025 School Calendar as a sample of what our school year looks like.

Is SCPNS a licensed preschool?

Yes! SCPNS is a licensed preschool through the California Department of Social Services (DSS), ensuring that we meet all health, safety, and educational standards required for early childhood education.

Programs and Schedules

What programs does SCPNS offer?

SCPNS provides flexible options for families:

📌 View detailed program descriptions here: Programing Page

Can I drop my child(ren) off before 9am and/or pick them up after 3pm?

No. Our program does not do early drop offs or late pickups. If needed, we can accommodate late drop offs and early pickups only.

Does my child need to be potty trained?

Children do not need to be potty trained. Parents provide supplies for diaper changing on days other than their work day. If you have concerns about your child’s progress with toilet training, you can discuss it with a teacher.

Does SCPNS follow a traditional academic curriculum?

SCPNS follows a play-based learning philosophy that encourages exploration, problem-solving, creativity, and social development. While we introduce early literacy, math, and STEM concepts, our approach is child-led and hands-on, ensuring a developmentally appropriate experience for all learners.

How does SCPNS prepare children for Kindergarten?

Our Skill Seekers (Afternoon Pre-K Program) is specifically designed for Pre-K readiness, offering a more structured environment with:

✔ Letter, number, and sound recognition

✔ Early math and problem-solving activities

✔ Fine motor skill development

✔ Social-emotional growth and independence-building

Many families find Skill Seekers to be an excellent alternative to TK (Transitional Kindergarten), as it provides a smaller class size, individualized attention, and a developmentally appropriate curriculum in a warm, supportive, play-based setting.

Enrollment & Tuition

When can I apply?
Enrollment for the next school year begins on January 1st for Current Families, February 1st for Alumni Families, and February 15th for New Families. We encourage families to attend an Open House, schedule a group tour, or attend an SCPNS community event to learn more about SCPNS before applying.

What are your tuition rates?
Tuition varies based on the program (morning, afternoon, full-day). For the most up-to-date tuition rates, please visit our Enrollment Page or contact us at membership@scpns.org.

Can I switch between programs after enrolling?
Yes! We strive to offer flexibility for families. If you need to change programs or adjust your schedule, please contact the school as soon as possible to discuss availability.

Is my child required to have immunizations to attend?

Yes, all children are required to have: ​3 Polio, 4 DTaP, 3 Hep B, 1 Varicella AND On or after 1st birthday: 1 Hib, 1 MMR. 

For more information on immunizations, their schedules, and requirements click here.

What paperwork is required for enrollment, and when is it due?

To enroll at SCPNS, families must complete and submit all required enrollment forms before their child’s start date. This includes:

✔ Membership Application

✔ Emergency Contact & Medical Forms

✔ Immunization Records (per California state requirements)

✔ Licensing and Other Forms

📌 Deadlines:

For Fall Enrollment, paperwork is due by August 1st.

For Mid-Year Enrollment, paperwork is due two weeks prior to your child’s start date,

For Summer Programs, paperwork must be submitted by May 1st.

Once enrolled, families will receive a detailed checklist and instructions to ensure a smooth start. Have questions? Click here to view or Enrollment Guide, and/or contact us anytime for assistance! 😊

Do you offer financial assistance?
Yes! We believe all children should have access to high-quality early education. SCPNS offers limited partial scholarships for families in need. We also accept Children’s Choice vouchers. Please reach out for more details.

Can my child attend SCPNS if I work full-time?
Yes! While parent participation is required, we understand that every family’s situation is unique. Some parents arrange for grandparents, nannies, or other trusted adults to fulfill participation requirements. We can also provide resources on how to take protected time off to work in your child’s classroom. Let’s discuss a plan that works for your family.

Parent Participation

How often do parents work in the classroom?
Parents assist in the classroom once per week per child enrolled. Hours vary depending on the program(s) enrolled in.

  • Playful Beginners (Morning Programs): Weekly on assigned work day from 8:45am to 11:45am

  • Playful Beginners + Lunch Bunch: Weekly on assigned work day from 8:45am to 12:30pm

  • Busy Bees (Full Day Programs): Weekly on assigned work day from 8:45am to 12:30pm

  • Skill Seekers (Afternoon Programs): Weekly on assigned work day from 12:15pm to 3:15pm

  • Lunch Bunch + Skill Seekers: Weekly on assigned work day from 11:45am to 3:00pm

Can my child attend SCPNS without parent participation?
Yes! While parent participation is a key part of our co-op model, we offer drop-off or non co-op options for families who are unable to work in the classroom. Families choosing the non co-op option pay a slightly higher tuition rate to cover staffing needs. There are extremely limited non co-op spots available each calendar year. View current availability on our application landing page.

What if I have younger children?
We understand that many families have younger siblings. While younger children cannot be in the classroom during your work shift, we encourage parents to swap childcare with other families in the co-op or arrange alternate care.

Do I need teaching experience to help in the classroom?
Not at all! Our teachers provide training and guidance, and you’ll learn hands-on as you go. No prior experience is necessary—just a willingness to engage with the children and have fun!

What additional parent responsibilities are required beyond the weekly classroom participation?

In addition to working in the classroom on your assigned day, parent participation at SCPNS includes:

✔ Attending Monthly Parent Evening Meetings – Meetings to stay informed, connect with other families, and support school operations. These meetings are typically held the third Wednesday of every month from 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm. Meetings are for parents only and held at the school during warm weather and via Zoom during winter months.
✔ Holding a School Job – Each family takes on a small school job to help keep SCPNS running smoothly. Jobs vary in time commitment and skill level, from laundry and gardening to fundraising and event planning.
✔ Helping with School Maintenance – Participate in maintenance weekends and a  work party to keep our learning spaces safe and welcoming. All families are required to complete one maintenance weekend per semester (children allowed to attend), and one work party per school year (no children allowed), with the expectation of Saturday Stay and Play Only Families that are only required to participate in one maintenance weekend per year.
✔ Participating in Fundraising – Supporting school fundraisers to help keep tuition affordable and enhance our programs.

These responsibilities help build our strong, supportive community while keeping SCPNS a high-quality, affordable preschool option for families! 😊

Daily Life at SCPNS

What does a typical day look like?
A day at SCPNS is filled with play, exploration, and hands-on learning! Our schedule includes:
📖 Circle Time – Songs, stories, and group activities
🎨 Free Play & Creative Exploration – Indoor and outdoor play opportunities
🍎 Snack & Lunch – A social mealtime
🔍 Enrichment Activities – Science, sensory play, and early literacy experiences
🛝 Outdoor Play & Gross Motor Development – Climbing, running, and movement-based fun

What should my child bring to school?
Each child should bring:

  • A nut-free snack & lunch (if applicable)

  • A water bottle

  • A change of clothes

  • Weather-appropriate gear (jacket, hat, etc.)

Are there rest or nap times?
Yes! While no structured nap time is provided, children in Busy Bees (Full-Day Program) and Lunch Bunch have a designated quiet time where they can rest, relax, or engage in quiet activities.

Do you provide snacks or lunch?
SCPNS does not provide meals, though parents and/or teachers may choose to do cooking activities from time to time in the classroom. Families must pack nut-free snacks and lunches for their child.

How does SCPNS prepare my child for kindergarten?
Our play-based approach builds social-emotional skills, independence, and problem-solving abilities—all crucial for kindergarten success. Through hands-on activities, we introduce early literacy, math concepts, and science exploration in a fun, engaging way.