Independence Co-Op Preschool is a nonprofit program that is guided and supported by the families who make up our community. As a cooperative school, our member parents share in the responsibility of helping the preschool thrive. A volunteer parent board works closely with the administrator and teachers to shape school policies, support our programs, and oversee the financial health of the organization.

Our teachers maintain the required degrees, certifications, and continuing education set by ODJFS, and our administrator fulfills the state’s operational and licensing responsibilities. But the heart of a co-op is the families who choose to be part of it. Your involvement creates a warm, connected, hands-on learning environment for your child.

We know that every family’s schedule and strengths are different, so we offer a variety of ways for parents to participate and contribute to our co-op community.

Each family at Independence Co-Op Preschool designates one classroom volunteer for the school year. This designated family volunteer plays an important role in maintaining our cooperative model and supporting our classrooms.

Volunteer Requirements

The designated classroom volunteer must:

• Complete fingerprinting

• Complete an FBI/BCI background check, valid for 5 years (cost included in the $150 registration fee)

• Register with the Ohio Child Care Resource and Referral Association (OCCRRA)

• Volunteer in the classroom at least 4 days per school year

• Choose a parent committee or Board position to serve on

We recognize that families have different schedules, skills, and comfort levels. Our committee system provides a variety of ways to participate while supporting the school in meaningful ways.

Parent Committees

Each family selects one parent committee for the school year. Committees provide meaningful but manageable ways to support the classroom and school community.

Scheduler
Creates the class parent-helper schedule and coordinates special days with the teacher.

Communicator
Sends weekly updates, reminders, schedules, and announcements through a family text thread.

Play Dough Maker
Makes four batches of play dough per month using the school recipe.

Newsletter Coordinator
Compiles teacher updates, board messages, and events into a monthly newsletter.

Fundraiser Committee
Helps plan, organize, and run the school’s main fundraiser (couples encouraged).

Trunk or Treat Committee
Helps plan and run the annual Trunk or Treat event.

Christmas Party Committee
Plans the class Christmas party, including activities, crafts, and securing a Santa.

Graduation Party Committee
Helps plan and host the graduation ceremony for the 4’s classes.

Bridging Ceremony Committee
Helps plan and host the bridging ceremony for the 3’s classes.

Supply Coordinator
Communicates classroom supply needs and organizes family sign-ups or donations.

Co-Op Board

Independence Co-Op Preschool is supported by a volunteer Executive Board made up of member parents. The Board works with the administrator and teachers to guide policies, support school operations, and help shape the co-op experience. Serving on the Board is a meaningful way to get involved and support our school community.

President
Leads Board meetings, oversees policy discussions, and supports the administrator and teachers with school operations.

Vice President
Conducts meetings when the President is absent. Organizes Home Days and manages volunteer sign-ups throughout the year.

Secretary
Attends all Board meetings and records minutes. Coordinates field trip scheduling and communicates details to families. Assists the Newsletter Coordinator as needed.

Treasurer
Manages the school’s finances, bookkeeping, and monthly reports, and works with the administrator to ensure financial processes run smoothly.

Registrar
Provides tours, responds to all enrollment inquiries, manages waitlists, and maintains alumni and membership records.

Ways & Means Co-Chairs
Organize and coordinate all fundraising efforts throughout the school year, including the annual Parents’ Night Out fundraiser.

Records Coordinator
Maintains and updates student medical forms and other required documentation for enrolled students. Manges social media.