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What is a parent participation nursery school?
A parent participation, or cooperative, nursery school is a nonprofit, nonsectarian, democratic organization where each family shares in the planning and operation of the school. Parents participate in the program on a rotating basis, serving as assistants to a professional nursery school teacher and staff. The efforts of parents and their direct involvement during the school day make parent participation nursery schools a unique educational endeavor.
How do parent participation nursery schools benefit the child, the parents, and the community?
The child gains the ability to relate to and communicate with other children, as well as adults. The child experiences a variety of play equipment, expressive materials, and media, resulting in a positive attitude towards learning. The child also gains self-esteem.
The parents gain an opportunity to learn and develop with their child as well as an increased awareness of the role of education in developing an effective and satisfying family life.
The community gains children who are learning respect for others, and families with a sense of community responsibility.
What is California Council of Parent Participation Nursery Schools?
California Council, or CCPPNS, is a community of parents and educators committed to teaching and inspiring families through parent involvement and mutual support.
We are the largest group of parent participation nursery schools in the world. Our statewide organization consists of around 10,000 member families. Since 1948, we have served parents who want to share in their child's first school experience.
CCPPNS promotes desirable standards for programs, practices, and conditions in parent participation nursery schools, and encourages continuing education for parents, teachers, staff, and directors.
CCPPNS facilitates the exchange of information and ideas among member schools. We cooperate with adult education, family living, and early childhood organizations that are interested in effective service relationships with the parents of young children.
The existence of CCPPNS as a statewide organization strengthens and extends parent participation in the education of young children. CCPPNS supports the right of all parents to have adequate, safe care for their children that meets the highest standards.
What is the history of the parent participation movement?
In 1915, faculty wives at the University of Chicago started the first parent participation nursery school. They wanted to provide a social experience for their children and parent education for themselves. The first parent participation nursery school in California was organized in 1929 in Berkeley and is still in operation today.
In order to communicate with similar schools, parent participation nursery schools joined together to form regional councils which, in turn, joined together to form the statewide umbrella group CCPPNS.
The organization is financed through dues paid by member schools and is run by parent and teacher volunteers.
CCPPNS is affiliated with Parent Cooperative Preschool International (PCPI), whose work supports parent participation nursery schools throughout the world. CCPPNS is also affiliated with the California Association of Cooperatives.
What services does CCPPNS provide to its members?
CCPPNS strives to promote growth and interest in the parent participation movement. It has three primary objectives:
To provide resources designed to enhance the quality of the daily program. Monthly meetings provide a forum for the discussion of current issues and the sharing of information that is vital to the growth of our member schools. CCPPNS also provides handbooks on many aspects of running a school such as fund-raising, publicity, board organization, and job description manuals.
To provide financial assistance to our members. Grants and interest-free loans are available for program expansion as well as emergency assistance through difficult times. Group insurance policies also provide a wide range of coverages at affordable rates to member schools.
To encourage growth in parent education. The CCPPNS Annual Convention provides a variety of practical, informative, and challenging workshops designed to enlighten and encourage parents, directors, and teachers who attend.
Provide a platform for our schools to lobby politically. CCPPNS has IRS tax-exempt status of 501(c)(4) [unlike our schools which are 501(c)(3)].
Which areas in California have regional councils?
In Northern California, the regional councils are:
- Diablo Valley
- East Bay
- Marin
- Sacramento Valley
- San Francisco
- San Mateo
- Santa Clara Valley
- Independents
In Southern California, the regional councils are:
- Los Angeles
- Orange County
- San Fernando Valley
- San Gabriel Valley
- South Bay
- Independents
To check which schools are located in the various regional councils click here and Select a Regional Council from the drop down menu then click on the Find a Preschool button to list all the preschools in that Council.
How can I find a school outside of California?
We have links to other parent participation nursery schools in different parts of the country. Also, Parent Cooperative Preschools International has a directory on their web site or you can contact them at:
Parent Cooperative Preschools International
C/O National Cooperative Business Center
1401 New York Ave. NW - Suite 1100
Washington, DC 20005-2160
Phone: (800) 636-6222
Fax: (202) 638-1374
E-Mail: pcpi@ncba.coop
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