Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Start Here Preschool: Play-Based Learning in Redmond
Founded in 1973, Start Here Preschool is Redmond's oldest parent cooperative preschool, dedicated to fostering early childhood development through play-based learning. Our program emphasizes curiosity, creativity, and community, with a unique model where families actively participate in their child's education. As a non-profit organization, we maintain a low adult-to-child ratio by requiring parent involvement in classroom activities, fundraising, and leadership roles. Our two paid staff members, the Lead Teacher and Assistant Teacher, guide daily operations while mentoring parent volunteers. We believe play is foundational to learning, supporting social, emotional, cognitive, and physical growth in children aged 3-6.Our curriculum integrates arts, music, movement, and themed units to create engaging, hands-on experiences. Families benefit from a close-knit community where shared responsibilities keep tuition affordable and strengthen connections. We prepare children for kindergarten through structured yet flexible programming tailored to individual developmental timelines. Our commitment to inclusivity ensures every family feels welcomed and valued. With decades of experience and a collaborative approach, we cultivate lifelong learners in a nurturing, community-driven environment.
Services
Preschool Programs
Parent Cooperative Model
Fundraising Events
Community Engagement
Kindergarten Readiness
Details
- Year established: 1973
Highlights and features
- We offer a parent cooperative model fostering community involvement and affordable tuition.
- Our low adult-to-child ratio ensures personalized attention and safety.
- Established in 1973, we bring decades of experience in early childhood education.
- Curriculum integrates arts, music, and themed units for holistic development.
- We prepare children for kindergarten with a focus on social-emotional readiness.
Services
Preschool Programs
Our play-based preschool programs for ages 3-6 focus on social-emotional growth, creativity, and kindergarten readiness. Through hands-on activities, themed units, and collaborative learning, children develop confidence and foundational academic skills in a nurturing environment.
Parent Cooperative Model
Families actively participate in classroom activities, fundraising, and leadership roles. This cooperative approach strengthens community bonds, reduces tuition costs, and creates a shared investment in each child's educational journey while maintaining a low adult-to-child ratio.
Kindergarten Readiness
Our curriculum prepares children for formal schooling through structured learning centers, social skill development, and self-regulation practices. Activities emphasize early literacy, math concepts, and independence to ensure smooth transitions to kindergarten environments.
Community Events
Seasonal celebrations, field trips, and parent-led initiatives foster community connections. These events provide opportunities for family engagement, cultural learning, and creating lasting memories within our cooperative preschool environment.
Fundraising Programs
Through tax-deductible donations, Fred Meyer Community Rewards partnerships, and merchandise sales, families contribute to classroom resources and program sustainability. These initiatives maintain affordable tuition while enhancing educational materials and community engagement opportunities.
People
Becca
Lead Teacher & Program Director
With over 10 years in early childhood education, Becca holds an Associates Degree from COCC. She guides classroom activities, mentors parent aides, and shapes program direction while balancing multiple roles in our cooperative model.
Kendra
Assistant Teacher
Kendra brings expertise in Human Development from OSU Cascades. As a Central Oregon native, she focuses on supporting child growth through play while building strong family connections within our community.
Questions
What age groups do you serve?
We serve children aged 3-6, including options for younger preschoolers, older preschoolers, and kindergarten gap year students.
What is a parent cooperative preschool?
Families actively participate in classroom activities, fundraising, and leadership roles, creating a community-driven educational environment with shared responsibilities.
Are there parent responsibilities?
Yes, parents rotate classroom aide shifts, participate in fundraising, attend one board meeting annually, and assist with school maintenance activities.
How does tuition compare to traditional preschools?
Our cooperative model keeps tuition affordable through family involvement, with exact rates available through our registration materials.
Do you offer financial support options?
We accept tax-deductible donations and offer fundraising opportunities through Fred Meyer Rewards and merchandise sales to support families.
What curriculum do you use?
Our play-based curriculum integrates arts, music, movement, and themed units while focusing on social-emotional development and kindergarten readiness.
