HELPING CHILDREN AND FAMILIES THRIVE SINCE 1970.
The Southwest Parent-Child Collective is a vibrant nonprofit, co-op preschool, administered by parents and staffed by experienced teachers. Leveraging a play-based approach and principles from Reggio Emilia, our teachers help students learn about themselves and their surrounding world through play, art, experimentation, outdoor time, books, dance and song.
We offer three programs: Young Toddler, Toddler and Preschool.
We offer three programs: Young Toddler, Toddler and Preschool.
OUR PROGRAMS
All run from 9:05-12:45pm every day, with students typically attending 2, 3 or 4 days per week.
Young ToddlersAge 1 by Sept. 1
Led by Teacher Karen, the Young Toddlers room is a bright, happy place where our youngest students participate in everything from art and singing to gardening and outdoor exploration.
Ratio: 1 adult to 2.5 children |
ToddlersAge 2 by Sept. 1
Teacher Tess creates a nurturing learning environment where Toddlers can express their individuality, make friends and build life skills, laying an excellent foundation for preschool.
Ratio: 1 adult to 3 children |
PreschoolAge 3 or 4 by Sept. 1
While keeping Kindergarten readiness at the forefront, Teacher Amanda fosters her students’ curiosity, creativity and social skills through movement, creative play and experimentation.
Ratio: 1 adult to 4 children |
OUR APPROACH
"Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children, play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood.
-Fred Rogers
PLAY-BASED LEARNING
At SWPCC, our approach is anchored on the belief that play is children's work. We have found the recipe for our children's success is a rich, stable, safe environment with affectionate, supportive grown-ups and lots of opportunities for exploration and play. Leveraging principles from Reggio Emilia, our teachers help students express their individuality, gain confidence, make friendships and explore the world around them through play, art, experimentation, outdoor time, books and song.
Our goal is to foster curiosity, creativity, and caring within our students because having these leads to lifelong success.
Our goal is to foster curiosity, creativity, and caring within our students because having these leads to lifelong success.
OUR SCHOOL
WHERE LOVE AND LEARNING GROWS
Nestled in a quiet neighborhood in Southwest Portland, SWPCC has fantastic facilities for indoor and outdoor learning. The school boasts a quarter acre outdoor play area, complete with play structures, sand boxes, swings and a blacktop for riding trikes, and shares a parking lot with the Community Garden (in which we have plots!).
Each program has a dedicated classroom, equipped with age-appropriate toys, books and activities. Add children, parents and our experienced teachers, and you have a love-filled, well-equipped learning environment.
Each program has a dedicated classroom, equipped with age-appropriate toys, books and activities. Add children, parents and our experienced teachers, and you have a love-filled, well-equipped learning environment.
CONGRATS, TEACHER KAREN!Teacher Karen — who oversees SWPCC's Young Toddler Room — was awarded the 2022 Susie Stone Outstanding Educator Award from Parent Cooperative Preschools International.
"As the teacher of the youngest children at SWPCC, Karen Barrett has been a crucial member of the community for over 30 years. She's served many roles but is best know as our beloved Young Toddler teacher. Her approach with children has been described by many adults as "absolute magic". She creates playful classroom environments that are rich and inviting. Her warmth and kindness goes far in nurturing a deep sense of belonging for all of the children and families in our community. She centers play and creativity, and consistently, and continuously models deep listening with our youngest students."
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