Welcome to Nature's Pointe Cooperative Preschool, a nature-focused, play-based preschool located in Noblesville, Indiana. We are proud to be an ICPC-affiliated preschool, enrolling children from 18 months to 5 years. Our preschool is owned and maintained by the parents of the children enrolled, and we operate on a non-profit, secular basis. Our mission is to provide a safe, secure, and gradual transition from home to school for your child, while fostering social, emotional, and cognitive skill-building through play.
Our Programs
We offer 4 preschool classes, beginning as young as 18 months and going up to Pre-K for children up to 5 years of age. Our programs vary from 2 hours to half day. Our nature-focused approach provides children with opportunities to learn and explore in a natural environment, both indoors and outdoors, and our play-based curriculum is designed to foster creativity, independence, and self-esteem.
What is Co-op?
A co-op preschool is owned and maintained by the parents of the children enrolled on a non-profit, nonsectarian basis. Parents assist teachers in the classroom on a rotating basis and share in the business operation of the school. Cooperative preschools are terrific places to share firsthand in your child's education! Parent participation is one of the most consistent predictors of a child's school success and achievement. Co-op preschools are a great environment for adults to develop new friendships and build support networks with other parents.
Parents' Role in a Co-op Preschool Classroom
As a parent in our co-op preschool, your main responsibility will be to help in the classroom on a rotating basis. Depending upon class size, you will be required to assist once or twice a month in the classroom and also once as an early return parent helping to prepare our classrooms for the next day once class is completed. Your active participation in your child's education is crucial and helps create a sense of community.
Job Assignments
Each family will be assigned a job necessary to keep the school operating efficiently. Your assignment will be based off your registration data or interests/specialities you have expressed. Examples of jobs include librarian, treasurer, and materials organizing. There will also be opportunities to serve on various committees throughout the year for those who are able to volunteer their time further.
Parent Ed & Service Hour Requirements
Each family is required to earn 4 parent education credits in addition to providing 4 hours of service to the school during the school year for full year students. Parent education credits can be earned through various workshops, classes, and online trainings offered by the school. Service hours can be completed by assisting in the classroom, serving on a committee, or helping with school events.
Health Requirements
Any adult participating in the classroom during the year must supply proof of a negative TB test. Each child must have a physical examination form completed by a physician on file before the start of school to include immunization records. Parents are required to attend the following events: Nature's Pointe Orientation, ICPC Orientation/Classroom Participation Training, and Membership Meetings.
Our Educational Philosophy
We are a "success-oriented" school, striving to help children and their parents form positive self-concepts and good feelings of self-worth. We value the uniqueness of each child and adult involved. Nature's Pointe is a developmentally appropriate program with a cooperative philosophy, providing a learning environment for both parents and children. The length and frequency of school days is in line with the recommendations of early childhood educators as appropriate for the age of the children. Teacher-led group time is balanced with plenty of self-directed, hands-on experiences.
The Power of Play - Outside!
At Nature's Pointe, we focus on developmentally appropriate learning through play strategies with an emphasis on cooperative play where two or more children learn how to interact, problem-solve, and make decisions together. Children in cooperatively structured, learning through play environments exhibit higher levels of pro-social behavior (sharing, dramatic play, cooperation, positive interactions) than children in traditional-structured classrooms. We focus on outdoor play with our outdoor classroom environment, and each class spends as much time outside as possible, exploring and learning through nature. We have an outdoor kitchen complete with dishes, mud and sink, a playhouse, and a playground that lends cooperative play outside with friends and nature alike.
General Overview
The reviews of Nature's Pointe Cooperative Preschool (NPCP) are overwhelmingly positive, with all reviewers giving the school a 5-star rating. Parents praise the school's unique co-op approach, nature-based and play-based curriculum, and the strong sense of community among families.
Academic Experience
The reviewers rave about the school's approach to learning, citing the benefits of the play-based curriculum and the emphasis on exploration and discovery. Many parents appreciate the school's focus on preparing children for kindergarten and beyond, with some noting that their children have thrived academically and socially.
Teacher and Staff
The teachers and staff at NPCP are widely praised for their dedication, kindness, and expertise. Reviewers mention the strong relationships between teachers and students, and the sense of trust and support that pervades the school community.
Co-op Community
The co-op aspect of the school is a major draw for many families, who appreciate the opportunity to be involved in their child's education and to build relationships with other parents. Reviewers praise the sense of community and camaraderie among families, citing the school as a "second home" or a "family" environment.
Unique Benefits
Some reviewers highlight the unique benefits of NPCP, including the emphasis on outdoor learning, the inclusive and supportive environment, and the opportunities for parent education and involvement.
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