About Phinney Neighborhood Preschool Co-op
Phinney Neighborhood Preschool Co-op (PNPC) is a vibrant, community-based cooperative preschool that fosters the social, emotional, physical, and mental development of young children through play-based, structured learning in a nurturing and connected community.
As a cooperative (or “co-op”) preschool, each classroom is led by a teacher and supported by a parent educator, with parents serving as co-teachers. This structure provides a high adult-to-child ratio, allowing for increased one-on-one engagement. PNPC fosters community between parents and children through enhanced opportunities for sensory, artistic, and musical exploration, field trips, and outdoor play.
Our mission is to create a secure, fun, and stimulating environment that promotes children’s growth, encourages family involvement, and fosters a sense of community and belonging for all.
As a program of the Phinney Neighborhood Association, PNPC is a community resource for families in Phinney Ridge and the surrounding neighborhoods. The program is almost entirely volunteer-run, making it an affordable neighborhood preschool. Join us in shaping your child’s educational journey!
Phinney Neighborhood Preschool Co-op’s Programs
PNPC Preschool
PNPC Summer Camp
Our Goals
Create a safe, supportive, fun, and stimulating environment that encourages young children’s social, emotional, physical, and mental development through creative classroom and outdoor play.
Nurture each child’s sense of accomplishment and personal growth.
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.
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.
Foster a sense of community, support, and belonging for all those involved in the preschool.
Our History
In 1981, several caregivers, working with a $10,000 grant from the new Phinney Neighborhood Association (PNA), formed the Phinney Neighborhood Preschool Co-op (the preschool or PNPC) a cooperative preschool in the old John B. Allen Elementary School. They cleaned out a room in the basement of one of the school’s two buildings, furnished it, built a playground, and hired teachers. The PNPC opened its doors that September. Nancy Allen, the first Chair, received an award in 1987 from Parent Cooperative Preschool International.
The preschool has grown and evolved in many ways since those first years. The biggest change in recent years is the creation of the preschool’s Dragon Room. Once the John B. Allen Elementary School gymnasium, the space was turned into a preschool room by a group of caregivers during the spring and summer of 1996. Thanks to a $9,600 grant from the City of Seattle, the strong support of the Phinney Neighborhood Association, and more than three dozen volunteers from the preschool, a loft was built in the room in the winter of 1999. In the spring of 2005, the upper playground was renovated with new equipment, including a climbing wall. A new, “Multi-Age” class was added as a sixth class in Fall 2013 in response to the desire to serve more families on our waiting list.
The preschool will undoubtedly continue to grow and evolve in the years ahead. Every year is a little different as new families bring their talents to the program. However the preschool’s foundation remains unchanged: families and teachers working together to create an environment where young children can feel safe and supported as they explore, create, and learn about their world.
PNPC Community Events
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Phinney Neighborhood Preschool Co-op?
Where are we located?
Our classrooms are located in the Phinney Neighborhood Association buildings. The Red Room is located in the ground level of the Blue Building at 6532 Phinney Ave N, and the Dragon Room is located on the ground floor of the Brick Building at 6615 Dayton Ave N. (Directions)
What are the commitments required to participate in a co-op program?
The co-op is made up of dedicated parent volunteers, without those volunteers our programs couldn’t thrive. Requirements are as follows: one in-class job (per child/class), one in-class working day per week, attend one monthly parent meeting, volunteer hours (6 hours for one child, 10 hours for two or more children), and fundraising (two major fundraisers per year).
What are the benefits of a co-op school?
As a cooperative (or “co-op”) preschool, each classroom is led by a teacher and supported by a parent educator with parents serving as co-teachers. This structure provides a high adult-to-child ratio, allowing for increased one-on-one engagement. PNPC fosters community between parents and children through enhanced opportunities for sensory, artistic, and musical exploration, field trips, and outdoor play.
The model creates not only a rich learning environment for children but also supports families in their parenting journey. Children receive the benefit of cooperative classroom education, led by a staff of experienced early education teachers. Parents benefit from the instruction and guidance of parent educators, as well as a vibrant community of families with young children.
How do we join?
PNPC is a popular preschool program and our wait-list can be quite long. If you’re interested in our program it’s best to attend an open house or schedule a classroom visit. If PNPC seems like a good match for your family please contact our All-School Registrar (moc.l1727966461iamg@1727966461ofni.1727966461cpnp1727966461) for more information. PNPC welcomes and encourages all families to apply.
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 workers in the PNPC classrooms, we are PNA volunteers.
Both parents/partners, and any adult volunteers (ie: grandparents, nannies, etc.) working more than one day per school year in the classroom will be asked to have a background check completed. Each year following, a Washington State WATCH check will be completed.
Can I visit a class to see if it is the right fit for our family?
Yes! We love it when families visit our classrooms. Contact our registrar at moc.l1727966461iamg@1727966461ofni.1727966461cpnp1727966461 to set up a tour.
Support the PNPC
Help us continue to provide a creative, supportive, nurturing space for families of young children.
Contact Us
6532 Phinney Ave N
Seattle, WA 98103
206.783.2244