Parent participation - Clavet Cooperative Preschool

Parent participation in parent helper days, toy washes, fundraising, and board membership is crucial for the effective operation of the preschool. The annual general meeting (AGM) is held in August and it is mandatory that each family attend. This is where parents learn how they will help the preschool to run for the following year. Parents also learn about school cancellations and meet other parents as well as the teacher.

Parent helper days
Parent participation is required to run and manage the preschool and ensure that the cost to participate remains low. Parents are required to do several parent helper days per year (exact number is dependent on how many children register). On regular preschool days we have a minimum of one parent helper. A calendar is placed in the school entrance so that parents have the opportunity to sign up for their parent helper days and to check their scheduled helper days at any time. Special occasions may require more helpers to assist in the activities. Parents must accompany their children on field trips.

Parents, grandparents or caregivers are welcome to work the helper days, however, all who wish to volunteer must complete a criminal record check. Siblings are welcome to come to parent helper days but the teacher must be informed in advance. Criminal record check letters will be emailed out over the summer. Criminal record check responses must be returned at the AGM.

If parents are unable to work their required parent helper days, they may opt out at the AGM by completing the required form and submitting a cheque for $300. This will be used to hire workers to fill the parent helper days.

Parent helpers must arrive 15 minutes before class to help set up the classroom, and stay until everything has been cleaned up and put away following class. Tables, chairs, rugs, and toys must be taken out of the storage room and set up.
Duties of the parent helper also includes: Classroom preparation (cutting, sorting, organizing materials for crafts based on the teacher’s direction) -Focusing students (assist the children in making their crafts, observe play time and remind children how to act appropriately or notify the teacher) -Snack time (help with hand washing, opening snacks, ensure proper clean up) -Getting dressed (at home time or before outside play time ensure that indoor shoes are removed, and appropriate outside clothing is put on -Hall clean up duties (check washrooms, sweep floors, garbage and recycle removed, lights off)

Toy Wash
Two toy washes are held each school year and it is mandatory that families attend one of them. Families again have the choice to work the toy wash or pay a $100 opt out fee. Toy washes are usually held in October and in March. Dates are finalized at the AGM. $100 deposit is required at this time, but cheques will only be cashed if the buyout option is chosen, or if the toy wash is not attended.

Fundraisers
Fundraisers are required to keep the cost of attending preschool low. Two mandatory fundraisers and one optional fundraiser are done each year. See more information in the fundraising page.

Board positions
The Clavet Co-operative Preschool is managed and directed by the parents. Parent volunteers to fill board positions are critical to the continued operation of the preschool. A new board is elected at each AGM. The attached document outlines the responsibilities of each board position. BOARD MEMBER DUTIES

Clothing
Parents will need to provide the following to the preschool for the duration of the year: * A clean pair of indoor, non-slip, non-marking shoes * A complete change of clothing in case of accidents or spills Both the children and parent helpers are to dress appropriately for the weather.