Our Philosophy

The Stowe Cooperative Nursery School ("the Co-op") is a non-profit organization founded in 1973 by a group of parents. The Co-op is committed to providing an affordable, stimulating, creative learning environment. We believe in each child's right to develop a sense of self that is positive and capable.

We offer a relaxed, warm learning atmosphere. A balanced program of indoor and outdoor activities encourages children to be curious, to discover, to choose and to interact appropriately with others.

The Co-op staff guides and organizes but does not impose. They are able to make standards clear, consistent and understandable to all children and, at the same time, be sensitive to each child's needs.

Parents and teachers work together to run the school. The school is owned and administered by parents.

Our cooperative nursery school provides a means for parents to have greater participation in their child's first school experience. As a participating parent in the classroom, you will gain a new perspective of your child's interaction with others and enjoy meeting with other parents of preschool children to share knowledge and experience.

Through active collaboration, parents and teachers manage the school together. Because you can participate in selection of the staff, planning of the program, and policy making, the Co-op provides you with an opportunity to directly influence how and what your child might experience in the classroom.

Although we're pleased to provide the opportunity for parents to participate, it is not a requirement.

Core Values of The Stowe Co-op Nursery School

• Appreciating childhood as a unique and valuable stage of the human cycle of life
• Basing our work with children on knowledge of child development
• Appreciating and supporting the close ties between the child and family
• We understand that children are best understood in the context of their family culture and society.
• We respect the dignity, worth, and uniqueness of each individual.
• To help each child achieve their full potential in the context of relationships that are based on trust, respect, and positive regard.
• To promote knowledge and understanding of young children and their needs. To work toward greater societal acknowledgment of children’s rights and greater social acceptance of responsibility for the well being of all children.
• To support the policies and laws that promote the well being of children and families.
• We shall treat each child assessment information confidentially and share this information only when there is a legitimate need for it.

Ten Methods of Implementing Positive Discipline

1. Get the children involved
2. Teach respect by being respectful
3. Get into the child’s world
4. If you say it, mean it and if you mean it, follow through with kindness and firmness
5. Create routine
6. Offer choices
7. Use your sense of humor
8. Provide opportunities to help
9. Be patient
10. Provide lots of supervision, distraction and redirection