Discover the Charm of Afternoon Preschool Classes at Dexter Co-op!

Hello, Dexter Co-op families and friends! Today, we're excited to share the unique benefits of our afternoon class for 3-year-olds—a magical time filled with learning, exploration, and growth. While our 3’s AM class has captured the hearts of many, we're here to shine a spotlight on the wonders of the afternoon session.

A Peaceful Start to the Day
Mornings can be hectic, but they don't have to be. Our afternoon class offers the gift of time—time for a leisurely breakfast, extra cuddles, or even a morning walk. This relaxed pace sets a positive tone for the rest of the day, allowing children (and parents!) to approach learning with calmness and readiness.

Synchronized with Natural Rhythms
Every child is unique, and so are their sleep patterns. For children that wake up later or take naps earlier in the day, this class is the perfect time to allow them time to wake up. Being well-rested means they're more attentive, engaged, and ready to soak in the joy of learning.

Savoring the Outdoors
There's something special about the afternoon sun—warmer and inviting, perfect for outdoor play. Our afternoon class takes full advantage of this, encouraging children to explore, move, and connect with nature. It's a wonderful way to foster a love for the outdoors and physical activity.

Seamlessly Integrating Family Schedules

An additional benefit of our afternoon class is its harmony with the schedules of families who have older children in school. The time of the afternoon class doesn't conflict with school drop-off times for older siblings, making mornings less stressful for parents. This thoughtful scheduling ensures that parents can manage their time effectively, maintaining a smooth and balanced routine for the whole family. It's just another way we strive to support our Dexter Co-op families in every aspect of their daily lives.

A Smooth Transition to Future Learning
Our afternoon class also serves as a gentle introduction to the structure of a full school day. This experience helps ease the transition to more extended school hours in the future, laying a foundation for a lifetime of learning with enthusiasm and confidence.

At Dexter Co-op, we believe in the power of choice and the value of providing an enriching environment that caters to the needs of every family and child. The afternoon class is not just a time slot; it's a doorway to new possibilities, friendships, and adventures.

We invite you to explore the afternoon class and discover how it can light up your child's world. Let's embrace the journey of learning together, one sunny afternoon at a time.

Building a Bright Future Together: The Dexter Co-op Preschool Experience

Introduction

In the bustling little town of Dexter, Michigan, there's a remarkable place where parents and teachers join hands to create a nurturing and enriching environment for their children. Welcome to the Dexter Co-op Preschool, where the spirit of collaboration, community, and dedication to our children's growth thrives. In this blog post, we'll explore what makes a co-op preschool like Dexter Co-op truly exceptional.

The Heart of Dexter Co-op: Parents and Teachers

At Dexter Co-op Preschool, the foundation of our educational model lies in the partnership between parents and teachers. While our beloved educators, Lisa and Tasia, provide essential guidance and support, it's the active involvement of parents that sets us apart. Together, we form a dynamic team that fosters the holistic development of our children.

Active Parental Involvement

One of the key aspects that make Dexter Co-op Preschool great is the commitment of parents to actively participate in their children's learning journey. We don't just drop our kids off at the school gate and pick them up at the end of the day; we roll up our sleeves and get involved in the daily life of the school. This hands-on involvement not only ensures that our children receive individualized attention but also creates a sense of trust and familiarity between parents, teachers, and students.

Celebrating Together

Holidays are a special time at Dexter Co-op Preschool. Instead of just attending events, we organize and host them as a collective effort. From Halloween parties to festive winter gatherings, these celebrations teach our children the value of teamwork and shared responsibility.

Active Engagement in Town Events

Our commitment to community extends beyond our school gates. Dexter Co-op Preschool families actively participate in town events, demonstrating our dedication to making our town a better place for everyone. This is where we work to get our name out there as a great school. It takes great members of our town to build the great community of the Dexter Co-op!

Proud Contributors to Dexter Co-op Preschool

Dexter Co-op Preschool isn't just a school; it's a family. We work tirelessly together to create an environment where our children can thrive. As parents, we take immense pride in contributing to a preschool that we can wholeheartedly support and be proud of.

Conclusion

Dexter Co-op Preschool is not just an educational institution; it's a way of life for our community. Our partnership with dedicated teachers, active parental involvement, and a commitment to fostering a supportive community set us apart. At Dexter Co-op, we believe that by working together, we're not only shaping the future of our children but also creating a brighter future for our town. It's a journey filled with love, dedication, and joy, and we couldn't be prouder to be a part of it.

So Much Happening at the Dexter Co-op (including Apple Daze!)

Recent Events at the Co-op

Wow, it has been quite a busy few weeks. I have to apologize for not writing this blog post sooner, we’ve all had so much going on that the days slip by! I am overflowing with excitement about the events of the past couple of weeks. We had our first field trip, we ran a booth at the Apple Daze festival, and we painted the plow!

The 3s field trip had its fair share of rain, but the kids made the best of it! They visited Three Cedars Farm in Northville, where they took a hay ride out to the pumpkin patch, talked about the animals, and enjoyed some tasty apple cider and donuts. The 4s classes ventured to Blast Corn Maze, where the kids ran around the tall corn, played in the corn kernels, and also got to experience the joy of pumpkins, apple cider and donuts!

One weekend after the field trip, Dexter Co-op participated for the first time in Dexter’s popular Apple Daze festival. The preschool decided to set up a booth to increase our publicity and ultimately boost enrollment. This was a great time to show off our new logo as well, which we had printed onto shirts for kids and adults. It was exciting seeing parents come together and volunteer to run the booth, help setup and teardown, and provide supplies for the day. Our coloring table, temporary tattoos, and stickers were a huge hit with all of the children who passed the booth, and the activities gave us a great ice breaker to start conversations with parents about joining the Dexter Co-op preschool.

Given our resulting list of new emails from parents who are interested in learning more about the Co-op, we would say our first Apple Daze appearance was a success and definitely got our name out in the community!

Dexter Co-op Merchandise: Available Now!

We have sweatshirts and kid shirts with the new logo on it!

They’re available today, so if you’d like one it’s $20 for the adult sweatshirt, which is a white logo on black, and $16 for the kids long-sleeve shirt, which is the colored logo on black. We’ll have more options available to choose from in the future, so keep your eye out for that announcement. A lot of work has gone into orchestrating a fresh, modern look for our school to keep us relevant as Dexter grows. All profits from merchandise go to Dexter Co-op, so you can help support our school by picking up our cool new look! Contact us here for ordering information.

Coming Soon at Dexter Co-op

We have some fun upcoming activities for our little ones now that Halloween is drawing near. On the 30th and 31st of October, the kids can wear their costumes to school for some extra holiday fun. Parents are invited to come 20 minutes before the end of class to take pictures of the costume parade and pass out some treats!

Our Exciting First Week and Big News: We've Got a New Look!

Hey there, preschool parents! It was an awesome first week at our school, and we're super pumped to share what's been happening with our little learners and the big news we've got in store.

A Week of Learning and Fun

Our preschoolers had a blast during their first week back. On top of getting into their new routines, they've been practicing their essential life skills. Things like washing hands, putting on their backpacks, and staying hydrated are all important parts of becoming independent, and school is a perfect place to practice. Our little ones are learning and growing together! Our gym is a place where the kids can get their sillies out through many different activities. They’re having a blast playing and working together and they're not just running around; they're making friends, learning to cooperate, and having a ton of fun in the process.

Who doesn't love a good story? Our awesome teachers have been reading tales that whisk our little ones away to magical places. Group time on the rug is where imaginations run wild and the love for reading begins to bloom. It’s so exciting to see those imaginations take flight! Art is a big deal at our school. From squishing and cutting play-doh into crazy shapes to drawing and painting, our mini artists are having a blast expressing themselves in all sorts of colorful ways.

We can't wait for the upcoming adventures and discoveries. Keep a lookout for information regarding our first field trip! Our school is all about having fun, making friends, and learning. 

Check Out Our New Logo!

We've got an exciting new look, and we're ready to show it off! Our school is sporting a fresh take on our old logo, and we're excited about it! This year, we're gearing up for some serious marketing action. Get ready for cool merchandise, deeper community engagement, and a stronger social media presence as we spread the word about our great school! The Dexter Co-op is embracing change while staying true to our cherished values.

Join Us at Dexter Apple Daze

Come hang out with us at Dexter’s Apple Daze! Keep your eyes peeled for the volunteer sign up link to help with the event day of, and any prep work or set up that may be involved. If you can’t volunteer, make sure to stop by our tent! We'll be there with smiles on our faces, ready to chat with you and answer any questions you may have. Oh yeah, and keep your eyes peeled for some cool merch featuring our new logo. You won't want to miss it!

Thanks for being part of our preschool family. We're excited about all the great things coming our way. Stay tuned for more updates and adventures as we share this awesome journey with you!

Welcome Back, Little Learners: A Day in the Life at Our Coop Preschool!

The days are getting shorter, the air is getting crisper, and the backpacks are packed to the brim with anticipation. It's that time of year again when our little ones return to school, or perhaps venture into the world of preschool for the very first time. Whether you're a returning family or a newcomer to our close-knit community, we're thrilled to have you join us at our cooperative preschool.

At the Dexter Cooperative Preschool, we pride ourselves on being more than just an educational institution. We're a family, a community of parents who actively participate in their child's journey through these formative years. Together, we create an environment where curiosity is encouraged, friendships are nurtured, and learning is an adventure.

Let's begin by introducing you to the heart and soul of our school, the dedicated educators who will be guiding your children on this incredible journey. In the "3s" class, we have the wonderful Ms. Lisa, a seasoned educator with a passion for fostering early childhood development. For the "4s," we have the equally amazing Ms. Tasia, who brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to her classroom. With their guidance, your little ones are in the best of hands.

Now, let's dive into what you'll need to bring with you on the first day of school:

What to Bring:

• A backpack, large enough to carry art projects and paper

• 2 or 3 snacks to keep those young minds fueled

• A water bottle to stay hydrated

• A complete change of clothes, neatly packed in a labeled ziplock bag (just in case!)

As the big day arrives, here's what to expect:

1. Arrival and Morning Routine: Children will hang up their belongings on their cubby hooks in the gym and wash their hands in one of two sinks when they arrive. Parents or guardians will sign their child in and help them find their nametag. Each day, there will be a "question of the day" for the children to answer. It's a great idea to practice this at home with your child before their first day!

2. Start of Class: At 8:30 am or 12:00 pm, the teachers will open the doors, and the school day will begin. Initially, there will be approximately 20 minutes of free play within the classroom, allowing children to ease into the day. The teacher will give a five-minute warning, followed by an announcement that it's time to clean up. All students will lend a hand in tidying up before gathering on the rug for circle time.

3. Circle Time: Circle time is a special moment when children can chat, read a book, and discuss the day's activities as a group.

4. Group Activities: Children will be divided into three groups to participate in various activities, including time in the gym with "Bob-a-loo," one of our favorite spots for active play and fun!

5. Snack Time: Afterward, there will be another shorter circle time, followed by a well-deserved snack break.

6. Outdoor Play: Weather permitting, the children will have the opportunity to play outside. It's a time for them to soak in the fresh air and explore nature's wonders.

7. Pick-up: At the end of the morning or afternoon session (11:00 am or 2:30 pm), parents can pick up their children from the playground, where they've enjoyed their time together.

As you can see, our days are filled with exciting adventures, laughter, and learning. We can't wait to welcome your little ones to our cozy preschool community. Stay tuned for more blog posts where we'll share insights, tips, and heartwarming stories from our classrooms. We're looking forward to a fantastic school year together!