Welcome to the Acton Cooperative School

Philosophy and Program
Staff and parents work together to make each child's school experience a happy and enriching one. Children are helped to develop socially, emotionally, mentally, and physically. Children participate in individual choice and group activities. The teachers direct play in ways that allow children to develop self-control, self-confidence and interpersonal skills. Parental involvement allows parents to understand and have input into their child's school experiences, individual progress, and developing friendships.

Staffing and Structure
The school is governed by the Director and a Board comprised of parents elected to one-year terms. It is licensed by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the Town of Acton Board of Health, and its activities are overseen by the Office of ChildCare Services (OCCS). The Coop is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. All of our teachers are certified in Early Childhood Education and have completed first aid and CPR courses.

THREE-YEAR-OLDS are in classes of 13 children with one teacher, an assistant teacher, and a parent helper.
YOUNG FOUR-YEAR-OLDS are in classes of 13 children, with one teacher, an assistant teacher, and a parent helper.
FOUR-YEAR-OLDS are in classes of 18 children with one teacher, one assistant teacher, and a parent helper.
PRE-KINDERGARTENERS are in a class of 18 children with one teacher, one assistant teacher, and a parent helper.

All classes have special Music and Creative Movement instruction on alternate weeks. Licensing allows us to have classes of 20 children, but we strive for three-year-old classes of 13 children and four-year-old classes of 18 children. This allows us the flexibility to increase a class size if circumstances warrant it up to licensing regulations.

Class Schedule
THREE-YEAR-OLDS: 2-day program – Classes offered Tue./Thu. and Wed./Fri. 9:15 - 11:45
YOUNG FOUR YEAR OLDS: 3 day program – Class is offered Mon./Wed./Fri. afternoons 12:30 - 3:00
FOUR-YEAR-OLDS: 3 day program – Classes offered Mon./Wed./Fri. 9:15 - 11:45
PRE-KINDERGARTEN: 4 day program – Class offered Tue./Thurs. mornings 9:15 - 11:45 AND Mon./Fri. afternoons 12:30 - 3:00
EXTENDED DAY: "Stay and Play" – Mon., Tues., Wed., Thurs., and Fri from12:00 - 3:00 and also Monday morning 9:15-11:45 (Open to all children 3 years of age who are able to stay and play.)

Cooperative Responsibilities
Parents help in their child's classroom about once a month and serve as alternates for one another in that capacity. They attend four parent meetings and one work party per year, serve on one committee, and help in various smaller ways throughout the year.

Tuition
Tuition rates will be set at our Budget Meeting in February.
Call the school office for current rates.
Tuition is paid in four payments on March 1 (April 1 for returning students), August 1, November 1, and February 1.

Registration
A completed application form and a non-refundable fee of $45 is required for registration. Enrollment is on a first come first served basis beginning November 1st. If you have any questions please call Joan at the school 978-263-4547.