The PPS Co-op Model

At Piedmont Play School, families and teachers work side by side to create a warm, thriving community. Being part of a cooperative preschool means you are not just enrolling your child, you are joining a circle of families who care deeply about learning through play, building friendships, and supporting one another.

Here is how it works in practice:

Classroom Participation
Each family contributes 10 workdays per year, usually in two-hour classroom shifts spread throughout the school year. Parents get a front-row seat to their child’s school day while lending an extra hand to our teachers.

Holiday Celebrations
Every family helps plan and host one school holiday party, from Halloween to Lunar New Year to Valentine’s Day. It is a joyful way to share traditions and make memories together.

Committee Roles
Most families also take on a small committee role that keeps the school running smoothly. Roles range from President to Art Supplies Lead, ensuring there is a spot for every skill set and schedule.

Community Meetings
We hold a short monthly meeting (about 45 minutes on Zoom) to share updates, celebrate milestones, and stay connected. Attendance is not required, but it helps keep our community strong.

Our Classroom Model
Each class is capped at 18 children with 3 dedicated teachers and 1 parent volunteer present every day.

The co-op model at PPS is intentionally designed to be both meaningful and manageable. With participation spread across many families, the time commitment adds up to only about 2 hours a month, which is often less than families expect and feels pleasantly doable. Children thrive, parents connect, and together we make PPS not just a school, but a second home.

If there are circumstances that make it difficult to meet the co-op commitments, please reach out to discuss options. We are always open to finding solutions that support both families and the school community.