Steilacoom Cooperative Preschool

History

Laurel McGiffin (Ms. Laurel) has been the teacher at Steilacoom Preschool since 1988. She has a degree in Early Childhood Education and before coming to Steilacoom worked with children through the Metropolitan Parks Department of Tacoma. Ms. Laurel's love of children and her skill working with them is evident in each session of school. Ms. Laurel believes children learn best in an environment that allows them to touch, smell, taste, hear & see things themselves. Not only must the learning be multi-sensory and hands-on; it must include some risk taking. It is risk taking to play with messy paints, try on dress up clothes or talk to someone new at school. The child who is allowed to take risks becomes secure in his or her own ability to learn something new and different, i.e. letters, numbers, and writing.

Specialties

The preschool program at Steilacoom Co-op is designed to meet the needs of families & children of Steilacoom, Lakewood, JBLM, DuPont & the surrounding communities. We provide a safe & caring place for children and families to nurture & grow. The preschool is affiliated with Bates Technical College. In a cooperative preschool the parents work alongside the teacher to ensure that each child benefits fully from the curriculum. The tuition is affordable because of parent participation. Every parent is important to the success of our program. Our Program Includes: Well-planned curriculum Qualified, experienced teacher Kindergarten readiness Interested parents involved in school Integrated math & science Small class size Field trips & cooking projects Music Large muscle activities Parent education programs, earn college credit Helping children be more aware of the world around them is one of the primary goals of our school. Your child will develop intellectually, emotionally & physically