Frequently Asked Questions

What is the philosophy of TOTS?

Our program is a play-based curriculum designed to offer a nurturing, stimulating, and interesting classroom experience for your child.  The classroom is set up to be active and engaging in which children are allowed to experiment with their ideas by interacting with the materials and other children and adults in the classroom.  The teachers are there to support each child in finding and expressing their own individual interests, while at the same time helping children find effective and appropriate ways of interacting with others.  School activities include creative play, arts & crafts, science, cooking, stories, music, games, field trips, educational guests and family activities.

How does a Cooperative differ from other Nursery Schools?

Cooperative programs depend upon the hands-on support of the parents in the program to administrate and maintain the functioning of the school.  Examples of the areas of parental contributions include: working as parent assistants in the classroom, helping administrate the program by serving on the Board of Trustees, serving on committees that organize special functions, or helping publicize and recruit new families to the program.  The classroom teachers also rely upon parents to help with daily set up and clean up of the classroom.

What does a parent assistant do in the classroom on his/her Co-op day?  How often am I expected to be in the classroom?

Parent volunteers arrive early to help the teachers set up the classroom, prepare snack, and communicate with the teachers about the classroom plan for the day.  During class time, parent assistants interact with the children in the classroom, helping them find and participate in activities. They also help the teachers supervise play and set limits, when necessary.  Parents also stay after class to help the teachers with clean up.  All assisting parent responsibilities and guidelines are written and posted in the classroom for referral.  Parents rotate in the classroom on a regularly scheduled basis, volunteering approximately once every four to six weeks when enrollment is full.  Everyone shares in the scheduling equally.  No family is exempted from assisting in the classroom.  Parent/Family responsibilities include attending parent meetings, supporting fundraisers, helping with upkeep of facility and equipment and volunteering to help at special family events.

Do you offer babysitting?

TOTS does not offer a babysitting service for families that have younger siblings.  In the beginning of the school year,  there will be opportunities for families to meet during school and organize a babysitting co-op.  It will be up to the parents to arrange for coverage with other moms in the group.