As friends and family across the U.S. prepare to gather this week to celebrate Thanksgiving, we also reflect on the many aspects of cooperative education for which we are grateful. Whether you are a caregiver who is first dipping your toes in, a seasoned teacher who is the heart and soul of your school, or an alum still keeping up with the happenings within the cooperative movement, we can each reminisce about what we've gained from being part of this community.

In this issue of Cooperatively Speaking, one of our advisors shares her story of becoming engaged with co-op and some of the benefits she has enjoyed for 40 years! PCPI's President will also share a bit about our Annual Meeting and an opportunity to reflect together on how much co-op has meant to families throughout the years. We hope you'll consider joining us!

Melissa Ranck

Editor, Cooperatively Speaking

https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZApduysqTgsEtVYEl9k4OKLBUfFCl00jJK6 

containing information about joining the meeting. This forum is open to all, whether you are a member of PCPI or not. Join us!

PCPI Advisor Linda Henegar's family became involved in cooperative preschools 40 years ago quite by accident. After finally observing a 3s classroom that felt good for her firstborn, she quickly grabbed the last open spot for him that spring--but she didn't actually learn what "co-op" meant until the first parent meeting in August! "That was the best quick decision I ever made," Linda reflects, and it led her to the registrar position for three of the next six years at two schools while all three of her children completed their early childhood education in co-op schools. This role was a good fit for Linda because of her strong desire for parents to understand what they were choosing before enrolling. She understood that while co-op was a perfect fit for her family, she saw many others not be able to continue for a variety of reasons.

Linda also served the schools as president, class rep and newsletter editor ("back when we did newsletters on ditto paper with a manual typewriter!"). A move midway through her children's early years led to a volunteer role with Parent Child Preschools Organization (PCPO) as treasurer and book sales, followed by joining the staff as the PCPO insurance coordinator, a position she held until fall 2018. While holding this position, Linda also served as the PCPO executive secretary for two four-year periods. Her first PCPI board role was the recording secretary in 2004, followed by stints as VP Finance, VP Admin, MTTG chair, and sitting on various committees. We are so thankful that Linda remains an active and valuable member of the cooperative community as an advisor for both PCPO and PCPI!

Thank you again to all of our PCPI Advisors: Natalie Hall, Vaughn Hatch, Linda Henegar, and Meg Kennedy Shaw. It's a joy to work with you and to reflect on your incredible contributions to co-op!

A few days ago at the NAEYC conference in Washington DC, I had the chance to meet-up with co-op members from Annandale Cooperative Preschool (VA), Charlestown Playhouse (PA), Fayette Cooperating Preschool (KY), and my co-worker from Hunters Woods Cooperative Preschool (VA) just for an informal chat. We had such a good time comparing how our cooperative schools work, trends we’re noticing, adjustments we’ve made, and what we think the future holds. Much of what we talked about only exists in the world of co-ops.

I’m happy to say that the Virginia Cooperative Preschool Council (VCPC) fully understands that, which is why we’re working on plans to make the 2023 PCPI Annual Meeting a great event. The meeting will be held in Northern Virginia (just outside of Washington DC) May 4-7. It will offer a great chance to network, visit preschools, plan for the future, and celebrate the cooperative heroes among us, and most likely coffee, bagels and cookies will appear at some point.

An important PCPI benefit available to U.S. schools is our group accident insurance policy. The plan provides $25,000 in Primary accident coverage per student per claim, with a $100 deductible. The annual premium cost per student is $3.85. The plan also allows for volunteers to be covered with an

annual premium cost of $3.85 per volunteer. This coverage cost and limit are good until 11/1/2023 at 12:01 am.

The carrier is United States Fire Insurance. U.S. Fire also has a Sickness Expense Rider that removes the Bacterial/Viral exclusion from the policy to provide up to $2500 for each sickness to help with medical expenses for something such as Covid-19. This coverage must be quoted.

While most students now have health insurance, it sometimes comes with large deductibles. Having accident insurance gives families and the school peace of mind that a child’s medical expenses will be covered without causing financial difficulties. Sometimes school liability policies require accident insurance. Accident insurance eliminates the need to establish fault and go through a long process that liability insurance may require. It simply pays the medical bills after the $100 deductible.

As you evaluate your school’s insurance coverage, consider PCPI’s group accident policy. For more information or to enroll, contact our insurance agency: Slater & Associates Insurance, Inc. by emailing info@slaterinsurance.com or lisa@slaterinsurance.com. Their phone number is 800-759-1556. Lisa can be reached directly at 971-801-1271. They can also help you with other preschool insurance needs.

This month, join us in learning about West Linn Community Preschool, another of our hosts during PCPI's Annual Meeting in Portland this spring. We're impressed by their strong community as well as the clear dedication of one of the most celebrated co-op teachers around!

Each year West Linn Community Preschool holds its annual “Peter Rabbit Event.” This 40+ year tradition brings together volunteers from alum families, high school students (many former students), community leaders, and beyond to host a Springtime Celebration. Families from all over the area come to meet “Peter Rabbit,” play games, meet local emergency heroes, partake in auctions to win fabulous prizes, and feast on a pancake breakfast. This becomes a family reunion of sorts as alum families return to support the school and see old friends. It also promotes the school as a pillar in the community.

In addition, West Linn Community Preschool hosts many family education events and home-grown family events. From guest speakers offering a wide range of helpful family topics to classic events like pumpkin carving parties and holiday gatherings honoring families.

West Linn Community Preschool is blessed to have one of, if not the longest-tenured teachers in the area. Teacher Cathy is the heart of West Linn Community Preschool. She models what an exemplary community member should be. With the students, she serves as a guide to learning, both academically and social-emotionally. She does so in a kind, warmhearted manner. She is particularly gifted with those students who may need extra support—taking the time to work through the challenges and inspiring growth. Her support is not limited to the children. She also extends her gifts to the families. Connecting families through the program, providing them with resources to help them manage challenges, and being there for them in times of need. She makes everyone feel like family.

Many thanks to alumni parent Jymn Meir and Teacher Cathy for sharing pieces of the magic families experience at West Linn Community Preschool!

Is there something special about your school community that you just can't help but share? Interested in being highlighted in Cooperatively Speaking? Reach out and tell us more!

Interested in becoming a sponsor? Contact PCPI to learn more!

A PCPI Members Google Group has been created to give us another avenue to share ideas and information. This has replaced the Yahoo Group which is no longer active.