Lakeside Cooperative Preschool

Lakeside Cooperative Preschool provides a safe environment in which students can experience a wide range of physical, social, and intellectual activities through a cooperative, play-based education model. We meet children at their individual levels and provide developmentally-appropriate learning opportunities to prepare them for elementary school and beyond.

All members of Lakeside—students, families, and staff—contribute to the improvement of our school and community, bringing diverse strengths into the classroom and to the roles that manage our school. Whether it is maintenance and material prep, working directly with the children, or school administration. 

Lakeside teaches children the fundamentals of being in a community; how to communicate ideas and needs, share space, compromise, and respect each other’s bodies and work. Our children gain independence and self-confidence, while they learn to interact with peers and adults besides their family members. Alongside early literacy and math skills, Lakeside students leave with the social skills needed to move on to a kindergarten classroom.

Lakeside is affiliated with Whatcom Community College Parent Education Program offering an educational experience for both parents and children. Our affiliation with WCC provides a parent education facilitator, training and support systems for our teachers and board, and affordable insurance for our preschool. One parent or caregiver per family earns 3 credits per quarter Whatcom Community College, which includes student benefits like access to the WCC Student Recreation center, library, laptop checkout, and counseling and family support services.

Lakeside Cooperative Preschool is an inclusive program working with the Bellingham School District to integrate students receiving speech and language services into our classes.

AT LAKESIDE COOPERATIVE PRESCHOOL, YOU CAN EXPECT YOUR CHILD TO:

• Develop a positive self image.
• Experience and develop trust with other adults outside of their family.
• Increase independence, feelings of competence, social skills, and problem solving abilities.
• Learn to cooperate with and care for other children.
• Express themselves through materials, movement, and language.
• Increase a sense of curiosity through a variety of hands-on experiences.
• Develop an awareness of their world.

AT LAKESIDE COOPERATIVE PRESCHOOL, YOU CAN EXPECT TO:

• Develop realistic expectations of children at various stages of growth and development.
• Gather resources from teachers and parents to create a stimulating environment for children to develop their physical, cognitive, and social skills.
• Develop a support system for yourself, your child, and your family.
• Work creatively and cooperatively on the operation of the preschool.

Preschool is a safe and nurturing place to learn social skills. We believe preschool is the perfect place to learn about our emotions and how our behavior can affect ourselves and others. Our teachers act as facilitators in helping children learn appropriate ways to interact with their classmates, teachers, and environment.