Little Hands is a parent-run cooperative, which means parents don't only take part
in their children's education, but also help running and maintaining the school. To do that
parents have several responsibilities to fulfill.
Co-op Responsibilities for Parents
Class Attendance
A positive experience for parents and their children at Little Hands depends upon parent participation. Regular attendance at day classes ensures the successful operation and growth of Little Hands.
Parent Education
Little
Hands is committed to providing education to parents, and evening
classes are a required part of our curriculum. Classes are fun and
interactive and are designed based on parent feedback and input. We
work together to find speakers and select topics that address the
needs of Little Hands families. Each semester parents attend one
evening class and one All School meeting.
Job
Little Hands
is a volunteer-driven organization, and each Little Hands family is
responsible for completing at least 20 job hours over the course
of the school year. Jobs will be assigned depending on personal
preference, abilities and availability. Read more on our Registration page
Maintenance
Each family is responsible for helping maintain the school and is
assigned a single three-hour maintenance day per year. On
maintenance days, parents thoroughly clean the school to make it a
safe and healthy environment for all. The Co-op Deposit required at
the beginning of the year is reimbursed to those in good standing
once the family has worked a maintenance day and completed the
required job hours.
Extension Classes
Parents are invited to attend optional extension classes which
focus on the growth and development of young children and related
parenting issues. Teachers or guest speakers lead discussions on
specific topics, such as sleeping, nutrition, positive discipline,
sibling relations and choosing a preschool.
Additional Benefits
- Each family is entitled to
one parent teacher conference during the year.
- Little Hands hosts a number
of social activities for families throughout the year. Some of
the events the school hosts include the Halloween Festival
(Fall), Pancake Breakfast (Winter), and School Picnic
(Spring).
- Social events for just parents are also planned throughout the year.
- A lending
library of parenting books is available to parents throughout
the school year
- As a member of the San Mateo Council, Little Hands gives you access to professional counselors and consultants on a wide range of family-related issues, for a reduced fee.
A list of available services can be found here.
- A community of other families with young children to network and connect with.
- Alumni access to events and extension classes.