Overview The teachers, with input from the parents and the parent educator, develop the curriculum, which may vary by class according to the needs of the children and the perceptions of the teachers and parents. Class sessions differ by age group but are generally structured with periods of choice time, circle time, snack and gross motor play. Choice time functions along the open classroom concept, where children have the freedom to explore multiple activities that are offered simultaneously and change day to day. As an example, activities might include art projects, painting, puzzles, puppets, building blocks and dramatic play. An emphasis is placed on social interaction, language development and self-expression. Circle time incorporates story time as well as music and movement. Age appropriate indoor play structures afford the opportunity for gross motor play. Periodic field trips and outside play are included when weather permits typically for older children. Ethnic holidays and traditions are incorporated and diverse cultural experiences are highlighted. Parents are encouraged to bring their skills, talents, and experiences into the classroom and function as assistant teachers in the classroom interacting with the children and facilitating their independent and cooperative play.
Overview
The teachers, with input from the parents and the parent educator, develop the curriculum, which may vary by class according to the needs of the children and the perceptions of the teachers and parents. Class sessions differ by age group but are generally structured with periods of choice time, circle time, snack and gross motor play.
Choice time functions along the open classroom concept, where children have the freedom to explore multiple activities that are offered simultaneously and change day to day. As an example, activities might include art projects, painting, puzzles, puppets, building blocks and dramatic play. An emphasis is placed on social interaction, language development and self-expression. Circle time incorporates story time as well as music and movement. Age appropriate indoor play structures afford the opportunity for gross motor play. Periodic field trips and outside play are included when weather permits typically for older children.
Ethnic holidays and traditions are incorporated and diverse cultural experiences are highlighted. Parents are encouraged to bring their skills, talents, and experiences into the classroom and function as assistant teachers in the classroom interacting with the children and facilitating their independent and cooperative play.
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Teachers
Kelly Mulligan is the mother of three children and she has been a cooperative preschool parent at MPCP. She has her Master's in Teaching from Seattle University and over 8 years teaching experience in Seattle Public Schools. Kelly brings with her over 10 years experience in assessing and supporting effective early childhood development. In addition, she has over 15 years experience counseling parents on healthy communication and parenting styles. Before teaching Kelly worked for many years as a child advocate for Broadview Emergency Shelter Program. Nicole Hemphill is joining MPCP as a new teacher. She is wholeheartedly convinced of the fact that birth to three is a critical time in child development. Consequently she is excited to have the opportunity to help create an environment that supports parents as they support their children’s internal motivation to learn from the world around them. Nicole received a BA in Society and Justice with minors in Speech Communications and Sociology from the University of Washington. She worked in corporate marketing for a few years following graduation before shifting to childcare as a caregiver for children ages birth to five. Her years of childcare experience fueled her interest in the healthy social and emotional development of young children and lead her to graduate school. In June of 2008 Nicole completed her Masters of Education in School Counseling at Seattle University.
Kelly Mulligan is the mother of three children and she has been a cooperative preschool parent at MPCP. She has her Master's in Teaching from Seattle University and over 8 years teaching experience in Seattle Public Schools. Kelly brings with her over 10 years experience in assessing and supporting effective early childhood development. In addition, she has over 15 years experience counseling parents on healthy communication and parenting styles. Before teaching Kelly worked for many years as a child advocate for Broadview Emergency Shelter Program.
Nicole Hemphill is joining MPCP as a new teacher. She is wholeheartedly convinced of the fact that birth to three is a critical time in child development. Consequently she is excited to have the opportunity to help create an environment that supports parents as they support their children’s internal motivation to learn from the world around them. Nicole received a BA in Society and Justice with minors in Speech Communications and Sociology from the University of Washington. She worked in corporate marketing for a few years following graduation before shifting to childcare as a caregiver for children ages birth to five. Her years of childcare experience fueled her interest in the healthy social and emotional development of young children and lead her to graduate school. In June of 2008 Nicole completed her Masters of Education in School Counseling at Seattle University.
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The Co-op receives the support of two parent educators from Seattle Central Community College. The parent educators advise our parents, Board and teachers, and present the parent education program. They also attend classes and parent meetings, and are accessible by phone for conferring with Co-op members on many aspects of family life.
Pam McElmeel Pam has been an SCCC parent education instructor since 1987. She has two young adult children who were both ?co-op kids.? Pam is a firm believer that a ?village? is the best support for childrearing. She loves her job because it allows her the opportunity to contribute in a small way to growing a new generation. Pam earned a B.S. in education from Western Illinois University and a M.S. in education from the University of Washington. She has taught in both secondary and elementary school. Currently she is assigned to two SCCC affiliated preschools, Madison Park and Queen Anne.
Pam has been an SCCC parent education instructor since 1987. She has two young adult children who were both ?co-op kids.? Pam is a firm believer that a ?village? is the best support for childrearing. She loves her job because it allows her the opportunity to contribute in a small way to growing a new generation. Pam earned a B.S. in education from Western Illinois University and a M.S. in education from the University of Washington. She has taught in both secondary and elementary school. Currently she is assigned to two SCCC affiliated preschools, Madison Park and Queen Anne.
Linda Barber This is Linda's first year as a parent educator for MPCP. For the last 12 years, she has been working with the "Raising Healthy Children" project at the University of Washington where she worked with approximately 135 families on parenting issues in their homes and gave workshops in school settings. Linda has a B.A. in Education from Pacific Lutheran University, and an MEd. with an emphasis in counseling from City University. She has two children and three grandchildren.
This is Linda's first year as a parent educator for MPCP. For the last 12 years, she has been working with the "Raising Healthy Children" project at the University of Washington where she worked with approximately 135 families on parenting issues in their homes and gave workshops in school settings. Linda has a B.A. in Education from Pacific Lutheran University, and an MEd. with an emphasis in counseling from City University. She has two children and three grandchildren.
Finally, it is important to note that our Co-op is managed and run by parents. Parents assist teachers in class, help with curriculum planning and complete a parent job or serve as an officer on the Co-op Board.
Madison Park Cooperative Preschool 1900 43rd Avenue East Seattle, WA 98112 206.324.7846 Donations to MPCP are tax deductible: 501(c)3 - 91-0889472