Frequently Asked Questions
More complete information is available in the School Handbook. Please reach out to us at communications@dcpkids.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.
Is a cooperative preschool the right fit for our family?
Joining a cooperative preschool is highly rewarding because it creates a strong sense of community and allows you to enjoy valuable time with your child(ren) in the classroom setting. Each family is required to have a designated person who completes a background check, a medical statement for childcare declaring you're medically fit to interact with children, and is able to fulfil the volunteer requirements. Each family will typically volunteer 2-3 times/year for each Preschool session and 4-5 times/year for each Toddler Time session a child is enrolled. If you're wanting to join a close-knit community and take an active part in your childs education, then we would love to have you join us. For more information on the classroom volunteer requirements, please view the DCP Member Handbook on our website.
What does a day in the classroom look like?
Our teachers guide students with thematic experiences throughout the school year. Here is a typical day: Preschool Morning Schedule 9:00-9:15 Preschool drop-off 9:15 Class begins 9:30-10:00 Free Choice 10:00-10:20 Circle 10:20-11:00 Snack and outside time 11:00-11:30 Free Choice 11:30-11:45 Closing Circle/end of day 11:45 Pick-up at classroom entrance Preschool Afternoon Schedule 11:45-12:00 Preschool drop-off 12:00-12:30 Lunch and free work period 12:30-2:00 Free work period and outside time 2:00-2:15 Closing circle time 2:15 Pick-up at classroom entrance Toddler Time Schedule 9:20-9:30 Toddler Time drop-off 9:30-9:45 Arrival and opening activity 9:45-10:00 Circle time 10:00-10:30 Active group play 10:30-11:00 Free play/Outdoor play 11:00-11:30 Snack/group activity/closing circle time 11:30 Pick-up at classroom entrance
How do bathroom breaks work in the Preschool room, and does my child really need to be potty trained?
Potty breaks are encouraged several times throughout our day. As we transition from circle to snack, then snack to outside, and any other time we are having a big change, we individually ask the children if they need to go. This new atmosphere with new materials and friends can be very distracting and children will forget until it’s too late. We make every attempt to intervene before that point. Occasional accidents are part of any preschool classroom, but daily ones become disruptful and embarrassing to the child. Reach out to your pediatrician if you feel stuck in the potty training process.
How does it work if my child is in diapers in the Toddler room?
Parents should send in any diapering necessities and a full change of clothes each day. Staff will confer with families on arrival to discuss when children might need a diaper change or toilet break.
What is a "session"?
A session = a school day! (Though DCP offers both morning and afternoon sessions on Tuesday and Thursday.) Some families enroll for a single session, and others enroll for multiple sessions each week. This range of options allows for families with vastly different schedules to be part of our community.
What if my child isn't able to attend a session?
Please call the office at 740-369-7808 or email communications@dcpkids.com to report an absence.
What are some parent volunteer opportunities beyond committee roles?
Our cooperative is shaped by - and thrives on - parent engagement. If you have any particular talent or interest you'd like to share, please email us at communications@dcpkids.com or speak to a teacher or board member directly. If you'd like to know more about serving on the board, please feel free to reach out and/or join any of our board meetings.
What are my responsibilities as a classroom volunteer?
Please bring a healthy snack for the whole class (see snack guidelines) Arrive 15 minutes prior to the class beginning to assist with morning preparations. During the class period: complete cleaning duties as outlined. During the class period: complete tasks as requested by the teacher. Enjoy your time with your child and his/her classmates in the classroom. Complete closing cleaning duties, as outlined on the daily cleaning checklist.
What if I'm signed up for a volunteer slot and can't make it?
DCP will prepare a volunteer schedule prior to the beginning of the school year. If you are unable to volunteer on your scheduled day, it is your responsibility to contact another parent in the class (see member roster in your Jovial family portal) and make arrangements to swap volunteer days. It is your responsibility to note changes to your scheduled dates online via the online Classroom Volunteer form and the hard copy posted onsite at the school.
What are the snack guidelines?
On your assigned volunteer days, you will provide a nutritious snack for your child(ren)’s class. If you are unable to provide a snack on your assigned day, it is your responsibility to make arrangements with another family in the class to do so OR notify the teachers so it can be arranged to use a previously donated snack. DCP does keep extra snack items on hand. In the event that you forget to bring a snack on your assigned day, please provide a non-perishable replacement snack to replenish our supply as soon as possible. Toddlers will drink water from cups at snack time; preschoolers will use their own water bottles. Because some children may have reactions to certain food items, please make note of any specific restrictions for your child(ren)’s class days. Please see the choking hazard appendix at the end of the handbook for additional guidance. No food preparation may occur onsite. Please be sure to bring cutlery if your snack requires it. Healthy suggestions: Fresh fruit or vegetables - bananas, apples, carrot sticks, etc. Muffins/bread Animal crackers Pretzels or crackers Cereal/Chex mix Applesauce pouches Veggie Straws Written requests from families for special diets due to cultural, religious, or health reasons should be brought to the attention of the teacher(s).
What is a GMM?
Our General Membership Meetings are once every few months and provide a forum for all members to gather, exchange ideas, vote on current issues, and collaborate on plans for the future. At least one active member from each family is required to attend.
What should my child bring to school each day? Do they need a backpack?
Please bring a full change of clothes. Preschoolers should also bring a fresh, labeled water bottle each day, and lunch if they attend an afternoon session. A backpack or small bag to keep in their cubby is a great idea!
How will I get updates about what's going on in the classroom?
Aside from what you'll get to experience as a classroom volunteer, our monthly newsletters include information about what toddlers and preschoolers have been working on at DCP. In addition, Preschool families will receive information via Bloomz, a platform that allows teachers to share periodic updates about their class.
