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October 3, 2016 
Vol. 46 No. 11
Cooperatively Speaking
The Latest News from PCPI

Hello Again! 

I recently traveled to Kauai, HI and thought I'd check to see if there were any cooperative preschools on the island to visit.  I could tell from a website that someone tried to get one started in 2012, but it doesn't appear to exist now, and I was unable to find a contact to talk to about their experience.  

This made me think about how much work, love, and grit goes into starting a co-op and keeping it going year after year.  We all have something very special happening in our communities! PCPI gives us a vehicle to connect experienced "co-opers" with those who are just starting out, and we can all learn from each other.  Isn't that exciting?

Happy fall!

Dianne Rose, M.Ed.
Editor, Cooperatively Speaking

PS - Check your mailbox! PCPI invoices were sent out at the end of September. Payment is due in November.
At the Core of Co-ops:  Parent Education
Article by Lisa Meyer, PCPI Becky Allen Fund Chair
Among the many benefits of membership in PCPI is the opportunity to apply for a grant from theBecky Allen Fund. The Fund offers an annual grant to one or more cooperative preschools to help fund a parent education project.

The 2016 award went to Racine Cooperative Preschool. They used the funds to purchase resources that parents could check out through the school's library and to offer workshops to help parents understand and support children's literacy development.

The 2015 award went to Fort Hunt Preschool in Virginia. They offered a workshop to parents and staff entitled, Enriching Your Child's Time in Nature. 

Over the years many cooperative preschools have benefited from a range of parent education programs supported by the grant. Topics have included various aspects of child development, such as the social/emotional and dealing with challenging behaviors, speech and language, techniques to support play-based learning, nutrition and more. Schools have invited a variety of speakers including a psychologist, college teacher, occupational therapist, authors as well as their own expert staff to provide these programs.

Your school could be the next recipient of funds to support a parent education program that is just right for your school. The total grant amount is $500 to fund programs in one or more PCPI member schools in the U.S. are invited to submit grants up to December 16, 2016. Grant requests can be sent in letter or document form and should include the following information:
  • School name and address
  • Contact person's name, phone and email.
  • Your parent education goals
  • Your program content
  • Estimated number of participants
  • Your program staff/presenters
  • The length of your program and timelines
  • Your program budget needs
Your request should clearly describe a program that will be of value to your school/community with as many specifics as possible. Please send your requests via email to Lisa Meyer, Chairperson for the Becky Allen Fund. (Please expect confirmation of receipt within two business days, otherwise, resend or contact the Chair at 301-474- 5570).

The Grant request deadline is December 16, 2016. The grant award decision will be made by January 13, 2017. Please consider taking advantage of this opportunity to enhance parent education at your school.

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Rebecca Allen

Thank you to those of you who have made contributions in memory of Becky Allen, who  d evoted her life to early childhood education and the importance of parent involvement.  Allen was inducted to the Cooperative Hall of Fame in 2006 .

If you would like to contribute, please send your check to PCPI, PO Box 230327 , Portland, OR 97281. Please make your checks payable to PCPI with a notation that it is for the Becky Allen Fund. Your donation is tax deductible.


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Cooperatively Speaking with friends!

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To submit an article or idea, please email pcpinewsletter@gmail.com.  Thanks!

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Parent Cooperative Preschools International (PCPI)


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