The co-op offers both morning and afternoon sessions.

• Morning session: 9:00 am - 11:30 am
• Afternoon session: 12:15 pm - 2:45 pm

Mommy & Me - 1 Day Program

• Monday mornings (may be extended to Wednesdays with interest)

2 1/2 Year-olds (by October 1) - Two Day Program

• Monday & Wednesday OR Tuesday & Thursday

Three Year-olds - Two or Three Day Program

• Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday

Four Year-olds - Three or Four Day Program

• Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday

Kindergarten Enrichment - 2 Day Program

• Tuesday & Thursday OR Monday & Wednesday

• Various play and enrichment activity programs are available each day school is in session

Our programs offer children a warm and comfortable environment in a comfortable group setting. Class activities provide children with a wealth of resources and challenges. Daily sessions include individual, small group, and whole class experiences.

Teachers plan several exciting interdisciplinary units throughout the year. Each unit incorporates a variety of play, artistic, dramatic, fine and gross motor, literacy, critical thinking, and scientific activities. Hands on exploration is always encouraged.

Children in the preschool program enjoy physical education and music classes with specialized teachers each week. In addition, students visit the updated library for an interactive literacy experience. They also borrow books related to the classroom curriculum. Classes enjoy several fieldtrips throughout the year to enhance leaning.

While the coop is housed in the Ridgewood United Methodist Church, our curriculum is nonsectarian and does not include any religious instruction. Diverse holiday traditions are celebrated. Emphasis is placed on respect, caring for others, and learning to become a responsible member of the community.

Each day starts with a period of free play during which the children move around the classroom centers. One area provides game, puzzles and books for quiet play. Painting and other art projects are always available. A dress-up corner and play kitchen also stimulates the imagination. An extensive block and toy collection facilitates cooperative or solo play.

Later, clean-up time leads into circle time. The children come together to enjoy stories, songs and simple games that are designed to promote literacy, mathematical, problem solving, and critical thinking skills.

Throughout the rest of the class session, students participate in developmentally appropriate play and academic activities. A variety of mediums are used for artwork to help to develop fine motor skills and encourage sharing, creativity and self expression. The class experiences small group learning activities to ensure that children get the attention and assistance that they need. Children also participate in an interactive literacy read aloud and enjoy a healthy snack. Active play takes place on the outdoor playground, where there are tricycles and other age-appropriate ride-on toys, and a new fenced in playground. In inclement weather, children enjoy active play in the "Rainy Day Room," which features a play structure, building blocks, gymnastic mats, ride-on toys and an indoor basketball hoop.

The co-op also features supplemental programs throughout the school year:

• MUSIC: In addition to routine songs and musical activities that take place in the classroom, each class has a weekly music session with our music teacher.
• PHYSICAL EDUCATION: To supplement daily free play on the playground or in our "Rainy Day Room," gym classes are offered for all 3 and 4 year olds on a weekly basis beginning in October, and for 2 1/2 year olds beginning in January. Our gym teacher puts together a weekly curriculum that helps to develop children's large motor skills, as well as opportunities for sharing and teamwork.
• LIBRARY: Each class visits the school library once a week. The library is managed by participating parents. Children will enjoy listening to a text that correlates to the current classroom theme. They also borrow books that correspond with the changing seasons or lesson plans currently followed in their classrooms.

The co-op offers different extended day options each day of the week. Children eat lunch at school with their friends and enjoy either additional playtime or more focused enrichment learning together. The programs are offered daily for morning and afternoon classes. Various sign up options are available: regular participants can sign up for the year; occasional participants can sign up whenever they like using the weekly sign-up sheets.