LITTLE HANDS

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.

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.

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 year, parents attend Fall orientation night, two evening parent education classes(one in the Fall and one in the Spring), and one All School meeting.

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 (10 hours for families who enroll mid-year or for the Winter session). Jobs will be assigned depending on personal preference, abilities and availability. Read more on our Registration page

Each family is responsible for helping maintain the school and is assigned a single three and a half 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.

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.

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.

Little Hands

Our Co-op