CLASSES

Building Blocks Cooperative Preschool Offers Two Different Classes:

Tuesday/Thursday for children ages 2-4 years (2 years old by September 2nd).

Monday/Wednesday/Friday for children ages 4-5 years (4 years old by December 2nd).

*Parent Observation Program Option for Tuesday/Thursday: (For parents with children who have not turned two by our September 2 cut-off date - Child eligable to come with parent).

Classes meet from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Any exceptions to these cutoffs will be decided on a case by case basis by the teachers and steering committee. Each class is overseen by a credentialed teacher, assistant teacher and between 3 and 5 parents.

*Parent Observation program for parents with children who have not turned two by our September 2 cut-off date. Children older than 18 months are eligible to come with a parent or caregiver and take part in all the daily activities of our Tuesday/Thursday class, learning from the parents and teachers. Toddlers will begin to learn social skills, gain trust in other adults, and embark on fostering friendships with their peer group. Families in this special program are not required to participate in the cooperative aspects of Building Blocks, but are welcome to attend all community events.
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When the child has been enrolled at least 6 weeks and is two years old, the teacher and parent will discuss transitioning to full enrollment if space is available.

What is a Cooperative Preschool?

A cooperative preschool is organized and administered by the parents and is operated under the direction of trained teachers. Its success depends on the collaborative efforts of all members.

Is it Right for Me?

Participating in a cooperative is hard, satisfying work. You and your child will forge lasting friendships, and your participation shows how invested you are in their education. There are two plans from which to choose. Plan 1 will allow you to volunteer in the classroom, and Plan 2 allows you to opt out of the classroom volunteer component. There are a limited number of Plan 2 spaces available.

Plan 1 (Classroom Participation)

Teaching work day approximately one morning per week (8:20 am - 12:45 pm)
Provide a nutritious snack 5-6 times per year
Perform your assigned Building Blocks Committee Job
Attend two school maintenance days (or buy out)
Participate in annual fundraising event

Plan 2 (No Classroom Participation, Drop-off Preschool)

Provide a nutritious snack 5-6 times per year
Perform your assigned Building Blocks Committee Job
Attend two school maintenance days per year (or buy out)
Participate in annual fundraising event

What Will My Child Learn at Building Blocks?

In our play-based program, your child will learn. . .

Social and Emotional Development
Pre-writing & pre-reading
Math & Science
Language
Art
Small and Gross Motor Skills
And most importantly, Self Regulation

What Does A Self-Regulating Child Look Like?

Comforts self
Pays attention
Controls impulses
Follows directions
Negotiates solutions
Plays cooperatively
Participates in circle time
Handles frustration well

Why is Self-Regulation Taught at Building Blocks?

According to a survey of Kindergarten teachers in Santa Clara County, self-regulation is the hardest thing to teach in Kindergarten. With self-regulation in place, students are ready to learn!

A Typical Day at Building Blocks:

8:20am Working parents and their children arrive

8:30am School officially begins

8:30 - 9:50am Free Play, i.e.

Painting
Play Dough
Art
Dress-up
Floor activity, i.e. blocks, trains, marble run, tracks and cars, etc.
Trikes
Sand play
Cooking
... and more!

9:50am Clean up

10:00am Songs and Story Time

10:20-10:40am Snack Time

10:40 -11:50am Free Play

12:00noon Songs and Story Time

12:15 Lunch

12:30 Parents Arrive for Pick-up

12:15-12:45 Teaching Parents Clean Classroom