We are an experience-based parent cooperative preschool where caring, confident and competent life long learners and parents are nurtured and encouraged to grow emotionally, cognitively, physically, and creatively. At our school, children and parents learn alongside one another.
We believe children learn through real world hands-on play experiences and that an early childhood education program should provide ample opportunity for children to explore, create, ask questions, and take risks.We also believe that an early childhood program should enrich the whole child, including their social, emotional, physical and intellectual development.
We believe children learn through real world hands-on play experiences and that an early childhood education program should provide ample opportunity for children to explore, create, ask questions, and take risks.We also believe that an early childhood program should enrich the whole child, including their social, emotional, physical and intellectual development.
Services
Washington Park Early Learning Center is a parent cooperative school where children, parents, and teachers come together to play, explore, and learn in a joyful, stimulating, and safe environment. WPELC's goal is to nurture caring, confident, and competent lifelong learners. At WPELC we believe children learn best through their play experiences with an emphasis on social-emotional development.
In 1973, a small group of Washington Park parents recognized the need for a quality community preschool experience for their children. They imagined a neighborhood preschool where their cooperative efforts would create a safe, nurturing environment for their children. Today, this tradition continues with our Early Learner and Preschool classes and our active parent cooperative community.
Spacious and inviting, Washington Park Early Learning Center's classrooms create a sense of wonder for children. Our classrooms were designed by our teachers to be learning centers that meet the cognitive, creative, and social needs of young children. They give children freedom to take risks and learn in a safe and stimulating environment.
Washington Park Early Learning Center is a parent cooperative school - a co-op - where children, parents, and teachers come together to play, explore, and learn in a joyful, stimulating, and safe environment. Many parents outside our community may wonder what a cooperative preschool is and what their role is in the co-op.
Parent-Tot class is a parent/caregiver-accompanied class for kids ages 1 to 2*. Children and parents learn together in a supportive and stimulating environment. Class time includes opportunity for the joyful exploration of social interactions, sensory exploration, hands-on learning and parent education.
Reviews (7)
Dave C.
Nov 20, 2018
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I am amazed by this school. The teachers are incredibly knowledgeable and experienced and it’s been fascinating to see them at work and learn about the developmental psychology behind every little detail in the program. Every day there are thoughtfully curated activities for each child to explore at their own pace and interest and every detail from the hello song, to the activities, to the playground to the snack times to the goodbye circle is informed by research. Two teachers and a parent everyday mean the kids get tons of guidance and attention when needed (only 12 in my son’s class).
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Nell Thomas
Jan 04, 2016
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We have two children at WPELC (one in each class). The teachers are so loving and thoughtful. Our kids just love them. The school is play-based, but every activity is intentional and meaningful. The students learn so much through fun activities and I truly believe that our daughter will be more than ready for kindergarten next year based on her education from WPELC. Go take a tour to see for yourself!
Jessica Downs
Jan 19, 2015
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Having our son enrolled in the Preschool class at WPELC has been an incredible experience for our entire family. At his previous school, our son was constantly reprimanded for his "spirited" nature, making it a really hard experience for him. The teachers are so attuned to the needs of each of the children. They have created amazing experiences and personalized learning units to match all of the children's needs, which has helped my son channel his behavior into passion for building, creating, and exploring. He is so happy at WPELC, and has progressed astronomically. I couldn't leave a higher review
Naomi Aitken
Nov 19, 2014
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Our youngest started at WPELC this year. It was her first experience being away from mom and dad and a little tough for her...BUT the teachers were amazing in helping her transition. She now gets sad on the days that she DOESN'T have school. The teachers are sweet, caring and extremely creative in the classroom. Wish I had found this school when my older ones were younger.
Rebecca Ledges
Nov 13, 2014
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We are finishing our 6th year at WPELC with 2 kids. Our years there have given our kids confidence, social skills, kindergarten preparedness and amazing friends! The cooperative experience really does create a community of involved and engaged parents that can also have fun together. We would follow the WPELC teachers ANYWHERE and feel so fortunate to have each of them with our kids 2-3 days each week.
Rochelle D.
Nov 04, 2014
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I love this school! My 2 year old son goes here and he is so happy to go to school. We looked around at lots of preschools in the area and actually took him somewhere else last year but we are so happy here and plan to keep him at WPELC until kindergarten.
The price is very reasonable, and is kept down with parent involvement which intimidated us a bit at first. It turns out that the requirements are not all that onerous - if you love being involved, lots of opportunities, but if you are too busy, the actual "requirement" is pretty minimal and can even involve a buy-out for many
The price is very reasonable, and is kept down with parent involvement which intimidated us a bit at first. It turns out that the requirements are not all that onerous - if you love being involved, lots of opportunities, but if you are too busy, the actual "requirement" is pretty minimal and can even involve a buy-out for many
Jennifer P.
Aug 06, 2014
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