WLCN is a cooperative preschool.
"As a co-op, all of the parents were so attuned to the kids and what was going on in the school. It was a wonderful experience both for us and the kids."
The Sheets Family
Co-op Model
A cooperative (co-op) preschool is a parent-run early childhood program where families actively participate in the school's operation, administration, and classroom activities, sharing duties like teaching assistance, maintenance, and fundraising to create a supportive, affordable, and involved learning environment for children and parents. Parents get to observe their child's development firsthand, gain parenting skills, and have a say in school decisions, fostering a strong community and a high adult-to-child ratio.
Parent Responsibilites
As a co-op parent, you will be expected to do the following:
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Help in the classroom, including engaging with students and light cleaning
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Contribute your special skills and interests as part of the Board or as a committee member
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Participate in school-sponsored events.
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Participate in deep cleanings of the school
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Attend up to four parent meetings to discuss the school’s performance, issues, and upcoming activities
Everyone plays a part in WLCN's success!
One adult from each family must either serve on the Executive Board, act as a Committee Chairperson, or be a member of a committee.
Executive
Board
The new Board commences each June for the following school year. Board meetings are held regularly between the Executive Board, Committee Chairpersons, and WLCN Staff. All parents are welcome to attend.
President
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Presides at meetings and represents the school community
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Responsible for coordinating the activities of the officers and committees
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Ensures that all work gets done
Building VP
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Responsible for building operations, security, and maintenance, also serving as liaison to the Wilde Lake Community Association
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Coordinates the monthly classroom deep cleaning schedule
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Procures school and building supplies
Education Chair
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Tracks school's programming and cirriculum to ensure compliance with MSDE and MD EXCELS accreditation
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Supports teachers in addressing issues concerning curriculum or lesson plans
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Participates in hiring and managing Staff, also conducting teacher evaluations and school-wide surveys
Webmaster
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Maintain and update the school website and associated accounts
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Maintains the class/school email lists, updates password/login information for Board members and teachers
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Troubleshoots technical issues
Admin VP
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Assists the President with special projects and initiatives
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Preside over meetings in the absence of the President
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Maintains school and staff records and licensing in compliance with state and county regulations
Class Liaisons
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A liaison is assigned for each class - 2s, 3s and 4s
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Serves as a link between class members, teachers, and the Board
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Creates and distributes the monthly co-op schedule and any emergency communication, sends weekly class/school updates, organizes class field trips and gifting for Staff
Fundraising Chair
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Organizes and plans fundraisers throughout the year including the Fall and Spring fairs, restaurant nights, family photoshoots
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Works with Publicity Chair to advertise fundraising campaigns
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Manages the Fundraising Committee
Student Records
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Collects and maintains health records and forms for all students according to school and state guidelines
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Maintains accurate emergency contact information for all students
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Organizes all student files in preparation for the annunal inspection
Membership VP
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Maintains membership records and communicates changes to respective Board members
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Manages enrollment including for prospective, new and returning families
Treasurer
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Supervises all the financial affairs of the school
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Collects tuition and fees, disburses money, and maintains financial records
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Files federal, state, and local tax reports
Publicity Chair
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Create and publish marketing material and source marketing opportunties for the school such as local preschool fairs
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Serve as admin for the school's social media accounts, posts regular, and facilitate online community engagement
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Assembles the yearbook
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Manages the Publicity Committee
Secretary
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Prepares meeting minutes and records attendance for general membership and Board meetings
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Assign each family to a committee or co-op job
Committees
&
Co-op Jobs
The committee members report to the Committee Chairperson, who delegates tasks and projects in a team setting to ensure equitable participation in support of the school's objectives for the year. The various co-op jobs have defined responsibilities and report to a respective Board member.