Gorham Cooperative Preschool has proudly served the Gorham Community and its families since 1968
What are parent responsibilities in a cooperative preschool?
The unique nature of a cooperative preschool allows parents to develop relationships with the teachers, students, and one another. Working together to provide the best possible school environment is a shared goal.
The following are some of the parent responsibilities that are part of the cooperative preschool experience:
- Elect an Executive Board.
Participate as Parent Helper on assigned day - you will be assigned 6-7 days over the course of the school year.
Attend Parent Meetings. Members are the governing body of our school. There are typically 3 Parent Meetings a school year.
Hold a minimum of one position as either an Executive Board member or a Committee Member.
Participate in school fundraisers.
What is a Parent Helper?
One of the responsibilities of the cooperative experience is the opportunity to be a Parent Helper in your child's classroom. The Parent Helper interacts and helps throughout the classroom. This could include helping with crafts, reading books to children, playing games with children, or escorting children to wash their hands. Assisting and being with your child in class is one of the joys and privileges of being in a cooperative preschool.
What committees can I serve at Gorham Cooperative Preschool?
Fundraising
Parents on this committee will help organize and run the fundraisers (please note that all families participate in fundraisers). A background in marketing, business, or sales is helpful (but not required) for this committee. However, if you are comfortable networking within our community, this is the job for you! Grant writing is also done by this committee.
Cleaning
Parents on this committee are responsible for a thorough, weekly cleaning of the classroom and other school property as needed, on a rotating basis. Each family will be assigned to weekend cleaning of the classroom about once every 5-7 weeks. Each family will also be responsible for specific cleaning projects during their assigned weekend. Cleaning products and a detailed checklist will be supplied.
Maintenance
Parents on this committee will assist the preschool in the general maintenance of the building. Projects may include replacing lighting when necessary, assorted building projects that may arise and general fixes. Winter snow assistance is crucial and time specific (as we need to keep our heater vents clear of snow and maintain a safe outside play area for the children). Possible jobs include snow removal, indoor maintenance, outdoor maintenance, and Fall/Spring landscaping.
Events/Marketing
Parents on this committee will assist with in-school and out-of-school event coordinating. Activities include organizing monthly GCP family playdates, special events, field day, graduation and planning educational events for parents. This committee builds our school’s community spirit! Possible jobs include clothing orders, Memorial Day Parade float and planning parties. Parents on this committee will also assist with getting the word out about the school. Whether it be devising new ads for newspapers, creating a social media presence or getting promotional handouts printed and distributed, this committee helps make sure GCP gets promoted as widely as possible.