Be sure to check our calendar often for upcoming events!
What does it mean to be a Co-op member?
Cooperative preschools are nonprofit organizations owned and overseen by member parents. A volunteer board of parents collaborates with the teachers and administrator to make the rules and assume the financial and administrative responsibilities of the school. Our teachers hold degrees and certifications with continuing education requirements, and administrator duties comply with ODJFS requirements. Family involvement and support is a key component of the cooperative learning experience. At the Bay Co-op parents are welcome to participate in their child’s preschool education in whichever way works best for them. We understand that each family is unique and busy, so we offer a variety of opportunities that we feel foster this cooperative relationship. Here are some options for member families to get involved:
- Attend special in-classroom events. Our teachers will be identifying days throughout the school year where families can join the students in the classroom to share special occasions, including seasonal festivities. Information about these events will come directly from your teacher.
- Join us for a community support event! We will be partnering with local nonprofits to determine how the school and our kiddos can help our Bay Village friends and neighbors. More info to come as locations and dates are confirmed!
- Consider purchasing an item from our Amazon Wish List. These are items that will be used to help our teachers in the classroom. Remember, any purchases are tax deductible.
- Attend board meetings or join the board. Board meetings are held once a month and all members are invited to join us as we discuss the state of the school and plan for the future. Dates and times will be announced and added to the school calendar on our website.
- Become a substitute teacher! If you are interested in direct classroom participation, we would be happy to share the requirements necessary for you to become a substitute teacher.
Star Student Days
Once a month, each child is star of the show for Star Student Day! They assist the teacher with leading the class through the day’s activities, from ringing the bell for clean-up time to distributing hand sanitizer to their classmates, and it’s a very special day that every child looks forward to with excitement.
Throughout the school year, parents and families have the opportunity to attend a number of special events in their child’s classroom. This is such a fun way to experience your child’s school, to get to know your child’s teacher and classmates, and to interact with other families.
Classroom Snacks
Please note: as of the 2020-2021 school year, we no longer have snack time in the classroom, though occasionally a parent will send treats for all the children to take home for a birthday or holiday. Please know that we are a nut-free school. If sending treats to school, please look for allergy warnings on all store-bought products usually located just below the ingredients list. It may say: “May contain traces of nuts” or “Manufactured on equipment that also processes nuts” or similar wording. If your child has another type of food allergy, please be sure to discuss with your teacher. For more information, please visit www.snacksafely.com.
The same rules apply when packing lunches for children enrolled in the Lunch Bunch program.
The Co-op Board
As a cooperative preschool, the Co-op is completely run by member parents! There’s no CEO overseeing everything and making all the rules — just parents like you! Parent volunteers make up an Executive Board that works directly with the teachers and administrator to manage just about every aspect of running the school from making policies to paying bills. Joining the Board is a great way to get involved in your child’s school, and it’s a ton of fun!
Board positions are as follows:
- President — oversees all board meetings and manages policy decisions
- Vice President — a two-year position, assists the President the first year and takes over as President the second year
- Secretary — takes notes about each board meeting
- Treasurer — manages The Co-op’s finances, with the assistance of the Administrator
- Volunteer Coordinator — engages Co-op members with volunteer opportunities within the greater Bay Village community and within the school
- Marketing — manages The Co-op’s social media and website, and coordinates attendance at preschool fairs and community events
All members are also welcome to attend any monthly board meetings, which are posted on our calendar.
Shop for the Co-Op
You can make a difference just by shopping at some of your favorite stores! Link your accounts at Heinen’s and AmazonSmile to support The Cooperative Preschool of Bay Village, and a percentage of what you spend will come directly back to the Co-Op to help fund special programs for our students. Please ask family and friends to link their accounts, too. Every little bit helps!
Also, remember the Co-op is a 501(c)3 organization, so if you purchase something as a donation to the school, it’s tax deductible! Sounds like a win-win!
Click on the images to learn more about each program:
When you connect your Heinen’s Tasteful Rewards card to the school, Heinen’s will donate up to 1% of all your purchases back to the Co-op. To do so, just visit heinens.com/school and follow the prompts to select The Cooperative Preschool of Bay Village. You can also sign-up via phone at 855-475-2300 ext. 2337.
When you shop at smile.amazon.com, Amazon will donate up to .5% of eligible purchases to the charity of your choice. Simply visit smile.amazon.com and select The Cooperative Preschool of Bay Village when prompted. Then every time you shop on Amazon, be sure to go to smile.amazon.com every time you shop because the regular Amazon link does NOT provide a donation even if you’re signed up!
Looking for other ways to help the Co-op?
Consider purchasing an item off of our Amazon Wish List! These are items that will be used to help our teachers in the classroom. Remember, any purchases and donations for the Co-op are tax deductible, so save those receipts. And be sure to use your AmazonSmile account to doubly support the Co-op! If you wish to view our Amazon Wish List please click here.
Tuition Payment
Tuition may be paid via check or PayPal.
If you pay by check, you can either drop a check off at the school or mail to PO Box 40281, Bay Village, OH 44140.
Forms
Upon registering, you will be asked to complete these forms. These forms should be printed, signed and turned into the Co-op at your child’s orientation.
General Information – An introduction of your family to his/her teacher.
Child Enrollment and Health Information (JFS form 01234) – This is a four page form. Every item must be complete. This form must be on file before the child’s first day of attendance. No physician signature required. *If you are a returning member and the information is still correct, you will only have to sign/date the copy that is in your child’s file.
Child Release Form – Names can be added or deleted at any time, or the form may be blank. However, it must be signed. (Returning members do not need to fill out again)
Medical Statement (JFS form 01305) – Physicals are valid 13 months from the date of exam. Immunizations must be up to date. A current physical must always be on file.
The Cooperative Preschool of Bay Village Handbook
Acknowledgement of The Co-op Handbook and ODJFS Policies