What is a co-op?
As a co-op, we are expecting 100% parent or caregiver participation. Parents and caregivers are expected to stay with the child through the entirety of the time spent together as a group. Parents are asked to participate in all activities with their child and encourage the child to participate as well. In addition, it is expected for each parent to address any behavioral issues that may occur during the event.
When does the co-op meet?
Every Wednesday at 10:00 am until around 12:00 pm. Each quarter will break for 2 weeks until the next one begins.
Fall: September 4 – December 18; Winter: January 8 – March 19; Spring: April 9 – June 5; Summer: July – August 20.
A general flow of the time spent together will be as follows:
10am: a sensory bin, art project, STEM activity, puzzle, etc.
10:25am: Circle time- read a book, sing a song, read a poem, etc.
10:50: group activity
Where do you meet?
The co-op will meet outdoors at a location predetermined by co-op leads. Locations will stay within the boundaries of Snohomish County, with exceptions for field trips or adventure days. We will frequent parks that offer different environments and ecosystems for the children to explore. We will mainly be rotating between the following locations:
-Twin Lakes (Marysville)
– Lake Stevens Community Park
– Lord Hill (Snohomish)
– Jennings Memorial (Marysville)
– Japanese Gulch Conversation Area (Everett)
– Pilchuck Park (Snohomish)
– Bob Heirman Wildlife Park (Snohomish)
What is the age range?
As a co-op, we want to see our kids grow together. Many of our kids are at a very young age and/or families have children of varying ages that may not have other activities where all can be involved. We encourage families with younger kids or families with kids of varying ages to join the co-op. We purposely choose curriculum that is family style and activities that can be completed by various ages, at different levels of difficulty, to address the different capabilities that come with different ages. We would like all children enrolled to have a birth year of 2017 or younger-exceptions can be made.
How does billing work?
Each family will register for a quarter and be charged a low, flat rate of $30 per family that includes all supplies, activities, and an end of season party. This will be paid via Venmo (or cash if necessary, but not preferred) at the time of registration. Clipboards and branded apparel will be available for additional purchase.
Funds will be put directly into the group in form of supplies, activities, and other costs associated with running the group. Purchases will be documented to allow transparency of where members’ fees are being used.
No refunds will be given.
How many families are allowed?
Although we will do our best to accommodate every family interested in the co-op, we will have a limit on the amount of families attending each month (around/under 20). We have found that the children are more eager to learn when the group is smaller. The number of spots that will be open every quarter will be predetermined by the co-op leads. Ages of the kids attending and the size of the families attending will both determine the number of open spots. We will always have a few spots reserved for families who would like to try out the co-op before committing, or members of the Snohomish County Nature Play and Learn Facebook group that can only attend periodically.
How should I dress my child?
Please keep in mind the season we are in when dressing your child for co-op. If a child is uncomfortable in the elements, their attention and eagerness to learn decreases. During the colder months, it is recommended to layer your child’s cloths. Every child’s comfort level is different, so keep your child in mind when choosing their outfit.
Layer 1: Wool base layer-wool is recommended over cotton because it acts as an insulator to regulate temperature.
Layer 2: Daily cloths or a fleece layer.
Layer 3: Investing in a good quality outer jacket and snow pants will help to insulate your child.
Layer 4: Waterproof outerwear such as a rain suit or bibs.
Extra: Beanie, waterproof mittens, wool socks, hand warmers
During the wet season, please make sure your child is wearing rain/snow boots to protect their feet from getting wet.
Attendance and Communication
We ask that parents or caregivers inform Kate Forte or Julianne Nilsson if they will not be able to attend any of the days they have signed up for. A 24-hour notice is recommended. We understand that sickness and last-minute things do come up, but please be respectful of last-minute cancelations.
A lack of communication from parent or caregiver over several absences can result in a family not being able to participate in the co-op. This will be at the discretion of the co-op leads with communication with the family.
We are in the process of creating an Instagram account for this group. Email will be the primary form of communication and newsletters sent to members’ emails. Leaders’ phone numbers will also be dispersed to members of the co-op.
How many families are allowed?
Although we will do our best to accommodate every family interested in the co-op, we will have a limit on the amount of families attending each month. We have found that the children are more eager to learn when the group is smaller. The number of spots that will be open every quarter will be predetermined by the co-op leads. Ages of the kids attending and the size of the families attending will both determine the number of open spots. We will always have a few spots reserved for families who would like to try out the co-op before committing, or members of the Snohomish County Nature Play and Learn Facebook group that can only attend periodically.
