The Co-op provides a flexible daily routine, striving to achieve a balance of spontaneity with structure. Cooking, art and science projects are provided by parents so the curriculum is ever-changing and draws upon the experience and knowledge of participants. This structure is the backbone of the community-based philosophy that is the essence of the Coop experience.

In a typical day, the first hour is spent doing activities of the children's choice; they may play inside, in the front yard, or may choose to do one of the science, art or cooking projects set up by parents. By 10:00am, our spacious backyard opens and children are free to play indoors or out.

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It is also about this time that it is announced that snack is served. Parents are all in charge of supplying snack for one week per year, and always consist of an organic fruit or vegetable, a starch and a protein. Once it's announced that snack is served, hands are thoroughly washed, then children sit down with a parent to enjoy some tasty treats. We call this a 'grazing snack' because children are free to choose when to eat rather than be expected to all be hungry at the same time. We keep track of who has eaten then go out and personally invite those who haven't, to come for snack before 'last call' is announced. We have found that this method makes snack time less disruptive by kids who aren't as hungry, and more enjoyable for those who are. Plus it gives children who are engaged in an activity ample time to continue until they decide they are done. 

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It is also about this time that our spacious backyard is opened allowing children the opportunity to choose between playing inside or out. Outdoors there are swings, slides, bikes, scooters, go-karts, climbing structures, climbing wall, and a sand pit. Plus there are always art and science projects to choose from. Of course this is also free time to engage in free, imaginary play, however they wish.

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Around 10:30am, children are invited to circle time with Mrs. Chantal, another teacher, parent or outside guest. The last few minutes of the day are spent in a final Goodbye Circle before children say goodbye and greet their parents at the gate (unless, that is, they are staying for lunch).

An outside music teacher comes in for many sessions during the school year, plus we have really exciting visitors such as Tracy the Animal Guy, a local animal expert who brings small live animals for the children to hold. 

We enjoy several traditions, including participating in our town parades, a festive Halloween celebration, Thanksgiving gratitude feast, Pirate's week, and an Easter egg hunt.  We also do field trips to the Fire Station, Post Office, nearby grocery store, a pumpkin patch, and three days of outdoor school.  We also make a point to schedule special visitors like a fireman, Nutcracker ballet dancer, and dentist. 

Children who will be moving on to kindergarten attend our Pre-K program, Friday afternoons. It is not heavily academic, but has a slightly more structured format than the morning program.