Thinking about enrolling your child in Eastside Cooperative Preschool? You’re not alone. With its strong community focus, play-based learning, and hands-on parent involvement, Eastside has become a top choice for families seeking more than just childcare — they want an experience rooted in growth, connection, and purpose.
As enrollment season approaches for 2025, here’s your complete, step-by-step guide on how to become part of this vibrant cooperative preschool community.
Why Choose Eastside Cooperative Preschool?
Before diving into the enrollment process, let’s quickly recap why Eastside stands out:
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Play-based curriculum that supports social, emotional, and cognitive development
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Active parent involvement for deeper connection and lower tuition
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Small class sizes and low adult-to-child ratios
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Warm and inclusive community that feels like family
Now let’s look at how you can secure your spot for the upcoming school year.
Step 1: Attend a Preschool Information Session or Open House
Eastside offers open houses and info nights in early spring and fall, typically starting in January and February.
During these sessions, you’ll:
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Meet the teachers and current parents
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Learn about the cooperative model
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Tour the classrooms and play areas
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Get a sense of the school’s philosophy
Pro tip: These sessions fill up fast, so RSVP early via the preschool’s website.
Step 2: Submit an Application Form
Once you’ve attended a tour or session and feel aligned with Eastside’s mission, the next step is to fill out the application form.
Application forms typically include:
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Basic family and child details
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Preferred days/times for attendance
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A few short questions about your interest in the co-op model
Most families apply between January and March for fall enrollment. There is often a small non-refundable application fee (around $25–$50).
Step 3: Participate in a Parent Interview or Discussion
This is not a test — it’s a conversation.
Eastside staff will schedule a brief interview or informal discussion to:
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Understand your expectations
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Answer your questions about volunteering or roles
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Share more about how the co-op model works
This step ensures that both your family and the school are a great fit.
Step 4: Receive Admission Offer and Submit Deposit
If accepted, you’ll receive an official offer of admission, often within a few weeks of your application.
To confirm your spot:
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Submit a deposit or registration fee (typically applied toward tuition)
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Sign a family agreement outlining your parent responsibilities
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Begin preparing for orientation and volunteer training
Step 5: Orientation and Getting Started
Before school begins, all new families attend a mandatory orientation session. You’ll learn about:
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Health and safety policies
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Classroom routines and co-op duties
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Conflict resolution and positive discipline techniques
You’ll also get access to:
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A shared parent calendar
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Committee assignments or co-op jobs
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Helpful tips from experienced families
Important Enrollment Dates for 2025
| Milestone | Estimated Date |
|---|---|
| Info Sessions Begin | January 10, 2025 |
| Application Deadline | March 15, 2025 |
| Admission Offers Sent | By April 1, 2025 |
| Orientation for New Parents | August 15, 2025 |
| First Day of School | Early September 2025 |
Note: Dates may vary slightly; always check the official website or contact the admissions team.
FAQs About Enrollment
Q: Is there a waitlist?
Yes, popular class times may have waitlists. Early application is strongly recommended.
Q: What age does my child need to be?
Eastside typically serves children ages 2.5 to 5 years.
Q: Do both parents need to participate?
Usually, one parent takes the lead for co-op duties, but flexibility is offered depending on family needs.
