Questions & Answers ABOUT THE PRESCHOOL
Q: How often will I "co-op" in my child's preschool classroom?
A: Parent participation is approximately once a month in the 2 1/2, 3 and 4 year old classes. This may vary slightly due to enrollment and class size. The class mother in each class prepares the participation schedule, taking into account individual needs and requests. If you cannot come when scheduled, you can always find another parent to switch days with you. When you get to the classroom on your participation day (15 minutes before class time), the teacher will explain the day's activities and your assignments. There is no co-oping in Discovery Fridays or Kindergarten Enrichment. For the Mommy and Me class, a parent or childcare provider must stay with the child.
We also offer an option to opt out of co-oping for those parents that are unable to be in the classroom. There is an additional fee for the class if you are unable to be in the classroom once a month.
Q: Can I bring my younger child to class when I co-op?
A: Younger siblings are not permitted in the preschool classroom. Some parents make babysitting arrangements with friends, family or their own sitter. Other parents prefer to use the parent-run babysitting program at our school. This program allows the parents to share childcare services on-site while they co-op. The coordinator sets certain days each month for babysitting to be available and the participating parents take turns watching the children once a month. This service is run by the parents for the parents.
Q: When is your Open House?
A: We don't have a set Open House. We prefer to schedule individual tours with parents and children so that we may personalize the visit to address your specific needs and any questions you may have, and to facilitate seeing the preschool classrooms in session. We schedule tours almost every day between the hours of 9 am and 3 pm. Call us (201) 447-6232 or email us (mailto:ridgewooodcoop@gmail.com) to arrange a visit.
Q: What is your tuition for the year?
A: The Ridgewood Co-Op has very competitive preschool tuition rates. Due to our fundraising and parent participation we are able to keep our costs lower than most preschools in the area. Please call us or email us for more detailed tuition information.
Q: You are located inside a Church, does that mean you teach religion?
A: No. While we are affiliated with the Ridgewood United Methodist Church, and we share a wonderful relationship with the Church and its parishioners, the Co-Op has a secular program. The Church does not get involved in setting any part of our preschool curriculum. We do, however, love to have the children participate in the charitable organizations that the Church supports, such as the holiday food and gift drives.