About Us
Imagine a preschool where your child thrives, and you’re an integral part of their learning experience. That’s the heart of Ballard Preschool Co-op (BPC), a program of the Phinney Neighborhood Association (PNA). Our cooperative model is built on collaboration: Experienced teachers craft and implement a play-based curriculum, a dedicated parent educator provides support and resources for families, and engaged parents/caregivers actively participate in the classroom as teaching assistants and manage the school’s day-to-day operations. This dynamic partnership creates a rich learning environment for children and fosters a supportive community for families.
Our Goals
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Create a safe, supportive, fun, and stimulating environment that encourages the social, emotional, physical, and mental development of young children through creative classroom and outdoor play.
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Provide opportunities for parents and caregivers to participate in their child’s first educational experience, working closely with teachers, parent educators, and each other to learn about child development and behavior, as well as parenting.
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Nurture each child’s sense of accomplishment and personal growth.
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Foster a sense of community, support, and belonging for all those involved in the preschool.
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Encourage families to share their unique talents, interests, and experiences in ways that enhance their child’s class, as well as the larger preschool community.
Enrollment
2025-26 School Year
Registration is open! Secure your spot by completing our pre-registration form today. Our All-School Registrar will then contact you with the application and enrollment details. Questions? Email moc.l1742332368iamg@1742332368rarts1742332368iger.1742332368cpb1742332368. See our class offerings below.
Current 2024-25 School Year
Limited spots remain! Check our current class offerings and reach out to moc.1742332368liamg1742332368@rart1742332368siger1742332368.cpb1742332368for availability information. You can be added to our waitlist if your preferred class is full, and we’ll contact you as spots become available.
*NEW* BPC Explorers (Outdoor Classes)
Our new outdoor classes offer children and their caregivers the opportunity to learn and grow together while exploring natural wonders in parks and other locations in the Greater Ballard area. Spots are available for both the current and upcoming school years.
2025-26 Class Offerings
BPC offers classes for infants through Pre-K. Most classes meet at 7503 18th Ave NW Seattle, WA 98117 (BPC and Northwest Christian Church are not affiliated), and a few classes meet at parks and other outdoor locations in the Greater Ballard area. All of our classes include access to parent education seminars, social events outside of class, and resource sharing opportunities.
A parent (or other caregiver) must actively participate in the classroom 1 day per week for all classes. For a small fee, on-site sibling care may be available for children not participating in class while their caregiver is working in the classroom. Students in the Twos and 3-5s/Pre-K classes also attend preschool on days in which their caregiver is not in the classroom. Our school year largely follows the Seattle Public Schools calendar. All minimum ages for the 2025-26 school year are as of August 31, 2025.
“I attended [BPC] with my daughter for over 2 years. If you are able to spend a day with your child in preschool each week to be a part of their early education I highly recommend it. It’s time with her I will always look back at fondly. The teachers are supportive and care deeply about the kids and program. It’s a great opportunity to build community and play an active role in your child’s first years of education.” – Dylan, BPC Alum Family
BPC Staff
Christine Miller, Teacher
Infants, 3-5s/Pre-K, MAC, Mini Explorers
Hello! I’m Teacher Christine, and my journey into Early Childhood Education began right here at BPC. Watching my daughters blossom from their first days in the Infants Class all the way through the 3-5s program was a truly inspiring experience. When my youngest graduated, I knew it was time to follow my own heart and pursue my passion. I received my BAS in Early Childhood Education from North Seattle College in Spring 2021, and I was so grateful to begin my career as an educator at the very place that sparked my own growth – Ballard Preschool Co-op. This community has given so much to my family, and I’m deeply committed to creating a safe, nurturing space where every child feels welcomed, supported, and free to explore the wonders of the world around them. In my quieter moments, I cherish drawing with my daughters, exploring nature on walks, losing myself in a good book, and connecting with loved ones over coffee, delicious food, and shared laughter.
Katie Grant, Teacher
Toddlers, Twos, Junior Explorers
Hi there! I’m Teacher Katie, and I’ve been teaching children for over two decades, spanning from exploring with toddlers to tutoring high school students. While teaching at early childhood centers, I began pursuing my Bachelor’s degree in elementary education, which I completed in 2016. I then discovered the magic of co-op preschools when my own daughter was two, and I’ve been hooked ever since. I joined the BPC crew as the Twos teacher in 2019, and I absolutely love it! My teaching philosophy? Meet those kiddos where they are, dive into the topics that spark their curiosity, and always be ready to roll with the punches (because, let’s be real, toddlers and preschoolers are unpredictable!).
Stephen Gumber, Parent Educator
Hi, I’m Stephen, and I’m so happy to be your Parent Educator! As a former BPC parent myself, I know firsthand the joy and challenges of raising young children. My two children spent six wonderful years at BPC (with two overlapping!), and I even led a mixed-age playgroup there for nearly three years. My own experience at BPC showed me the incredible value of having a supportive Parent Educator—someone who listens, offers practical advice, and helps build connections within the community. I’m here to offer you that same support: a listening ear, trusted parenting resources, and enriching parent education experiences. Let’s work together to create a nurturing and supportive environment for our little ones to flourish.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does co-op participation entail?
BPC is more than just a preschool – it’s a community built by the active participation of its families. Our cooperative model requires a commitment of time and energy, but the rewards are immense: a strong support network, lasting friendships, and a deep connection to your child’s education.
Classroom Participation: Each family provides a parent/caregiver who works in the classroom one day per week.
- Infants, Toddlers, MAC, Mini Explorers, and Junior Explorers: Attends every weekly class.
- Twos: Attends one of two classes per week.
- 3-5s/Pre-K: Attends one of three classes per week.
- Parents are welcome to stay until their child is comfortable with drop-off.
- In-class jobs rotate and include providing snacks, supervising activities, and cleaning.
Community Contributions: Each family also…
- Holds a class or school job.
- Participates in facility maintenance.
- Fulfills a fundraising commitment.
Being part of a co-op means being part of a team. You’ll share in decision-making, fundraising, attend meetings, and serve on a committee – all working together to create a thriving learning environment for our children.
Are there any further financial commitments in addition to monthly tuition?
Yes. There are fees due upon enrollment, at the time of your first class (September 1 for those starting the new school year), and fundraising commitments. Scholarships and emergency assistance are available.
Due Upon Enrollment: Non-Refundable Tuition & Fees
- Annual Registration Fee: $80
- June Tuition: Half of above listed monthly tuition rates (prorated as June is a half month of school).
- Background Check: Each working caregiver must complete a background check authorization form and pay a $12 fee for a national criminal background check. The fee is only charged the first year that the form is run. For adults without a social security number, an international background check can be completed at an additional cost.
Due September 1st: Non-Refundable Tuition & Fees
- September Tuition: Listed above (each month’s tuition is due on the 1st of that month through May)
- Annual Phinney Neighborhood Association (PNA) Membership Fee: $80
Fundraising Commitment
Maintaining the high quality of our programs requires resources beyond tuition revenue. To support this, each family makes an annual fundraising contribution ranging from $100 to $300 per student, determined by class and a family’s number of enrolled children.
Scholarships & Emergency Assistance
We offer need-based tuition scholarships and registration fee assistance to help ensure our programs are accessible to all families. Scholarships awarded at the beginning of the school year are intended to cover the full academic year. If a family’s financial situation changes and the scholarship is no longer needed, we kindly request that families communicate this to us so we can appropriately allocate resources to other families in need. For families facing unexpected financial hardship, emergency tuition assistance may also be available at the discretion of the BPC Board. We want to help and we have options.
Do you run background checks on parents and caregivers working in the classroom?
Yes. The PNA runs a national background check for all of their staff (that includes our teachers and parent educators) and any volunteers who work with children and/or seniors. As working caregivers in the BPC classrooms, we are PNA volunteers. All parents and caregivers (ie: grandparents, nannies, etc.) working in the classroom will be required to have a background check completed.
Are there vaccination requirements for parents and caregivers?
Yes. BPC requires proof of MMR and full COVID-19 vaccination (including boosters) for all in-class working caregivers and staff. For caregivers working in the Infants Class, an up-to-date Tdap vaccination is also required. COVID-19 vaccinations are highly recommended for children ages 6 months and up, but not required. Even though adults in the classroom are only required to show proof of one booster, vaccinated adults and children are strongly encouraged to stay up-to-date with all recommended boosters.
How do we join?
Our beloved program offers a nurturing and enriching experience for children and caregivers alike, and as a result, we sometimes have waitlists. If our preschool is a good fit for your family, we encourage you to contact us as soon as possible. To learn more or begin the pre-registration process, please email the BPC All-School Registrar or fill out our pre-registration form. We warmly welcome children of all nationalities, races, creeds, and backgrounds, fostering a diverse and inclusive learning community.
Resources
Ballard Bookworms
Connect with your community through the magic of stories! Ballard Preschool Co-op (BPC) invites you to Ballard Bookworms, our FREE monthly story time program. Join us at local locations like the Ballard Library for engaging stories led by one of our teachers. It’s a great way for children and caregivers to connect, learn, and have fun together.
Program Goals
- For Kids: Opportunities to make friends and learn through interactive stories and play.
- For Caregivers: A recurring and free activity where you can connect with other parents and caregivers.
- For the Community: Supporting local businesses, exploring our neighborhood, and promoting the importance of early childhood education.
Don’t miss out on the fun! Sign up for BPC’s Ballard Bookworms email list to receive monthly event reminders about upcoming story times, our popular gently used sale, playgroup and school registration dates, and other exciting community events.
Questions?
moc.l1742332368iamg@1742332368smrow1742332368koobd1742332368ralla1742332368b1742332368
BPC’s Upcoming Community Events
Contact Us
7503 18th Ave NW
Seattle, WA 98117
BPC All-School Registrar
moc.l1742332368iamg@1742332368rarts1742332368iger.1742332368cpb1742332368