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Victory Heights Cooperative
Preschool
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Parent Handbook
Toddlers
rev. 04/2012
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Table of Contents
Overview
What is a co-op preschool…………………………………..
How the pieces fit together………………………………….
Role of the parent…………………………………………...
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Policies and Procedures
In the classroom
General guidelines for the working parent……………
Preschool procedures from A to Z…………………….
Daily schedule………………………………………...
What to expect in Pre-3s………………………………
Specific guidelines for classroom participation……….
Teacher’s helper duties……………………………….
Outside the classroom
Inclement weather……………………………………..
Health policy
When your child is ill…………………………………
TB testing……………………………………………..
Head lice………………………………………………
Weekend cleaning……………………………………..
Getting all the documentation you need
The VH All-School Yahoo Group…………………….
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By-Laws Template………………………………………
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Standing Rules Template……………………………….
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About this document
Author: Cathy Munsen, VH parent from 2003 through 2008
First version (for PM class) published: as Parent Coordinator, Spring 2005
Second version (for all classes) published: as All-School Co-Chair, Fall 2008
Revised: to include amended health policy, by VHToddler Class, April 2012
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Overview
What is a co-op preschool?
Co-op preschools in Seattle are run by parents enrolled in the parent education program at
North Seattle Community College (NSCC). Leadership for the program comes from the
college (via the Parent Educator), the preschool teacher, and parents via the board.
How the pieces fit together
The relationship between the parents and the program is diagramed below. Sold lines indicate
direct responsibility. The dotted lines indicate advisory responsibility.
North Seattle Community College
Child and Family Department
Parent Educator
Class Board
Individual Parent
& Group
Co-op Teacher
Co-op Program
Parent Education
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Role of the Parent
As a participating parent, you have several responsibilities to the co-op program, the teacher,
the instructor, and the co-op board. The first step in becoming familiar with the co-op is to
attend the spring orientation. You will also need a current TB test for yourself (click here for
details) and a record of current immunizations for your child as required by Washington State
Health Regulations.
On-going school responsibilities
1. Work as a teacher’s aide one school session per week
2. Attend monthly parent meetings, which include co-op business and parent education
lecture/discussions.
3. Sign up for a job for the cooperative functioning of the group. This could either be a
board position (e.g. Parent Coordinator) or a “committee” position (e.g.
Photographer)
Responsibilities to the teacher
1. Become familiar with general classroom procedures. These include the schedule of
the day (click here for the class schedule), the routines involved, and the general
guidelines of the class.
2. Be aware of the curriculum. To bring in materials as requested by the teacher (e.g.
buttons, egg cartons, old greetings cards, etc.).
3. Prepare and lead small group activities in pre-three and 3–5 groups. This is an
opportunity for parents to share their talents. The most rewarding experience you will
have when working in school will come from the children: getting to know them,
helping them learn, and recognizing the individual personalities that emerge.
Other responsibilities
1. To the parent educator. Attend and participate in monthly parent meetings. When
working in the classroom, practice material learned in parent meetings.
2. To the co-op board. Share your concerns and give your opinions in a timely fashion.
You may also be approached to assist the teacher with a special classroom project.
3. To your child. Help your child become comfortable at school. You will have the ongoing support of the other parents, the teacher, and parent educator in doing this.
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Policies
and Procedures
In the classroom
General guidelines for the working parent
1. Give the children your undivided attention. Keep at the children’s level at all
times while talking and playing with them.
2. Notice what the children are doing and comment on what you see. For
example, you might say, “You put all the big blocks on the bottom.” or,
“You are all building this together.” or, “Jenny is putting the blocks on the
shelf now.”
3. Pay attention to the time and to our schedule. Start winding down the play
five to ten minutes before pick-up time. This will make the transition easier
for the children.
4. Keep adult conversation to a minimum.
5. Keep your station orderly and inviting. Try to keep things together that
belong together. Don’t let your station become cluttered with too many toys.
You can put some things away if you have to.
A few helpful hints to ensure success in the co-op system
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Be on time.
Direct questions about the co-op to the parent coordinator, class chair,
teacher, or parent educator.
Focus your attention on the children and their activities. Save adult
conversation for later.
Remember to have a fun! The children will have more fun when they see you
doing so.
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Preschool
procedures from A to Z
Arrival
Clothes
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Please be as prompt as you can.
Have your children put their things away in their cubbies, wash
their hands, and then help them find a station to play in.
Be sure to dress your children appropriately for the weather. We go
outside in cold weather. Have your kids wear shoes that are safe for
climbing (shoes need to have traction).
Diaper
changing
Since parents are always with their child during preschool time, the parent
is responsible for changing diapers when needed. The ideal place is
downstairs on the play mats.
First aid
supplies
The first aid box is on the shelf opposite the telephone. The emergency
information box is next to the first aid box.
Illness
Contagious children and contagious adults should not come to school.
(Click here for details on the school’s health policy).
Lunch
Parents may bring a lunch for their children (and themselves) and must
wash their hands before eating. Pick up your lunch tray from the cubby
counter by the front door.
Outside
play
Parents are responsible for supervising their own child in the play areas
during outside time.
Hand
Washing
As outlined in the NSCC Risk Management Manual available at
http://coops.northseattle.edu/forms/forms.html, hand washing shall occur
at the following times:
1. Arrival (when coming in from outside play)
2. Before lunch
3. After changing diapers, coming in contact with bodily fluids
(e.g. nose-blowing)
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Daily schedule
The Toddler class meets on Thursdays from 11:00 am to 1 pm.
Time (am)
Activity
Parent responsibilities / special notes
11:00
Outdoor or indoor
large motor play
Supervise your child
11:30 –
11:55
Transition and
circle time
Reading a complete story during this circle is a
goal, though it often doesn’t happen until the
spring when the children are older. Special
songs (some including the use of the felt
board) are also sung during circle time.
11:55 –
12:15 pm
Lunch
Make sure children wash hands before eating.
12:15 pm –
12:50 pm
Free play or Parent
discussion group
Parents are divided into two groups at the
beginning of the year based on their child’s
age. These two groups rotate weekly between
staying upstairs with children for free play and
going downstairs for discussion group.
12:50 pm –
1:00 pm
Pick up and
good-bye song
The song which says good-bye to each child
individually is generally sung.
What to expect in Pre-3s
If you are a first-time co-op parent planning to move ahead at Victory Heights, you should be
aware of how adding one extra day of preschool in the Pre-3s program changes both your
commitment and your child’s routine.
Class Attribute
Toddlers
Circle time
Two short ones
Class meets
Once/week (Thursday): 11 am
to 1 pm
Diaper Buddies
None
On-call sign-up (be
available to work for
another parent on
your unassigned
work day)
Not needed since your child is
not at school without you
Pre-3s
One longer one at the end of the
preschool day
Twice/week (Tuesday/Thursday): 9:15
am to 11:15 am
Each parent is assigned a child who
needs help with diaper changes/potty
on the day their parent isn’t working.
Once every two months
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Parent education
Toddlers
Pre-3s
Scheduled during classtime
(class is split into two groups –
each group goes downstairs
for parent ed on alternating
weeks). There is additional
parent ed at the monthly
parent meetings
Scheduled during monthly parent
meetings (1 hour). Parent Educator is
also in class on alternating Tuesdays &
Thursdays to observe.
Work at an assigned station, both
inside and outside. This set-up dictates
less parent interaction during class as
the focus is on the kids coming to the
stations.
1 day/week. Means you have two
hours/week to yourself on the day
when your child is in preschool without
you.
Parent participation
Move through the day with
your own child
Parents work
1 day/week.
Set-up/take-down
None
For each preschool day: in the morning
For the schoolyear: once in May
Small group activity
None
Begins mid-year – parents coordinate
(on a rotating basis) a stimulating
activity for their child’s snack table.
Each parent will have to plan for 6 to 8
activities for the year.
Snack
Bring your own lunch (for
yourself and your child)
Provide snack for entire class on a 10week rotation
Snack tables
Not assigned, sit where you
want
Grouped by age (beginning in
January), sit at same table every class
Weekend cleaning
for non-board
members
Once per year
Same
Specific guidelines for classroom participation
Circle time
Parent participation and assistance is crucial to the success of a co-op pre-school’s circle
time. The teacher’s role is to plan and conduct the circle activities. The parents’ role is to
supervise and guide the children as well as model the activities and appropriate circle time
behavior.
Guidelines for parents who are assisting at circle time
1. Give your undivided attention to the children. The teacher depends on you to do this
because she/he must concentrate on presenting activities. If the teacher has to stop to
solve a disruptive behavior problem, the momentum of the circle activity is lost; the
children may become restless while waiting for activities to resume and general
disruption may be the result.
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Try.. to spot restless children before a small disruption develops into a big one. Whisper
2. Assist the teacher by passing out props, instruments, etc.
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“Look at what the teacher is doing” or “I wonder what teacher is going to do next?” or
“Let’s listen to the teacher.”
4. When giving direction or helping a child, keep your voice low or whisper so the children
will do the same.
5. Comment positively on the appropriate behaviors you see. Eye contact, smiles, hugs etc.
are very reinforcing when children are behaving positively.
6. If a child doesn’t appear to have heard the teacher’s direction, softly repeat it and begin
modeling the appropriate responses.
7. Instead of “Shhhhhhh” or “Sit still” or “Stop that” try things like “It’s time to listen” or
“When we are still, everyone can hear” or “ When you stay in your places, everyone can
see” or “We take turns listening and talking, otherwise we can’t hear anyone.” If a child
starts to become disruptive, try whispering a question or remark (instead of giving
negative attention), such as “Can you see what teacher has in her hands?” or “Oh look,
she’s going to read a story now” or “Let’s stay in our places so we’ll be ready to get a
bell.” If all else fails, feel free to take your child out of the circle and return when he/she
is calm.
8. Be relaxed and attentive. Participate joyfully, enthusiastically, and have fun. Your
modeling and positive attitude are very powerful influences on the children at circle time.
Free Play
During free play, the children have their choice of four different stations among which they
can move freely. Below are some hints and tips about how to work at each one.
Station
What’s going on, how to help
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Art
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Blocks
Home
center
Sensory
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The children are experimenting with and exploring the different art media. The
process is more important than the product.
Please do not make things for the children. If you would like to participate,
use the material in the same manner as the children use it.
Offer an apron to the children. It is OK for kids to paint without aprons on.
Please don’t pressure the children to do art. You can tell the children what the
art project is, and let them decide whether or not to participate.
Encourage the children to build away from the block shelves so that other
kids have access to the blocks.
Encourage the children to work together if there is a shortage of blocks.
The clean up in this area is very time-consuming so be sure to start the clean
up five to ten minutes before the pick up time.
Involve yourself in the imaginative play, but remember to let the children direct the
play as much as possible.
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Keep this area swept at all times.
Sensory material must stay in this station.
Redirect children if the area seems too crowded.
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Be sure
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shelves
Table
Toys
Hints for successful lunch time
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Reinforce the behavior you desire rather than focusing on those behaviors you would
just as soon avoid. “Sophie, I see you shared some of your crackers with Jane. She
looks happy to have them.” “You are sure waiting patiently today for the water,
Michael.”
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Manners will come with time, experience and your excellent example. “Please” and
“Thank you” need not be insisted upon at this point, but eating together is not a freefor-all time.
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Spills can be handled matter-of-factly with the sponge provided on your snack tray.
The child can assist in any clean up.
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Please do not bring any peanut or nut-based products in your lunch(es). Victory
Heights is a “nut-free zone” due to known or potential nut allergies.
Teacher’s helper duties
On a rotating basis, two parents are assigned to be the teacher’s helper each week.
You are likely to have this job a minimum of twice/year and a maximum of three
times/year.
When done
Task
Spray down all the tables in the classroom with bleach solution.
Before class
Prepare 4 trays of water pitchers, napkins and cups, as well as 4
small trash cans with wet sponges. Bring upstairs into the
entrance room.
At lunchtime
Pass out the trays and trash cans to each table.
After lunchtime
After lunchtime, collect all trays and trash cans, wipe down all
tables and sweep under tables if needed.
After class, vacuum and sweep the upstairs, wipe down tables,
make sure everything has been put away.
After class
Clean and put away the trays, pitchers, cups and small trash cans
in the downstairs kitchen.
Collect and take out all trash.
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Outside the classroom
Inclement weather/emergency procedures
Earthquake policy
General maxims
 Drop and cover
 Turn away from windows
 Wait until shaking stops
 Listen for instructions
What to do during the earthquake
Do not enter or leave building in the middle of an earthquake! If indoors and upstairs:
 Take cover, hands over head under heavy tables (art table, table toys table). For
adults unable to fit under tables, stand under doorways (stairs, teacher’s closet or
against an inside wall).
 Stand away from heavy cabinets that aren’t bolted down (few, if any).
If indoors and downstairs: children and adults against inside walls and doorways (furnace
room, kitchen doorways and hallway).
If outdoors: move away from building to center of field. Stay there until shaking stops.
If in moving vehicle: stop as quickly as safety permits. Stay in car until shaking stops.
When initial quake subsides, check for injuries and give first aid if needed.
What to do right after the earthquake
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Teacher and working parents first need to be concerned with safety of children, not
notification of other parents.
Parents need to come to school to get their children.
Set up an earthquake family for each co-op group. A phone number where
information about school and children can be given out.
Turn on radio to get the latest emergency bulletins and instructions from local
authorities.
If school building has sustained structural damage, evacuate calmly and carefully — stay
away from exterior walls and power lines when outside. Meet in middle of playfield. Do not
re-enter building until utility official says it is safe. Do not turn off water, as our boiler may
blow up without water for cool down. However, it is important to turn off main gas valves
and shut off electricity at meter box.
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After earthquake, the All-School Chair(s) will have the sewage lines checked before allowing
flushing (if disruption of sewer is suspected) as well as the chimney. Emergency supplies onsite include: kitchen (cupboard-food, candles and matches), bathroom (sealed gallons of
water).
For more information on general earthquake before and after procedures, see
http://www.fema.gov/hazard/earthquake/.
Fire evacuation
Fire extinguishers are located outside the kitchen and at the top of the stairs, between stair
door and archway. To operate, pull out pin, point hose at base of flames and squeeze trigger
in spurts from edge of fire to source.
Smoke detectors are located both upstairs (in main entry area, which is above the furnace
room) and downstairs (outside kitchen). Batteries are to be replaced at the start of each
school year.
What to do if there’s a fire at Victory Heights
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Inform everyone in advance of meeting place outdoors: in basketball court.
Designate two adults to exit first. One leads children to meeting place, the other
remains just outside to hold the door.
Other adults help children move toward exit. The last adult out will (ideally) take the
class attendance sheet and check all children and working adults off once outside.
How to get out of the building
From upstairs: Exit through front door, then around school to basketball court.
From downstairs: Exit through kitchen door toward merry-go-round. Door between
playroom and kitchen must always be kept clear. Never block doorway with equipment
from either playroom or kitchen side. If kitchen exit is unsafe, exit upstairs.
Snow policy
When the Seattle Public School District is closed because of weather conditions:
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No classes will be held at Victory Heights
Evening parent education classes are cancelled.
When the Seattle Public School District is running late (either one or two hours) because of
weather conditions:
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The morning classes at Victory Heights will be closed.
Both afternoon and evening Parent Laboratory Programs and evening parent
education classes may meet. A decision to cancel evening classes should be made in
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Rescheduling of cancellations
A parent meeting cancelled due to weather conditions must be made up. A meeting time will
be established by the parent educator and the board.
Classes do not have to be made up. The cooperative board, teacher, and parent educator will
be responsible for decisions regarding any possible make-up sessions.
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Health Policy
When your child is ill
Infectious illness is very common in the preschool age range. A clear distinction should be made between
infectious and contagious. Keeping this distinction in mind, the Victory Heights Toddler Class illness
policy was written with an intent to limit the spread of infection.
When to stay home
When a child is ill to the extent that he or she requires a significant increase in attention or care, or is not
able to comfortably participate in activities because of illness, they should not be in school. If these or one
of the criteria below are met, a parent will be asked/called in to take the child home.
Please stay home and/or keep your child at home if either or both of you are experiencing any of the
following:
· A fever with other signs of illness. A fever is a temperature greater than 100°F under the armpit or
greater than 101°F orally or rectally within 24 hours of the start of the school day.
· An acute change in behavior, especially lethargy, lack of responsiveness, irritability, difficulty
breathing, or a rapidly spreading rash.
· Diarrhea, particularly if it can’t be contained within a diaper
· Blood or mucous in stool not explained by constipation, dietary change, or medication.
· Vomiting > 2 times in the last 24 hours, unless it is clear that the vomiting wasn’t caused by
infection.
· Mouth sores, unless cleared by the child’s physician.
· Rash with fever or behavioral change, unless cleared by the child’s physician.
· Persistent abdominal pain.
· Any of the following illnesses, unless cleared by the child’s physician:
conjunctivitis, strep throat, influenza, active tuberculosis, impetigo, scabies, chicken pox, rubella,
pertussis (whooping cough), mumps, measles, hepatitis A, or any illness determined by a health
department official to be appropriate for exclusion from school.
The following are not considered reasons for exclusion from school, unless they meet any exclusion
criteria listed above: common cold (including runny nose and/or cough), croup, bronchitis, otitis media
(ear infection), fever without any associated signs of illness, MRSA colonization or infection (as long as
the lesion can be covered with a dressing), and molluscum contagiosum.
Reporting illness
Parents are requested to report any suspected communicable (contagious) disease, or contact with
communicable disease, to the Teacher and Health and Safety Officer, so they may determine
appropriate follow up to keep all of our kids safe and healthy.
Please notify Teacher and Health and Safety Officer immediately if your child contracts a known
infectious disease. These can be harmful to pregnant women or medically vulnerable children or adults.
Examples include, but are not limited to:
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CMV
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Fifth.. Disease
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MRSA
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Chicken Pox
Hand-Foot-Mouth Disease
Questions not answered by this document should be referred to your Health and Safety Officer.
TB testing
Initial test
The Parent Education Program requires that all teachers, teacher aids (including all parents
who regularly participate in the classroom), and parent educators provide proof of a
current negative TB test before initial participation in the classroom. (“Current” means
within the past two years.) Parents must provide a copy of their test results before attending
class for the first time.
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Retesting
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Only one TB test is required for adults in the classroom during the time they are
consecutively enrolled in the program, unless the individual is exposed to the tuberculosis
disease.
Retesting is required after exposure to a person with the disease or after traveling to a country
in which there is a high frequency of this disease. Consult your health care provider for more
specific guidelines. If parents, teachers, or instructors are absent from the program and then
return, they are expected to retest if they do not have results of a negative test taken within
the last 2 years.
All parents are expected to keep a copy of their TB test results, so that they can provide a copy to the
co-op for each class in which they participate. Ideally everyone takes their forms at the end of the year
to transfer to the new class they are joining in the fall, but realistically such a transfer does not always
happen, so it is best to keep a copy to avoid the need for retesting.
Weekend cleaning
To maintain order and cleanliness throughout the school year, cleanings are scheduled by the
PM Vice Chair on a weekly basis. Since, in theory, the PM class has the most experience
with this process and knows where things are located, the PM class parents begin cleaning the
school in the fall while the Toddler parents complete the weekend cleanings in the spring.
Board members are exempt from this chore, but everyone else who holds a committee position will
be responsible for one weekend cleaning. The checklist for the work that needs to be done
(approximately 4 hours for one person, 2 hours for two) is available for download on the All-School
Yahoo Group. (See next section.)
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Head lice
Lice Basics
Head lice are a small parasitic insect that infest the scalp. They feed on human blood and lay
their eggs on the hair. The egg sack is known as a nit and is glued to the hair shaft. Head
lice do not fly or jump, only crawl. Nits do not fall off a head, a hair with a nit attached my
fall off a head. A louse cannot survive more than 48 hours without a host. A nit will not
hatch unless on a warm head.
Eggs hatch 7 to 10 days after infestation and multiply 8 to 10 days after hatching. Signs and
symptoms are itching, scratching, and soreness of the scalp. Hair lice does not spread disease
but is considered a nuisance pest.
How do I check my child’s head?
Starting at the base of the head, use a comb to look through 1-2 inch sections of hair under
very good light (sunlight is best). If you spot a white-to-tan opaque grain near the scalp that
does not move when you blow on it or cannot be otherwise easily removed with your fingers,
that’s an egg or nit. (If it moves or you can easily remove it with your fingers, it’s simply
dander.)
What to do if a child is infected
If a child has lice, he/she must be kept out of school until treatment is completed and there are
no nits. If lice is discovered while the child is at school, a parent will be notified
immediately and asked to pick the child up. The child will be properly monitored to ensure
that the lice is not spread.
Reporting and responding to head lice in Co-op
Parent of the affected child:
• CALL the health and safety officer for your class to inform them of the outbreak. The
number is on your roster. Call the chair if the health and safety officer is unavailable. An email is not enough!!!
• CALL the school at 206-365-6256 immediately IF school is currently in session or about to
start so that the teacher or other first responder can isolate certain items, immediately.
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First Responder
(person who answers the phone at school):
• Tell person calling to also inform their health and safety officer or consult the parent
handbook for more information.
• Please place the following items in the library area:
• dress-up clothes
• art aprons
• baskets of dress-up supplies (necklaces, goggles, etc.) from the home center.
• Dolls and doll clothes/blankets that are on the beds.
• Library cushions
• If time allows, vacuum library. The library should be off –limits to students until vacuumed.
• This policy ASSUMES that the large main carpet is vacuumed after every class, if the
previous class did not, the large carpet should be vacuumed immediately!
• Do not set out bike helmets of affected class nor allow affected class to use the all school
helmets.
• Do not set out construction helmets in sand box.
• Do not use scarves or other items that may be in direct head contact during circle time.
• A non working parent will be asked to move the isolated items into the furnace room when it
is convenient and non-disruptive to the class AND asked to vacuum the library. Items shall
remain in isolation for 10 days.
Health & Safety Officer (affected class)
1.Will verify that the school has been contacted if during a school day or just before class
starts.
2.Inform (via e-mail) the rest of the affected class, other teachers, and other Health & Safety
Officers that a student has lice as soon as possible. Student’s confidentiality should be
maintained. Suggested content of e-mail:
A case of head lice has been reported in your child’s group. Head lice continue to be
one of the most prevalent communicable childhood diseases among children, and
outbreaks are possible whenever and wherever children gather. Screen your child
regularly and notify us immediately if head lice or their nits (lice eggs) are detected.
(We welcome the opportunity to teach those of you who do not know how to check
your child for head lice). Working together helps protect all of the children, including
your own. Thank you for your cooperation."
3. If lice is discovered during evening hours, or over the weekend, the Health and Safety
officer of the affected class will arrange to have a parent (not of the affected child/children) to
go to school and perform all 7 steps of the first responder including vacuuming the library
and moving items to the furnace room for isolation. A key will need to be obtained from one
of the all school chairs or a teacher to get access to the school.
4. The Health and Safety officer is not solely responsible for the clean-up. As a co-op, the
duty should be shared by all parents of the class. A lice on call list is suggested as one
method to fairly share the duties. Simply asking for a volunteer is ok.
On-going and final steps (for 10 days from last reported incident)
• Coats from affected class should be stored in cubbies at school not on hooks. It is
recommended that other classes take this precaution as well.
• Any helmets used by the affected class should be isolated for 10 days and they should not
use other helmets.
• No item may be taken out of isolation before 10 days unless exposed to high heat (30
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minutes in dryer) or thoroughly vacuumed.
• The parent of the affected child will move the items from isolation back into use after
10 days.
When is it considered an “outbreak”?
If 3 or more kids from one class are identified as having lice within a 10 day period, it will be
considered an outbreak.
In the event of an outbreak, head checks should be performed in bright light, preferably
outside in sunshine at the start of the next school day before any children will be admitted. A
lice inspection kit is available for use in the hallway by the phone. Fresh supplies should be
used for each child. If the lice kit is used, the supplies should be replaced by the class using
them. The child’s parent or another parent can do the check. Any child found with lice/nits
will be immediately sent home.
In summary:
1. School will not close because of a reported case of head lice.
2. School will be cleaned the same day head lice are reported/discovered.
3. The clean up will be organized by the Health & Safety Officer of the affected group.
4. All parents will be informed to check their child/self frequently for 14 days after initial
report of infestation.
5. In the case of an outbreak, specific measures including head checks and bagging of coats
must be followed for two weeks after the last reported case.
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Getting all the
documentation you need
During the course of your co-op preschool experience, questions such as the following will
most likely arise:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
What exactly do I have to do when I clean the school next weekend?
Is there a big change when my child moves to from Toddlers to Pre3s?
Where is the list of all the committee positions for the AM class?
How do I download photos off the VH camera?
I’m thinking of taking the Parent Coordinator job next year, but would like to know
what the job entails. Is there a list of duties somewhere?
Finding it on-line
The good news is that these questions, along with many others you don’t even have yet, can
be answered with documentation stored in an on-line central repository: the VHallschool
Yahoo Group. Membership is available to any enrolled parent through the current All-School
Co-Chair who serves as Moderator of the Group.
There are many files available for download. The descriptions and usage information for
these files can be found in the Master Index of Forms document also posted on the Group
under the “Files” link.
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By-Laws Template
Article 1. Name
The name of this nonprofit corporation is Victory Heights (fill in your class name here)
Cooperative Preschool. The corporation will be referred to as the “cooperative” in these
Bylaws.
Article 2. Principal Offices
The initial principal office for the transaction of the business of the cooperative is located at
1747 NE 106th Street, Seattle, Washington. The Board of Directors may change the
principal office from this location to another location within this city.
Article 3. Purpose & Powers
This cooperative, in conjunction with North Seattle Community College of Seattle, WA, is
organized to support families with young children by providing programs where children and
parents learn together as participants in a college laboratory setting. The preschool shall
provide a flexible, stimulating environment in which each child may freely experience, at his
or her own rate, a broad range of physical, social and intellectual activities. The preschool
shall provide parents with an opportunity to be directly involved in the education of their
children and to get instruction in the skills of parenthood. In furnishing services to its
members, the cooperative’s operations shall be so conducted as nearly as possible at cost and
not for profit. The cooperative shall have all of the general or specific powers conferred on
this cooperative by the laws of the State of Washington, all of which are hereby expressly
claimed.
Article 4. Membership
Section 4.1 One Class of Members; Joint Membership: The cooperative shall have one
class of members, which shall consist of the parent(s) and/or guardian(s) of a child or
children enrolled in the preschool. The parent(s) and/or guardian(s) of an enrolled child(ren)
shall be considered joint members of the cooperative. A single parent or guardian of an
enrolled child(ren) shall be considered a member of the cooperative.
Section 4.2 Eligibility for Admission and Membership: The Victory Heights (fill in your
class name here) co-op preschool admits students of any race, color, gender, religion,
national and ethnic origin, age, handicap, or sexual orientation and does not discriminate in
the administration of its educational policies, admission policies, scholarship and loan
programs, or other school administered programs. Provided, however, a condition of the
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admission of any child(ren) is that the parent(s) or guardian(s) of such child(ren) shall agree
to be member(s) of the cooperative and to comply with all of the policies, rules and
regulations of the cooperative.
Section 4.3 Voting Rights: Each member or joint member shall be entitled to one undivided
vote on each matter submitted to a vote of the membership. A joint member vote may be cast
by either of the parent(s) or guardian(s) of the child(ren) enrolled in the school.
Section 4.4 Termination of Membership: The Board of Directors, by an affirmative vote
by a majority of the Directors present at any regular meeting at which a quorum is present,
may suspend or expel any child(ren) and terminate any member for cause after appropriate
notice and hearing, including but not limited to, the non-payment of tuition as herein
provided.
Section 4.5 Powers of Members: The membership shall elect a Board of Directors and
Officers at the annual membership meeting. The membership may rescind any action of the
Board of Directors by majority vote of the members at a regular monthly membership
meeting at which a quorum is present.
Section 4.6 Admission and Membership Eligibility Criteria: The cooperative may
establish tuition requirements and admission standards for students and membership
requirements for parents/guardians, which shall be set forth in standing rules, which shall be
available to all members and potential members.
Section 4.7 No Personal Liability. No Member shall be liable to third parties for this
Cooperative’s acts, debts, liabilities, or obligations. A Member will, however, be liable to
this Cooperative for tuition and annual dues and assessments as provided by these Bylaws
and for other contractual obligations of the Member to this Cooperative or as may otherwise
be agreed to by this Cooperative and the Member.
Article 5. Meetings of Members
Section 5.1 Annual Meeting: The annual meeting of the members shall be held in May of
each year and known as the “Spring Orientation Meeting”. Such annual meeting shall be
held at such place and time as designated by the Board of Directors.
Section 5.2 Special Meeting: Special meetings of the members may be called by the
President, or a majority of the Board of Directors, or not less than 50% of the members.
Section 5.3 Notice of Meetings: All notices of meetings of members shall be sent or
otherwise given not less than ten (10) days before the date of the meeting. Such notice shall
state the nature of the business expected to be conducted and the time and place of the
meeting. No business shall be transacted at any special meeting other than that referred to in
the notice. Provided, the failure to give notice or of any member to receive notice shall not
invalidate any action taken at the meeting if a quorum was present.
Section 5.4 Quorum: At any meeting of the members of the cooperative a majority of the
members shall constitute a quorum for any and all purposes; provided that if a quorum is
present, thereafter, the meeting may be conducted until adjournment, notwithstanding the
withdrawal of enough members to leave less than a quorum, provided that not less than onethird of the members are present.
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Article
.
Section 6.1 Number and Qualification of Officers and Directors: The authorized number
of Directors shall be no less than three (3) and no more than eleven (11). The Officers of this
cooperative shall be a president, a vice-president, a secretary, a treasurer, each of whom shall
be Directors. Any two or more of the foregoing offices may be held by the same person,
except the offices of president and secretary. Any member in good standing is eligible to be
elected as an Officer and/or Director. Membership in the cooperative shall be a continuing
qualification to hold office as an Officer and/or Director. Any Officer or Director who ceases
to be a member shall be deemed to have resigned as an Officer and/or Director and his/her
position shall be deemed vacant.
Section 6.2 Election and Term of Officers and Directors: Officers and Directors shall be
elected by the members at the annual meeting of the members. The Officers and Directors so
elected shall hold office for a term of one year beginning in June; however, if any annual
meeting is not held, or if Officers and Directors are not elected at any annual meeting, they
may be elected at any special members’ meeting subsequently held for that purpose. Each
Officer and Director, including an Officer or Director elected to fill a vacancy or elected at a
special members’ meeting, shall hold office until expiration of the term for which elected and
until a successor has been elected.
Section 6.3 Nomination of Officers and Directors. At the time of the annual meeting, any
member in good standing of the cooperative may nominate himself or herself to be an Officer
and/or Director. In addition, any member may nominate any other member to be an Officer
and/or Director. It is intended that candidates shall be nominated to serve as both an Officer
and as a Director or as a Director. Candidates nominated to be both an Officer and a Director
shall be voted upon by the membership for both positions at the same time (i.e., on the same
ballot).
Section 6.4 Vacancies: Except as otherwise provided by law, vacancies in the Board of
Directors, whether caused by resignation, death or otherwise, shall be filled by a vote of the
majority of the members of the Board of Directors. A Director thus elected to fill a vacancy
shall hold office for the unexpired term of his predecessor and until his successor is elected.
If there is a vacancy caused by resignation, death or otherwise of a Director who is also an
Officer, any member, including the existing Officers and/or Directors may be nominated for
the vacant Officer/Director position. If an existing Director is elected to fill the
Officer/Director position of the departing Officer/Director, additional elections shall be held
as may be needed until any vacant positions are filled.
Section 6.4 Meetings by Conference Telephone or Similar Communications: Except as
may be otherwise restricted by the articles of incorporation or bylaws, members of the Board
of Directors or any committee designated by the Board of Directors may participate in a
meeting of the Board of Directors or committee by means of a conference telephone or
similar communications equipment by means of which all persons participating in the
meeting can hear each other at the same time. Participation by such means shall constitute
presence, in person, at a meeting.
Section 6.5 Annual Meeting: Following each annual meeting of the members, the Board of
Directors is authorized to hold a regular meeting for the purposes of organization, and the
transaction of other business without further notice of such meeting.
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Section 6.6 Regular Meetings: Regular meetings of the Board of Directors shall be held
monthly, or at such times and at such places as the Board of Directors may determine. Oral
or written notice of such meetings shall be given not less than 24 hours prior to the time of
meeting. But such notice may be waived by all the Board of Directors, and their appearance
at a meeting shall constitute a waiver of notice.
Section 6.7 Special Meetings: A special meeting of the Board of Directors shall be held
whenever called by the president or by a majority of the directors. Only the business
specified in the written notice shall be transacted at a special meeting. Each call for a special
meeting shall be in writing or by printed notice given by electronic transmission, stating the
place, day and hour of the meeting. Notice of any such meeting of the Board of Directors
shall be given at least two (2) days prior to the meeting.
Section 6.8 Quorum and Failure of Notice: A majority of the Board of Directors shall
constitute a quorum at any meeting of the Board. The failure to give notice or of any Director
to receive notice of a Regular or Special Meeting shall not invalidate any action taken at the
meeting if a quorum was present.
Section 6.9 Powers and Duties of Directors: Subject to the limitations provided in the
articles of incorporation, other sections of these bylaws, and of Washington law, the business
of the cooperative shall be exercised by the Board of Directors. Without limitation, the
Directors’ powers and duties include the following:
6.9.1.
6.9.2.
6.9.3.
6.9.4.
6.9.5.
6.9.6.
General supervision and control of the business and the affairs of the cooperative.
Subject to any applicable policies of NSCC, authority to admit and terminate
members and to adopt rules and regulations to govern the operation of the
cooperative and the members.
Authority to procure insurance covering general liability of the company for
accidents.
Directors shall provide for installation of an accounting system adequate to meet
the requirements of the cooperative.
To select one or more banks to act as depositories of funds of the cooperative.
The foregoing enumeration of powers and duties is not intended to be exclusive
and shall not limit or restrict the exercise of the general or specific powers
conferred on this cooperative by the laws of the State of Washington.
Section 6.10 Reimbursement and Compensation: The cooperative may reimburse Officers
and Directors for actual and reasonable costs of travel, meals, and lodging for attendance at
conferences, seminars, and training sessions that are for the benefit of the cooperative
provided that such expenses shall be approved by the Board President (preferably in advance)
or if the expense is for the Board President by two other Board officers. Directors serve in a
volunteer capacity and will not be entitled to compensation for attendance at meetings or for
travel to and from regular and special meetings.
No voting member of the Board of Directors, or member of the immediate family of any
Board member, shall occupy any position in the cooperative on a regular salary.
Section 6.11 Removal of Directors: A Board member may be removed from office for
cause by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of members. Any Board member who resigns or fails to
attend at least three (3) consecutive regularly scheduled meetings without cause shall be
deemed as having resigned from the Board of Directors.
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Article
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Officers and Committees
Section 7.1 Officers: The following Officers of the cooperative shall be elected as
Officer/Directors by the membership:
Section 7.2 President: The president shall (1) preside over all meetings of the cooperative
and of the Board of Directors; (2) call special meetings of the Board of Directors; (3) appoint
such committees as the Board of Directors may deem advisable for the proper conduct of the
cooperative; and (4) perform all acts and duties usually performed by a presiding officer.
Section 7.3 Vice President: In the absence or disability of the president, the vice president
shall perform the duties of the president, provided, however that in the case of death,
resignation, or disability of the president, the Board of Directors may declare the office
vacant and elect any eligible person president.
Section 7.4 Secretary: The secretary shall keep a full and complete record of all meetings of
the cooperative and of the Board of Directors and shall have general charge and supervision
of the books and records of the association. The secretary shall sign papers pertaining to the
cooperative as authorized or directed by the Board of Directors. The secretary shall serve all
notices required by law and by these bylaws and shall perform such other duties as may be
required by the cooperative or the Board of Directors. Upon the election of a successor, the
secretary shall turn over all books and other property belonging to the cooperative.
Section 7.5 Treasurer: The treasurer shall be responsible for the keeping and disbursing of
all monies of the cooperative, and shall keep accurate books of accounts of all transactions of
the cooperative. The treasurer shall perform such duties with respect to the finances of the
cooperative as may be prescribed by the Board of Directors. At the expiration of his term of
office, the treasurer shall promptly turn over to his successor all monies, property, books,
records, and documents pertaining to his office or belonging to the cooperative.
Section 7.6 Other Officers. The Board of Directors, as they may deem for the best interest of
the cooperative, may provide for the appointment of additional officers to manage the activities
and affairs of the Cooperative. Such additional officers may be appointed from within or outside
the membership and may, but need not be, members of the Board of Directors.
Article 8. Miscellaneous Provisions
Section 8.1 Books and Records: The Cooperative shall keep the following at its principal or
registered office: (a) current copies of the Articles, Bylaws and Standing Rules, if any; (b)
copies of correct and adequate records of accounts and finances, including the approval
budget; (c) minutes of the meetings of the Board of Directors, Members and any committees;
(d) records of the name and address of each of the Members; and (e) such other records as
may be necessary or advisable, including copies of all contracts of the Cooperative.
Section 8.2 Fiscal Year: The Cooperative’s fiscal year shall end on June 30.
Section 8.3 Rules of Procedure: To the extent that it is not inconsistent with the Articles,
these Bylaws or applicable law, the most recent edition of Robert’s Rules of Order shall
govern all questions of parliamentary procedure at meetings of the Board of Directors or the
Members.
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Section 8.4 Conflict of Interest/Compensation: No Officer, voting Board member, or
Member of the Cooperative shall have any personal financial interest, direct or indirect, in
any activity undertaken by the Cooperative. No Board member, committee member, or
Officer shall receive compensation for their service, but may receive reimbursement for
approved expenditures incurred on behalf of the Cooperative. Board Members, Officers, and
Members of the Cooperative shall be eligible to apply for tuition scholarships.
Section 8.5 Dissolution: Should the Cooperative be dissolved, the Board of Directors shall
be responsible for liquidation and disposition of all assets, including equipment and cash on
hand. Upon dissolution, all assets remaining after payment of all liabilities shall be
distributed to another nonprofit.
Section 8.6 Standing Rules: The Board of Directors may adopt such Standing Rules,
relating to the amount and payment of tuition and all other matters which the Board of
Directors deems appropriate, as the Board of Directors may deem beneficial to the fulfillment
of the purposes of the cooperative.
Section 8.7 Amendment of Bylaws: These Bylaws amend and restate in their entirety the
Bylaws of the Cooperative heretofore adopted, as same may have been revised. These
Bylaws may be further altered, amended, or repealed and new Bylaws may be adopted by the
vote of two-thirds (2/3) of the members.
Section 8.8 Indemnification, Limitation on Liability and Insurance. The cooperative may
indemnify any director, officer, or former director against all judgments, penalties, fines,
settlements, and reasonable expenses, including attorney’s fees, in connection with any
proceeding to the maximum extent authorized under RCW 23B.17.030, subject to the
provisions of Chapter 23B.08.560 RCW, as now enacted or hereafter amended. The risks
covered by this indemnification may be protected against by the purchase, maintenance, and
payment of premiums for such insurance as in the discretion of the Board is deemed to be
appropriate.
Section 8.9 Non Discrimination. The cooperative will comply fully with all applicable state
or federal statutes and regulations forbidding recipients of state or federal financial assistance
from discriminating on the ground of race, color, gender, national origin, age, handicap, or
sexual orientation. Furthermore, the cooperative shall provide equal employment
opportunities without regard to race, color, gender, national origin, age, handicap, or sexual
orientation.
I hereby certify that the forgoing Amended and Restated Bylaws of Victory Heights (fill in
your class name here) were duly adopted by the Board of Directors at meeting held on (fill
in the date voted on).
Secretary (fill in your class Secretary name here)
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Standing Rules Template
INTRODUCTION
This document is meant to be used as a supplement to and in association with the Victory
Heights Cooperative Preschool By-Laws Template. Throughout this document, the fill in
your class name here shall be known as “the cooperative.”
ARTICLE 1 — Affiliation and Education
The cooperative shall be affiliated with the Health and Human Services Division Parent
Education Program and with the Parent Advisory Council (PAC) of North Seattle
Community College (NSCC). The cooperative is a Washington Corporation organized
pursuant to RCW 24.03 et. seq.
The members shall be provided with three types of parent education: member education,
business meetings (parent meetings), and participation in the children’s laboratory (preschool
classroom).
ARTICLE 2 — Purpose
A. The parents work as teacher's assistants in their child's preschool classroom, attend parent
education sessions, and learn leadership and business management as the joint-operators
of a small business (the non-profit cooperatively-run preschool).
B. The children participate in a developmentally appropriate classroom experience. The
curriculum is designed to meet children's age-related needs as identified by current
educational research.
ARTICLE 3 — Membership
A. Any parent or legal guardian ("Parent") of an age-appropriate child, as determined by
NSCC, who wishes to enroll in the parent education course and is willing to accept
responsibilities of active participation in the cooperative is eligible. The cooperative is
run by its members; therefore, the parent must fulfill the requirements for participation as
outlined in the Parent Contract. (See Parent Coordinator for most current version.)
B. Only parents and/or legal guardians are eligible to participate in the Cooperative;
therefore no nannies, childcare providers, or other family members may attend class.
Short-term exceptions may be considered by the Board, if requested by the currently
enrolled participating parents.
ARTICLE 4 — Participating Parents
A. Each cooperative parent shall participate on his/her assigned workday (one day per week)
under the supervision of the preschool teacher. If the parent finds that an absence is
unavoidable, it is the parent's responsibility to find a substitute and notify the Teacher as
specified by each class. In an effort to provide support to the parents of twins (or other
multiples) and to facilitate each child's ability to be independent, the group shall make
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B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
H.
every effort to ensure the parent is assigned only one workday per week. The number of
committee assignments and cleaning days required of the parent shall be negotiated with
the Board with approval of the full membership. Full tuition shall be paid for each
enrolled child.
The parent is responsible for participating in the transportation of his or her child to and
from preschool.
The parent shall follow health regulations as stated in the Policies and Procedures and the
NSCC Risk Management Manual which can be found at
http://coops.northseattle.edu/forms/forms.html
The parent shall be responsible for cleaning the school on days assigned by the Vice
Chair/Scheduler. The Cooperative Board ("Board") shall be excluded from school
cleaning.
The parent shall, when necessary, participate in transportation for field trips.
The parent shall hold either a committee position or Board position (See Article 14 for
description of Board positions, Parent Coordinator for most current committee position
descriptions.)
Notification of withdrawal from the cooperative shall be given to the Parent Coordinator.
Failure to give at least four weeks notice shall result in forfeiture of all paid tuition to the
cooperative. Tuition to NSCC is not refundable through the cooperative, though a
prorated refund may be available through the college.
See Article 11 for parent meeting requirements.
ARTICLE 5 — Grievances and Dismissal Policy
A. Grievances between parents shall be handled in the following manner. The aggrieved
party shall contact the Parent Coordinator and explain the problem. The Parent
Coordinator may act as a mediator between the parties, but must immediately inform all
parties and the Chair of the problem. At the discretion of the Parent Coordinator or at the
request of any party to the grievance, the Board shall be informed of the dispute and
appoint a Grievance Committee to investigate it. The Grievance Committee shall consist
of one member of the Board (other than the Parent Coordinator), one randomly chosen
parent not involved in the dispute, and the Parent Educator. The Grievance Committee
shall evaluate the dispute and make a recommendation to the Board regarding its
settlement. The decision of the Board shall be final and binding and must comply with
the content of the Parent Handbook and the Parent Contract. Gross misconduct on behalf
of a parent is grounds for immediate dismissal.
B. Failure to perform the duties outlined in the Policies and Procedures, By-Laws, and
Parent Contract, or lack of cooperation in fulfilling other stated obligations shall make the
parent subject to dismissal from the cooperative. Dismissals from the cooperative shall be
handled in the following manner. The parent shall receive written notification of the
Board's consideration of their dismissal which shall include: specific reason for possible
dismissal, specific procedures for elimination of the problem, and a statement that a fourweek probationary period shall commence. Dismissal from the cooperative shall be by
secret ballot and majority vote of the Board. The dismissal may be appealed to the Board
within two weeks.
ARTICLE 6 — Family and Maternity Leave
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A three-week leave of absence from responsibilities in the preschool classroom shall be
granted (at the discretion of the Board) for childbirth (including adoption), major illness or
hospitalization, and/or death in the family. The weeks of leave need to be taken consecutively
and within two months of the birth/adoption. Special circumstances may be accommodated
with prior notice, subject to Board approval. During this time, the enrolled child may attend
without the parent's participation. Additional leave can be built up by trading with other
parents in advance. In the event of births of multiples, prolonged recuperation (e.g. Cesarean
section or birth complications), up to six weeks leave of absence may be granted.
ARTICLE 7 — Schedule /Operating Hours
A. The class schedule will approximate that of the Seattle Public Schools in regard to
opening, closing, and holidays. The Board shall recommend to the cooperative the
specific schedule of the preschool sessions.
B. The actual days and hours are to be determined by the cooperative along with the
Teacher. The current schedule is as follows: fill in your class days and times here
ARTICLE 8 — Registration Procedures
A. Current members of the Cooperative feeder group shall be notified by the Parent
Coordinator no later than two weeks before in-house registration regarding registration
procedures for the upcoming year.
B. The dates and times for in-house, crossover, and open registration shall be set by the
Parent Advisory Council (PAC). Specific procedures for registration and reporting as
well as priority for infants and toddlers shall follow PAC guidelines and NSCC policies.
Registration forms and a non-refundable registration fee are required to hold a place. Inhouse registration priorities are as follows:
1. Student moving up from the feeder group: fill in your feeder group name here
2. Students returning to the same class
3. Sibling starting with continuing VH parent
4. Sibling starting with a formerly enrolled VH parent (alumnus).
C. The cooperative reserves the right to determine the number of slots, if any, that will be
held available for open registration.
D. Eligibility for enrollment is determined by age by August 31: fill in your class age range
here
E. Enrollment shall be ideal at 20, preferably no lower than 18 but no higher than 22
students per calendar year. Any over enrollments (over 22) shall be approved by a vote
of the class with a recommendation from the teacher. It shall be left to the cooperative
whether or not to replace a withdrawing student, provided this number does not go below
the desired minimum of 18. If the student is not replaced, the withdrawing parent's Board
or committee position will be reassigned to another parent as recommended by the Board.
F. Pre-payment of registration, TB test, and immunization forms are required. The first
month's tuition (September) shall be paid at the Spring Orientation meeting. Class
placement will be forfeited if unpaid by the parent after this time, unless prior
arrangements have been made with the Parent Coordinator or Treasurer (the only Board
member who knows a family’s scholarship status). Application for admission through
open registration will not be accepted from a family with outstanding debt to Victory
Heights Cooperative Preschool.
ARTICLE 9 — Fees and Finances
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A. A non-refundable registration fee shall be paid to enroll a child in the cooperative. The
amount of such fee may be set by the authority of the Board. (See Parent Contract for
current amount.)
B. Advance payment of the first month's tuition is required of the parents. Advance payment
is refundable upon cancellation of enrollment up to September 30 and if a replacement
can be enrolled.
C. Tuition fees are subject to change on recommendation of the Board and approval of the
cooperative. (See Parent Contract for current tuition amount.)
D. Tuition for the last month of the school year must be paid by January 31 or upon
enrollment in the event of a start date later than January 31, and is refundable with proper
notice of cancellation of enrollment and if a replacement can be enrolled.
E. Total monthly tuition is due at the Parent Meeting of the preceding month and is
considered past due at the end of the month. In the event of non-attendance at the
meeting, payment shall be mailed directly to the Treasurer. Late notices will be sent by
the Treasurer at the end of the month if no tuition has been received. During the first
week of the current month, contact will be made by the Treasurer. If no payment is
forthcoming and appropriate arrangements have not been made, the parent and child will
be told not to attend preschool, beginning in the second week of the current month, until
tuition is caught up.
F. While enrolled, full tuition must be paid each month whether the child attends or not. No
tuition or registration fee will be refunded without the approval of the Board.
G. Each quarter the parent is required to pay a non-refundable tuition to NSCC.
H. Additional funds may be raised through fundraising projects.
I. In-house scholarship funds may be available. The Treasurer shall maintain scholarship
guidelines.
J. The cooperative’s fiscal year shall run from July through June.
K. The cooperative is a non-profit organization and shall be operated exclusively for
educational purposes within the meaning of Section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986 (or the corresponding provision in any subsequent United States Internal
Revenue Law). The cooperative shall not conduct any activities precluded by this Code
for an organization exempt from taxation under this Section.
ARTICLE 10 — Insurance
A. The enrolled children of the cooperatives affiliated with NSCC are covered by an
insurance policy. The policy covers legal liability for bodily injury, accidents, and
property damage. The policy is on file at the Organization of Parent Education Programs
(OPEP) which covers all cooperative preschools in community and technical colleges
statewide, and a coverage outline is sent to the All-School Treasurer.
B. The preschool classroom is intended for the enrolled parent/child only. Non-enrolled
children are not covered by insurance, therefore, bringing siblings or any unenrolled child
to school is prohibited unless there is a designated special event officially requested by
the cooperative and approved by NSCC. Adult visitors are welcome on an occasional
basis.
ARTICLE 11 — Parent Meetings
A. Parent meetings shall be held once a month, September through May, to discuss business
issues concerning the cooperative and parent education. The dates and times shall be set
at a Spring Orientation Meeting to be held by May 31.
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B. Monthly parent meetings are mandatory. According to NSCC guidelines, parents shall
allow approximately 2 ½ hours per meeting. In the event that the parent is unable to
attend, it is the parent's responsibility to obtain information regarding the business
meeting and contact the Parent Educator to make up the parent education portion. No
make-up project is required for the first absence. Membership in the cooperative will be
reviewed by the Board following two absences.
C. Parent meeting decision making shall follow a simple majority of voting members
present at the parent meeting, unless otherwise agreed by the cooperative. The exception
to this is Standing Rules changes which must have a 2/3 majority (see ARTICLE 17).
ARTICLE 12 — Parent Education
A. Parent education shall be an integral part of the cooperative.
B. Parent education shall consist of the following:
1. A portion of each parent meeting or classroom time
2. Attendance at optional parent education seminars
3. Special activities as arranged
ARTICLE 13 — Board
Section 1. Composition
The Board shall consist of the following officers: a Chair, Vice Chair/Scheduler, Parent
Coordinator, Secretary, Treasurer, and PAC Representative. Each Board member shall have
one vote. The Teacher and Parent Educator shall be ex-officio (non-voting) members. The
All-School Chair(s) are voting members of the Board.
Section 2. Resignation
An officer shall give at least two weeks notice of resignation from the Board.
Section 3. Vacancies
Any vacancy in office shall be announced to the membership, and candidates shall be
solicited from the group at large. The Board shall fulfill the officer’s responsibilities until the
next regular membership meeting, when members shall elect a new officer.
Section 4. Responsibilities of the Board
In addition to duties indicated by the By-Laws, the Board:
A) Plans and advises the cooperative. The Board is responsible to conduct all routine
business between monthly meetings and submit issues and recommendations to the entire
membership.
B) Attends all Board meetings (The specific dates and times to be set by the Board
members) and assist in planning the agenda for the parent meetings.
C) Makes it clear that the Board Meetings are open to anyone in the cooperative who wishes
to observe. If participation is desired, the Chair must be notified in advance for placement
on the agenda.
D) May make emergency decisions on behalf of the membership, including emergency
closures; or suspension of the teacher, an officer, or a member of the cooperative due to
gross misconduct.
E) Works closely with the Teacher and Parent Educator to plan and implement a qualitylearning environment for members and children.
F) Is responsible for a written performance evaluation of the Teacher in January and
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renegotiates salary changes or termination to the membership in February. Submits a
letter to the Teacher in February, stating the cooperative’s intent to rehire and requesting
input from the teacher about terms of his/her employment agreement if appropriate.
Prepares and signs the teacher’s employment agreement by March 31.
G) Is responsible for appointing and supervising a teacher selection committee, if needed, to
recruit, interview, and hire a new teacher.
H) Encourages members, officers, and teacher to attend professional development
workshops and classes. Resolves all disputes brought to it and participates in Grievances
process as outlined in Article 5.
I) Is responsible for setting up the Spring Orientation meeting, at which members enrolled
for the coming year elect a Board to take office at the close of the current school year,
except for the Treasurer who goes through June 30. Enrolled members not on the Board
select committee positions for the upcoming school year.
ARTICLE 14 — Officers
Section 1. Positions
Officer positions shall be the Chair, Vice Chair, Parent Coordinator, Treasurer, Secretary, and
PAC Representative.
Section 2. Eligibility
Any member who is registered at NSCC, is a member in good standing, and is working in the
classroom on a regular basis shall be eligible to serve as an officer.
Section 3. Selection Process
The outgoing Chair and/or Parent Coordinator will notify incoming pre-registered members
of the open Board positions to be filled at the Spring Orientation Meeting.
At the Spring Orientation Meeting the presiding officer (generally the Parent Coordinator)
will invite incoming members to nominate themselves or other members to fill Board
positions. If more than one person is nominated for a position, the presiding officer will
initiate a discussion. If multiple members still seek the Board position, each will have the
opportunity to give a two minute speech. At the conclusion of the speeches, the membership
will vote by confidential ballot to decide who fills the position.
Section 4. Term of Office
Cooperative officers shall serve a one-year term. New officers shall meet with the outgoing
officers to arrange for the transfer of responsibilities at the end of the school year, normally in
May or June.
In addition to the duties outlined in the By-Laws, the officers are responsible for the
following:
A. Chair
1. Shall be responsible for all business details needed to operate the cooperative.
2. Shall plan and conduct the parent meetings.
3. Shall co-sign checks with Treasurer.
4. Shall attend leadership workshops and classes whenever possible.
5. Shall decide with the Teacher and Parent Educator when school is to be canceled due
to snow closures or emergencies.
B. Vice Chair/Scheduler
1. Shall conduct the parent meeting in the absence of the Chairperson.
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2.
3.
4.
5.
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.. Shall be empowered to co-sign checks with the Treasurer.
.. Shall attend leadership workshops and classes whenever possible.
Shall assist the Chairperson as needed.
Shall provide and distribute to the parents a monthly calendar that shows school days,
holidays, meeting days, clean-up person's weekend, snack person's days, field trips,
and special events.
C. Parent Coordinator
1. Shall work together with other Board members (non-voting members included),
registering parents and children for enrollment in the cooperative.
2. Shall arrange for parents to visit and observe the preschool classroom.
3. Shall work with the parents in helping them to fulfill their responsibilities to the
cooperative.
4. Shall keep a current roster of parents and children.
5. Shall maintain a waiting list of families interested in enrolling in the cooperative.
D. Secretary
1. Shall keep minutes of business transacted at every meeting.
2. Shall post the minutes on the parent bulletin board and give one copy to each Board
member.
3. Shall handle outside correspondence, as necessary.
4. Shall keep record of attendance at all parent meetings and class sessions, and
submit to Parent Educator.
E. Treasurer
1. Shall receive and deposit, with the bank, all fees, tuition, and other income. A
Treasurer Assistant may also handle these duties at the Treasurer’s discretion.
2. Shall promptly pay all bills and fulfill tax requirements.
3. Shall submit to the cooperative a complete monthly financial report, complete an
annual budget to be approved by the membership in the spring for the upcoming year.
4. Shall maintain a complete set of Treasurer's books, which will be available at parent
meetings and will be open for audit.
5. Shall attend PAC sponsored Treasurer's workshops.
6. Shall be a member of a teacher employment agreement committee and provide
financial information regarding the proposed budget and proposed teacher's salary to
the membership.
7. Shall hand over the Treasurer's books for review by June 30 per NSCC guidelines.
8. Shall submit to NSCC an end-of-year Treasurer’s report no later than June 30.
F. PAC Representative
1. Shall attend all scheduled PAC meetings and activities or provide a substitute.
2. Shall report to PAC on pertinent activities of the cooperative.
3. Shall report back to the cooperative on pertinent PAC activities.
4. Shall post a copy of PAC minutes on the parent bulletin board.
G. All School Co-Chair (A two-person position elected from any of the four Victory Heights
Cooperative Preschool Classes)
1. Shall set agenda for and facilitate three all-school Board meetings (held once per
quarter).
2. Shall act as a liaison with the Seattle Parks Department (from which the VH building
is leased) on any standard or special maintenance project.
3. Shall negotiate and sign any agreements with Seattle Parks Department.
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4. Shall provide, on an annual basis, an updated “Public Benefit Offset” document to
the Seattle Parks Department to ensure our rent remains at the below-market
contractual amount.
5. Shall oversee all-school committee positions to ensure their smooth function.
H. All-School Treasurer (An additional position held by the PM Class Treasurer)
1. Shall promptly pay all-school bills including rent, utilities, and all-school
reimbursements.
2. Shall create a quarterly billing for all-school expenses and distribute it to the class
Treasurers.
3. Shall keep the all-school account balances and write a monthly (minimum quarterly)
statement.
4. Shall file an annual property tax exemption form with the state.
5. Shall act as general liaison between teachers and parents for budgeting and paying for
all-school projects.
6. Shall coordinate with the other class treasurers.
ARTICLE 15 — Ex-officio Members
Section 1. Teacher
Through its Board of Directors, the Teacher is hired, supervised, evaluated, and paid by the
cooperative to teach the children’s preschool program affiliated with NSCC. The general
duties of the Teacher are as follows:
1. Shall supervise and plan children's activities with the assistance of the parents.
2. Shall model for and supervise parent participation.
3. Shall attend meetings and workshops scheduled for the professional development of
the teacher.
4. Shall request purchase of Cooperative supplies.
5. Shall attend monthly Board and parent meetings
6. Shall oversee compliance with the Risk Management Manual in the classroom.
Section 2. Parent Education Instructor (Parent Educator)
The Parent Educator is assigned to the cooperative by NSCC Parent Education Program for
three hours per week. The duties are as follows:
1. Shall supervise the adult education program.
2. Shall attend each parent meeting for the purpose of helping the Cooperative function
in a democratic manner
3. Shall help individual Cooperative members with any problems they may have
concerning the development of their child.
4. Shall act as a resource person for the Teacher and as a liaison between the
Cooperative and NSCC.
5. Shall attend monthly Board meetings.
ARTICLE 16 — Teacher’s Employment Agreement
An agreement between the Cooperative and the Teacher shall be executed and considered
binding. The Teacher's employment agreement shall be negotiated by the Board. A returning
Teacher's proposed salary shall be approved by a simple majority of the Cooperative and all
parties shall sign the agreement by the end of March (see Article 13, Section 4F).
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.. of the Cooperative may propose changes to the Standing Rules. The Standing
Any member
ARTICLE 17 — Amendments to the Standing Rules
Rules may be amended at a membership meeting. A 2/3 majority vote of the full membership
shall be required. Proposed amendments to the standing rules must be distributed in writing to all
members at least two weeks (14 days) prior to the date of the meeting.
ARTICLE 18 — Disaffiliation
In the event of disaffiliation with North Seattle Community College (at the college’s or
cooperative’s initiative) and if the cooperative continues to function as a non-profit program,
the equipment shall remain with the cooperative.
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