Our Mission

Northpoint Cooperative Preschool inspires children and families to reach their potential by creating a community that fosters learning and lifelong connections.

We are a non-profit cooperative preschool affiliated with Bates Technical College Home and Life Department.

How the Co-op Works

The general philosophy of the cooperative preschool is that we all learn together - adults and children alike. Guided by two qualified, caring, and endlessly imaginative teachers, co-op parents create an environment of learning and support for all our children. Our curriculum encourages our children to learn by exploring, imagining, and experiencing. Activities fit their interests and capabilities and encourage physical, intellectual and social-emotional growth. A board of directors, made up of member-parents serving in various volunteer roles, guides the overall administration of our preschool.

Your Part to Play

When you enroll your child at Northpoint Co-op, you as a parent are automatically enrolled in a parent education class coordinated by the Home and Family Life Department at Bates Technical College. As Bates "students," all parents earn parent education credits throughout the school year by attending preschool events, discussion groups and other activities, on and off our school campus, during the day or in the evening. All families serve on a committee to help maintain our great facilities and curriculum which can range from serving as a board member, making playdough, washing aprons, creating nametags, you name it!

In addition, parents participate on a rotating basis in our classrooms, assisting the children and the teacher. How often you are in the classroom depends on the number of days per week your child's class meets and the number of other children enrolled in the class. Typically it works out to between one and three times a month. To maintain the NAEYC (National Association for Educating Young Children) recommended adult to child rations, three parents assist the teach and children at all times.

Our Facilties

Renovated classrooms full of wonderful materials for your child to use and explore. Opportunities include: music, art, dramatic play, building, schience, math and literacy, all presented in fun and exciting ways that help foster creativity and a love of learning.

Fully-fenced outdoor playground with custom play structure, garden and tricycles all especially designed to meet the needs of toddlers.

Large multi-purpose room for indoor play on rainy days, complete with child-size cars, climbing dome, slides, bouncing balls, basketball hoops, fun galore!

Updated 11/23/09