About PNPC’s Preschool Program
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.
The PNPC offers six classes from Parent/Infant through Pre-Kindergarten (including a Multi-Age class). 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.
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.
Our Goals
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.
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.
Enrollment
Enrollment for the 2023-24 School Year begins February 19th!
We’re excited to begin registration for the 2023-24 school year! There are openings in all of our classes, and a waiting list available for future openings if you’re not quite ready to enroll just yet.
If you’re interested in joining PNPC, please reach out to our registrar or attend one of our open houses which are offered in the Winter and Spring.
Come meet our teachers, mingle with current co-op families, learn about our curriculum and explore our wonderful classrooms. Children are welcomed and encouraged to attend.
If you’re unable to attend an open house you can schedule a classroom visit and discuss the details of our programs with our Registrar at moc.l1713068305iamg@1713068305ofni.1713068305cpnp1713068305.
Tuition and Class Offerings
PNPC offers five classes. Every class (except Parent/Infant) spends time both outside at one of our three play areas and inside one of our two classrooms. A parent (or other caregiver) must actively participate in the classroom one day per week for all classes. Children in the Twos, Threes, and Pre-K classes also attend preschool on days when their caregiver is not in the classroom. PNPC’s school year follows the Seattle Public Schools calendar.
Tuition assistance for qualified families is available. For more information, request a copy of the Emergency Aid and/or Scholarship policy and application from our Registrar at moc.l1713068305iamg@1713068305ofni.1713068305cpnp1713068305.
PNPC Events
PNPC Staff
Shelby
Shelby teaches our Parent/Infant and Ones classes, and has more than a decade of experience in child development and education. She believes infants thrive when caregivers thrive. She takes a holistic approach to her class that includes stories, songs, and play-based exploration for babies while weaving in moments of mindfulness, reflection, and nurturing for the parents and caregivers attending. Her principles of openness, honesty and support without judgment is the foundation of a strong community of caregivers that can grow alongside you in your child’s first year of life and beyond.
Erin
Erin leads our Twos class. She loves teaching at PNPC for the same reasons that she chose co-op for all three of her own kids. She wholeheartedly believes that play nurtures social, emotional, physical and cognitive growth by allowing kids to learn through their own experience, exploration, experimentation and discovery.
Erin’s class is a safe and welcoming space where all children—and their families—can come and learn. It is a time for parents and children to share together and a chance for children to interact with other kids and adults. This program also provides a wonderful opportunity to discuss experiences, concerns, and joys within a friendly community of fellow parents.
Cat
Cat is PNPC’s head teacher and leads our Threes class. She is dedicated to creating a safe classroom where all children can come and learn, and believes that all learning starts with play and exploration. With the help of the parents Cat fosters a classroom that nurtures each individual child and also creates a community that extends outside of class. She believes in an emergent curriculum that follows the lead of the children.
Adelle
Adelle teaches our Pre-K class and believes that each child develops at their own pace and each child has strengths. She provides an environment where these strengths can be nurtured and celebrated. Through play Adelle gives children plenty of opportunities to create, make discoveries, imagine, and explore things of interest to them. In this environment your student will develop their love for school and learning, along with building friendships with the other students.