Business Details
Play-Based Preschool in West Seattle
Alki Co-Op Preschool Co-Op Preschool has been dedicated to early childhood education since its founding, offering a play-based curriculum that fosters holistic development. Our program emphasizes the critical role of play in building academic, social, and emotional foundations, guided by experienced educators and aligned with Washington State Kindergarten Entrance Guidelines. Through small class sizes, parent involvement, and partnerships with South Seattle College, we create a nurturing environment where children explore, collaborate, and grow.Our team of certified teachers and parent educators integrates Adlerian positive discipline principles to support families in raising capable, empathetic learners. With a focus on equity and community, we provide tiered tuition options to ensure accessibility while maintaining high standards of care and education.
Services
Play-Based Curriculum
Parent Education
Outdoor Classes
STEAM Kids
Tiered Tuition
Highlights and features
- We offer a play-based curriculum aligned with Washington State Kindergarten Entrance Guidelines.
- Our program includes parent education and support through South Seattle College partnerships.
- Small class sizes ensure individualized attention and social-emotional development.
- Outdoor learning experiences are integrated into weekly Pre-K and STEAM classes.
- Tiered tuition options promote accessibility while maintaining educational quality.
Services
Play-Based Curriculum
Our play-based curriculum uses guided exploration to develop academic and social skills. Children engage in sensory play, dramatic activities, and hands-on projects that build neural connections critical for future learning. Teachers facilitate interactions that promote emotional regulation and collaborative problem-solving.
Parent Education
Monthly parent meetings and one-on-one consultations teach positive discipline techniques using Adlerian principles. Parents learn to balance kindness with firmness while building stronger home-school connections through shared educational experiences and community-building activities.
Outdoor Classes
Weekly outdoor sessions at West Seattle parks extend classroom learning into natural environments. Children develop gross motor skills, environmental awareness, and teamwork through structured play activities that align with seasonal changes and weather conditions.
STEAM Kids
STEAM-focused classes integrate science, technology, engineering, arts, and math through age-appropriate experiments and creative projects. Children explore concepts like prediction, measurement, and problem-solving while developing fine motor skills and artistic expression in a collaborative setting.
Tiered Tuition
Our tiered tuition system adjusts costs based on family income, using self-reported Seattle-area quartiles. This approach maintains accessibility while allowing higher-income families to contribute more, supporting our mission of equitable early childhood education for all community members.
People
Kim Seater
Preschool Teacher
Certified educator with expertise in toddler development and sensory play activities.
Karen Vegors
Preschool Teacher
Experienced in guiding three-year-olds through social-emotional learning and pre-academic skills.
Linda Plankinton
Preschool Teacher
Specializes in multi-age classroom management and collaborative play-based learning.
Jen Schill
Parent Educator
Provides parenting support using Adlerian positive discipline principles and community engagement strategies.
Heidi Hoglan
Parent Educator
Offers guidance on early childhood development and family-school partnership building.
Questions
What age requirements exist for enrollment?
Children must meet specific age milestones by August 31st, ranging from 12 months for toddlers to 4 years for Pre-K classes.
How does parent involvement work?
Parents assist in classrooms weekly, attend monthly meetings, and participate in co-op governance while receiving parenting education support.
What curriculum standards do you follow?
Our program aligns with Washington State Kindergarten Entrance Guidelines, focusing on social-emotional development, literacy, and STEM foundations.
Are scholarships available?
The Mary E. Phillips Scholarship Fund provides financial assistance through the Parent Advisory Council's equity initiatives.
How does outdoor learning function?
Pre-K and STEAM classes include weekly outdoor sessions at local parks, emphasizing nature exploration and physical development in all weather conditions.
