You can find a PDF version of the Membership Handbook HERE.

2024-2025 School Calendar

August

8/14 Wednesday Board meeting and board member cleaning 6:30-8:30 pm

8/15 Thursday Popsicles in the Park 3:00- 4:00 pm (Lynndale Park)

September 

9/9 Monday 3/4's Orientation 6:30-8:30 pm

9/10 Tuesday PreK Orientation 6:30-8:30 pm

9/11 Wednesday Board meeting 6:30-8:30 pm

9/12 Thursday 2/3's Orientation 6:30-8:30 pm 

9/16 Monday School year begins 

9/19 - 9/20 Thursday- Friday 2/3's slow start (show up only on work day)

9/25 Wednesday Member Meeting 6:30-8:30 pm (hosted by the board) 

October

10/9 Wednesday Board meeting 6:30-8:30 pm 

10/19 Saturday PreK class cleaning 10:00-12:00

10/23 Wednesday Member Meeting 6:30-8:30 pm (hosted by PreK class) 

November

11/9 Saturday 3/4's class cleaning 10:00-12:00

11/11 Monday No school, Veteran’s Day 

11/13 Wednesday Member Meeting 6:30-8:30 pm (hosted by 3/4's class) 

11/27 - 11/29 Wednesday-Friday No classes, Thanksgiving Break 

December 

12/11 Wednesday Board meeting 6:30-8:30 pm 

12/23 - 1/3 Monday-Friday No classes, Winter break

January 

1/8 Wednesday Board meeting 6:30-8:30 pm

1/11 Saturday 2/3's class cleaning 10:00-12:00

1/20 Monday No school, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day 

1/22 Wednesday Member Meeting 6:30-8:30 pm (hosted by 2/3's class) 

1/25 Saturday Open House 10:00-12:00

1/27 Monday No school, CFF closed 

February 

2/8 Saturday PreK class cleaning 10:00-12:00

2/12 Wednesday Board meeting 6:30-8:30 pm

2/17 - 2/18 Monday-Tuesday No school, President’s Day

2/26 Wednesday Member meeting 6:30-8:30 pm (hosted by PreK class) 

March 

3/8 Saturday 3/4's class cleaning 10:00-12:00

3/12 Wednesday Board meeting 6:30-8:30 pm 

3/26 Wednesday Member Meeting 6:30-8:30 pm (hosted by 3/4's class)

April 

4/7 - 4/11 Monday-Friday No classes, Spring Break 

4/16 Wednesday Board meeting 6:30-8:30 pm

4/17 Thursday 2/3's class cleaning 6:30-8:30 pm

4/23 Wednesday Member Meeting 6:30-8:30 pm (hosted by 2/3's class) 

May

5/2 Friday Building closed- TBD, either no school or field trip off-site

5/14 Wednesday Board meeting 6:30-8:30 pm 

5/23-5/26 Friday-Monday No classes, Memorial Day 

5/28 Wednesday Member Meeting 6:30-8:30 pm

5/31 Saturday Year-End Picnic 11:00-2:00 pm

June 

6/6 Friday Last day of classes 

6/11 Wednesday Board meeting 6:30-8:30 pm

Class Schedules

2/3s class:
Thursday and Friday mornings, 9:15 – 11:15 am

3/4s class:
Monday through Wednesday mornings, 9:15 – 11:15 am

Pre-K class:
Monday through Thursday afternoons, 12:15 – 2:45 pm

Schedule of Fees

A non-refundable $65.00 registration fee is due for each child enrolled in CFF Co-op. The fee is due with the preschool registration form at the time of registration.

Tuition payments are calculated by dividing the yearly tuition amount into ten equal monthly payment amounts.

Tuition

Tuition for the 2024-2025 school year is as follows:

• 2/3s class: $1020 payable in ten monthly installments of $102

• 3/4s class:  $1350 payable in ten monthly installments of $135

• Pre-K class: $1730 payable in ten monthly installments of $173

The Center for Families Cooperative Preschool (CFF co-op) is a non-profit organization funded and run by the parents/caregivers of the Cooperative. Edmonds College, through its Family Life Education Department, sponsors our educational mission.

Our Mission

The Center for Families Cooperative Preschool provides positive and creative learning experiences for parents and children in a developmentally appropriate, supervised classroom environment.

What is a Cooperative Preschool?

Cooperative Preschools have over 80 years of history in Washington State. Each cooperative preschool is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and is an affordable alternative to private preschools. A cooperative preschool offers a unique learning environment for children and adult family members. What sets the cooperative apart from other schools is parent involvement. Scheduling adult family members to work in the classroom with the children allows for more child-directed learning, opportunities to interact with each child and increased supervision. Parents learn how to support the children as they engage in guided play, exploration and self-discovery. 

Members of the cooperative preschool join together in the spirit of mutual helpfulness, contribution and participation. The Membership Handbook is prepared to help members understand their role in the operation of the cooperative preschool. The Membership Handbook is designed to work with the cooperative’s standing rules, policies, procedures and bylaws. Each member is required to sign the co-op’s membership participation agreement, which is considered binding for all members. Prior to working in the classroom, each adult must complete the required general risk management training that is specific for their co-op. Co-op members are also required to enroll for FLED credits with Edmonds College, Family Life Education Department (FLED).

College Affiliation

The cooperative preschool is affiliated with the Family Life Education Department (FLED) at Edmonds College. EC provides on-site college Instructors who provide a wealth of knowledge and expertise in early childhood development, parenting education and leadership. Instructors work with enrolled families during class and during member meetings, facilitate/advise Board members in the running of the co-op business, and support cooperative preschool teachers in their work. 

Section I: Parent Membership

Edmonds College Enrollment

The Family Life Education Department assigns college instructors who observe and facilitate adult learning at each cooperative preschool. Members are enrolled in a FLED course during their time at the cooperative preschool and earn college credits. The college class that enrolled adults are required to participate in at the cooperative preschool consists of two parts: Parent Education lab hours and Parent Education Course instruction. The Parent Education Course instruction occurs during the member meeting each month. The preschool classroom is considered to be the lab portion of the Parent Education course and this is where enrolled adults will practice the skills that they are learning during the instruction portion of the class. College instructors will participate in the lab portion of the EC class one day a week, alternating days attended so that all students can be observed in the classroom environment. The learning outcomes for co-op members include:

● Supervising children in a classroom environment

● Practice and identify positive interactions

● Discuss parenting strategies

● Discuss developmentally appropriate behaviors

● Recognize individual differences

● Describe play-based learning

The cost of the college tuition for one adult per family who is enrolled for FLED college credits is included in the families monthly preschool tuition payments; the cooperative preschool pays the college for the credits. If additional adult family members or caregivers work in the classroom, an additional fee may be required to cover the cost of their college tuition. Additional adult family members or caregivers credits will be decided jointly with the FLED Parent Education Instructor.

If an additional adult will be attending the member meeting on a regular basis, the instructor should be notified to ensure the proper registration at the college. If another adult will be attending the member meeting for a particular month, special arrangements should be made with the College Instructor. Approval for that person to attend will be at the discretion of the Instructor.

College Student ID #, EdPass and College Email Accounts

As a student of EC, co-op members are assigned a ctcLink student identification number. They are eligible to get a student identification card called an EdPass and a college email account. Members enrolled for FLED credits will be able to get their EdPass after their college enrollment paperwork has been processed, they have been issued a ctcLink ID number and enrolled in the appropriate FLED section by the FLED Program Specialist. Members will receive their ctcLink number via email after they have done the online application for Edmonds College. 

To get an EdPass, members may go to the EdPass Card Services office located on the EC campus in Alderwood Hall, rm 103. Members may also begin the process online through https://www.edmonds.edu/edpass/default.html. Additional information about the EdPass is available on the college web page.

Your EdPass can also serve as a bus pass for Community Transit buses. As a registered EC student, you can ride Community Transit for a reduced rate by purchasing a bus sticker for your EdPass. Many businesses and organizations (Amazon, Apple, etc.) also offer discounts to college students when they provide official college identification, such as the EdPass.

Mutual Respect

The Co-op is committed to every person’s right to enjoy their cooperative preschool experience safely and with dignity. All members, staff, and instructors are committed to expecting civil behavior from all. We require each member to support this commitment. Contact a Board member for the full ICC Policy for Mutual Respect (found in the Leadership Handbook).

Workday and Absences

Each member is required to work in his/her child’s classroom during the preschool class session one day per week. Classroom workday assignments will happen at the member orientation prior to the start of the school year. Members joining the cooperative during the year will be assigned a classroom workday by their Class Coordinator that meets both their schedule and the cooperative’s needs. Adult participation in the classroom is vital—the classroom will not operate without the required number of adults. It is expected that adults will arrive on time and be dressed in clothes that can get messy. Teachers will assign workday jobs in advance of the preschool class session. If an adult cannot work a classroom workday for any reason, the adult is responsible for finding a substitute and communicating their plans with the Class Coordinator and teacher. This applies even if your child is going to be absent that day. Adults may trade workdays with other adults as a means to provide a substitute. As a reminder, all substitutes need to have Risk Management training prior to working in the classroom. See “Risk Management Training” below for more information.

Class Cleanings & Inventory

Each member family is required to participate in cleaning the classroom twice during the school year. Families that serve on the Board are the exception; they participate in a cleaning at the start of the school year instead. Classroom cleanings generally take less than 3 hours. Please wear clothing to the cleaning that can get dirty; you will be cleaning tables and chairs, sanitizing toys and reassembling the classroom.  

Each class will have a Cleaning Coordinator who will be responsible for issuing reminders for cleanings and tracking member participation. If you are unable to participate in cleaning on your class’s assigned days, you will be given the opportunity to attend any of the other scheduled classroom cleanings. Participation in classroom cleanings is required to maintain your child’s enrollment in their preschool class. There is a $50 fee per missed cleaning that is not made up by the end of the school year. If you do not make up the cleaning or pay the fee by the day after the makeup cleaning, a meeting will be scheduled with your teacher and the Vice Chair to evaluate your “Member in Good Standing” status. 

Families that have more than one child enrolled in the preschool will still only be required to complete two class cleanings during the school year.

Inventory is held at the end of the school year and is conducted by teachers and members. Inventory takes 3 hours or more, depending on the number of people attending. Volunteers will be needed from all classes for inventory, at CFF (Date TBD). Additionally, anyone who knows in advance that they will miss one of their scheduled class cleanings can attend the inventory instead. 

If you have questions about class cleanings, please speak to your class’s Cleaning Coordinator.

Member Meeting/Attendance

Each member with an enrolled child is required to attend a monthly Member Meeting. No children may be present (nursing infants are the exception). If an additional adult will be attending the member meeting on a regular basis, the instructor should be notified to ensure the proper registration at the college. If another adult will be attending the member meeting for a particular month, special arrangements should be made with the College Instructor. Approval for that person to attend will be at the discretion of the Instructor.

Member Meetings generally take place on the 4th Wednesday of the month at the school from 6:30pm to approximately 8:30pm (refer to the school calendar). The meetings begin promptly at 6:30pm. The components of the Member Meetings are as follows:

• Business meetings will be conducted for a portion of the Member Meeting, including for the purpose of electing CFF Co-op Board Members.

• Notices regarding CFF Co-op events and other information will be provided at each Member Meeting.

• Member Education will take place at each Member Meeting with a Member Education Instructor from Edmonds Community College. Each group will also meet with their children’s preschool teacher.

• Each class will take turns hosting the monthly member meetings and the hosting class will provide potluck food for the rest of the co-op.

• The hosting class will also provide a raffle basket with items to be raffled off as a fundraiser for the co-op.

Our attendance policy is as follows:

We acknowledge that occasionally emergencies do arise; therefore, one meeting may be missed without a required makeup. Please let your Class Coordinator, Parent Educator, and Teacher know if you will be missing a meeting! A second missed meeting requires a makeup activity within thirty days, as well as the reading and signing of the missed meeting’s minutes.

If, after thirty days, you haven’t completed your makeup activity, you will lose your “Member in Good Standing” status. A third missed meeting will lead to a mandatory meeting with your Teacher, Parent Educator, and Vice Chair. Your membership will be reviewed at the Board meeting, and you may be dismissed from Center for Families Preschool. We understand  hardships do occur. Should an issue arise, please communicate with a Board member or your Class Coordinator. 

Jobs

Each member will select or have assigned to him/her a cooperative job for the school year. The Vice Chair will contact adults about their job choice some time near the end of summer or during orientation. Each job is important to the smooth and cost-effective operation of the Cooperative. Each member is required to fulfill his or her cooperative job. Please inform your Class Coordinator or the Vice Chair if you have questions or concerns about your assigned job at any time during the school year. Below are the current member job descriptions: 

Board Positions

Chairperson: The Chairperson, serving as Chief Executive Officer of the Cooperative, shall (1) preside over all meetings of the cooperative and of the Board of Directors; (2) call special meetings of the Board of Directors; (3) appoint such committees as the Board of Directors may deem advisable for the proper conduct of the cooperative; and (4) perform all acts and duties usually performed by a presiding officer. The Chairperson may, together with the Secretary or Treasurer, sign deeds, bond, contracts, disbursement, or other instruments.

Vice Chair: The Vice Chair creates and maintains a job tree that lists all co-op members and their corresponding jobs. The Vice Chair is also responsible for keeping co-op documents (bylaws, member handbooks, etc.) in order. In the absence or disability of the Chairperson, the Vice Chair shall perform the duties of the Chairperson.

Secretary: The Secretary keeps minutes of all Board and membership meetings, takes care of the cooperative’s books and records, keeps track of all notices of meetings, takes roll at each meeting, and helps the Chairperson with elections and voting outcomes.

Treasurer: The Treasurer keeps and disburses all monies of the cooperative, keeps accurate books of all transactions, collects and deposits all funds given to the cooperative, and works with the Chairperson to create and maintain a yearly budget. The Treasurer will also assist in the purchasing of supplies as needed. The Treasurer also works closely with the EC Treasurer’s assistant to complete any other miscellaneous tasks, such as renewing non-profit status and quarterly tax filing. 

Class Coordinator: A Class Coordinator is needed for each class, so there will be a minimum of 3 positions available. Class Coordinators serve as initial contact for parents/caregivers; act as a liaison between the parents/caregivers, the teacher, the college faculty and the preschool Board; mail enrollment forms; and process enrollment paperwork for new families. Class Coordinators also assign work days to adults working in the classroom, issue attendance reminders for member meetings, and communicate with the classroom Teacher about daily attendance. 

Communications Chair: The Communications Chair oversees the website, controls who is given website privileges, manages the members only section and password. This person also acts as the Newsletter Editor, gathering information, stories, photos, teachers’ updates, and any other important news items/announcements to create a newsletter for all cooperative members.  *This is a non-voting position. This person is also not required to attend monthly Board meetings. 

Fundraising Coordinator: The Fundraising Coordinator comes up with several fundraising ideas with input from the Board; introduces, advertises, and coordinates the events; and maintains an accurate list of all contacts for future fundraising. The Fundraising Coordinator works with the Treasurer to track income from fundraising events throughout the year. 

Registrar: The Registrar is the first contact that interested families have with the co-op. This position shares information about the co-op, is responsible for marketing of the co-op, coordinates tours, and acts as a liaison between new families and Class Coordinators. This person also maintains and updates the Jovial database. 

Risk Management Chair: The Risk Management Chair will attend a risk management meeting at the beginning of school; keep records of all safety procedures, such as fire and earthquake drills; attend to and maintain all accident/incident reports and immunization records; and keep co-op members aware of any egregious safety issues or recalls. The Risk Management Chair also oversees the co-op cleanings and keeps a list of members who have met their classroom cleaning requirements and those who have not.  

Community Events Coordinator: The Community Events Coordinator is responsible for planning and executing all member events and promoting a sense of community within the co-op. This includes facilitating a mentor program for incoming co-op families to be paired with a buddy family that has been in the co-op previously. The Community Events Coordinator will plan at least 2 co-op wide community events per year such as a movie night, family night, spring fair, or harvest festival. This person will also create a Community Events Committee of members to help plan and coordinate all co-op events throughout the year. 

Classroom Jobs

2024-2025 (subject to change)

Artwork Prep: (One per teacher) Artwork Prep members will work closely with teachers and help with any necessary art project preparation for the preschool class. This job may need some work time at home before or after class and the amount of work may vary week to week. 

Artwork Sorter: (One per class) Artwork Sorters take down, organize, and hand out all artwork for their corresponding class. The Artwork Sorter should communicate with teachers about any plans for artwork before sorting into each child’s cubby and assist with mounting artwork in the classroom as directed by the teacher. Approximately 1 hour/month. 

Field Trip Coordinator: (One per class) The Field Trip Coordinator will work with the teacher to come up with ideas for field trips (approximately one per month) that are age-appropriate and approved by the teachers and college, contact facilities and schedule visits, and announce, advertise, and remind parents/caregivers of upcoming events using email, word-of-mouth, BAND, etc. The Field Trip Coordinator is not responsible for fronting the money for field trips; they can request that everyone pay ahead of time (cash/check, etc.), and obtain a check from the Treasurer. Approximately 2 hours/month. Ask the Vice Chair for a checklist with specific tasks.

Inventory, Family Night, and Cleaning Coordinator: (One per class) This person attends the beginning of the year classroom inventory (date TBD), corresponds with the class about scheduled class cleaning and family night dates and times, keeps an updated list of who attends class cleanings and distributes the list to the Vice Chair, Secretary, and Risk Management Chair, and recruits participating parents/caregivers for appropriate set-up and cleanup responsibilities of Family Night. Approximately 1 hour/month (more during inventory day)

Dramatic Play Area Coordinator: (One per class) Dramatic Play Area Coordinators work with teachers to plan, collect supplies, organize, put up and take down decorations and furniture based on the theme of the month. Approximately 1 hour per month out of class may be needed to decorate the area, typically the hour before each monthly member meeting, plus one date in December (TBD) when we do not have a member meeting. 

Fundraising Assistant/MakIt Plate Coordinator: (One co-op wide) Fundraising Assistants work with the Fundraising Coordinator to plan and execute co-op wide fundraising events, including the Spring Makit event. This includes organizing (with a member from each class) the payment and artwork for the MakIt plates/bowls, collecting the artwork, requesting/receiving payment from the Treasurer, placing the MakIt order (which may involve scanning all artwork), and receiving and disbursing the order to the co-op members. Approximately 1-2 hours/month.  

Picnic Coordinators: (Three co-op wide) This position is responsible for coordinating and implementing the annual co-op wide picnic in May. Responsibilities throughout the year include choosing the date, securing the location, recruiting and directing co-op members for appropriate set-up and cleanup responsibilities, managing potluck items, and creating signage and the art station. Available supplies will be provided. Less than 1 hour/month until the month of the picnic. About 7 hours/month of the picnic (including 4 hours on the day of the picnic). Ask the Vice Chair for a checklist with specific tasks. 

Head Picnic Coordinator: (One co-op wide) This position will lead the Picnic Coordinators and is responsible for coordinating and implementing the annual co-op wide picnic in May. Responsibilities through the year include choosing the date, securing the location, recruiting and directing co-op members for appropriate set-up and cleanup responsibilities, managing potluck items, and creating signage and the art station. Available supplies will be provided.  Less than 1 hour/month until the month of the picnic. About 7 hours/month of the picnic (including 4 hours on the day of the picnic). Ask the Vice Chair for a checklist with specific tasks. 

Photographer: (One per class) The Photographer is responsible for taking digital photographs of their class’s activities and supplying photos for digital media platforms. They will also need to keep a folder on Google Drive for pictures of each child (approx. 20-30) in the class, to be printed and used by the teacher and photographer in yearbooks made for each child. These files should be updated monthly. Approximately 1-2 hours/month. 

Inventory/Observation Room: (One co-op wide) This position works with the teachers to organize and complete the co-op’s inventory (date TBD). They are also in charge of keeping the observation room neat and organized throughout the year, notifying teachers of broken or unusable items, and keeping things stacked and put away safely. Approximately 30 minutes - 1 hour/month out of class may be needed to sort and organize the area, typically the hour before each monthly member meeting, plus one date in December (TBD) when we do not have a member meeting. 

Laundry & Soap: (One co-op wide)  This position switches out pillow covers, doll clothes, dress-up clothes, etc. to launder and sanitize the used ones and replace them when needed. They are also responsible for filling soap dispensers in the classroom on a bi-weekly basis. Approximately 20 minutes/month.

Member Meeting Helper: (One per class) This person is responsible for coming early before each member meeting to assist with setting up chairs, refreshments, compost bin, raffle baskets, and handouts for the meeting. The chairs are fairly heavy, so the Member Meeting Helpers should be comfortable lifting heavy items. Approximately 30 minutes/month prior to each member meeting.

Playground Clean Up/Inventory: (One co-op wide) This position attends the end of year classroom inventory (date TBD) and participates in fall and spring sprucing up of the small playground, sweeping the sidewalk and behind the storage bin, organizing the toys, etc. Approximately 30 minutes/month and more during the end of the year classroom inventory day.

Scholastic Book Order Coordinator/Librarian: (One co-op wide) The Scholastic Book Order Coordinator distributes and collects monthly book orders, makes orders with Scholastic, distributes ordered items once received to appropriate families, and organizes, updates, and adds to the preschool’s personal library with suggestions from the teachers. Approximately 30 minutes/month. 

Writing Center Stocker: (One from Pre-K class)  This position keeps track of writing center supplies (ensuring there are enough markers, sharpened pencils, paper, etc.) and works with teachers to re-stock when needed. After the writing center cart is used, the writing center stocker should tidy it up. Receipts are required for reimbursement. Approximately 30 minutes/month.

Classroom Setup Helper: (At least one per class) This position is required to arrive 15 minutes early each class day to help the teacher set up the classroom for that day’s activities, including putting chairs around tables, setting up the sensory table set, opening up the loft and toy shelves, and any other activities the teacher needs help setting up. Your child is allowed to accompany you. Approximately 30 minutes - 1 hour/week.

Yearbook Coordinator: (ideally two per 3/4s class and two per Pre-K class) This position works with a template on a photo book website to create yearbooks for the students using images taken by the class photographer, which should be organized periodically throughout the year. Yearbook creation should start in January and be ready for print by May 15th. Yearbook Coordinators need to present costs of the yearbook to the Board for approval prior to ordering. Approximately 1-2 hours/month for sorting photos and more time required closer to the end of the year to create the yearbook.

Some jobs allow for more than one member to hold the position (i.e. Class Coordinators, Special Events, Dramatic Play, etc.) to help distribute the workload. If needed, additional jobs can be created to benefit the operation of the preschool.

General Safety Procedures and Practices

All adults working in the classroom are required to complete Risk Management training as provided by FLED and OPEP. Documentation of completion is required before the adult can be in the classroom. Further information on these policies can be found in the Risk Management Manual. Please direct any questions to the school’s Risk Management Coordinator or your college instructor.

Supervision

● No adult should ever be alone with a child, unless they are the caregiver of that child.

● Every adult working with children must be in view of another adult.

● The following ratios must be maintained at all times when supervising children.

Adults completing work away from children cannot count as a supervising adult.

○ 1 adult to 3 children aged 19 to 36 months

○ 1 adult to 5 children aged 3 to 5 years

● For adequate supervision, it is recommended there are 4 (four) working adults at each class meeting.

● Children, including non-enrolled siblings, should never be left alone in cars.

● Only enrolled children can participate in the classroom.

Classroom Safety

● Every child and working adult must be signed in and out each day.

● Everyone should wash their hands using soap and water:

○ Upon arrival to the classroom

○ After using the restroom

○ Before eating

● No hot beverages in the classroom at any time. Drinks other than water must also be kept out of reach of children.

● Adults should keep watch for any unsafe conditions in the classroom, including, but not limited to:

○ Tripping hazards (cords, loose rugs)

○ Sharp corners or edges (tables, cabinets, large equipment)

○ Broken toys, especially if they could be choking hazards or could cause injuries ○ Running

● Adults must report any safety concerns to the teacher and the people responsible for risk management, maintenance and repairs.

● Bleach and sanitizing products cannot be used while children are present. These products must remain safely secured out of reach of children

● Children cannot be in any food preparation areas.

● Children must remain seated while eating.

● Preschool teachers, college instructors and risk management coordinators at each

location will determine rules for safe equipment usage throughout the school, including any outdoor spaces. All working adults must know and follow these rules.

  ● Children are only to be released from school to approved adults.

Emergency Preparedness

● At least one working adult must have Infant/Child/Adult CPR and First Aid training in each class meeting and any field trip. It is strongly recommended to have two CPR certified adults present in each meeting.

● Routine fire, earthquake and evacuation drills should be completed by every class.

● All adults should know the location of the following:

○ Posted Evacuation plan

○ Fire extinguishers

○ First aid kits and protective gloves

○ Emergency food and other supplies

○ Emergency contact and medical information

● Accident and incident forms should be completed in coordination with preschool teachers.

Useful Information for Members

Center for Families

CFF Co-op is a resident program in the Center for Families building.  Please see Appendix I for more information about the building’s policies.

Annual Evaluations

Members will be required to complete written performance evaluations of the classroom teacher and the EC Family Life Education Department Parent Educator on an annual basis. These evaluations will be done during a monthly Member Meeting.

Re-enrollment  

Each year in January, members of CFF Co-op will be given the opportunity to re-enroll their child for the next academic year. Current CFF Co-op members in good standing are given approximately four weeks to re-enroll prior to the general enrollment date. A registration form and $65 (amount subject to change) registration fee are required to reserve your child’s place in class. For the first evening of priority enrollment, priority is given to students moving on with their class. Beginning the following day, classes open to those who qualify for priority enrollment but are not a part of the advancing class. Enrollment is on a first-come, first-serve basis. Enrollment begins for the general public in mid-February.

Classroom Setup

Members may be required to participate in the setup of the preschool classroom throughout the year.  

Supplies

Member families may be asked to contribute supplies to the classroom based on a supply list distributed by the teacher. Supply wish lists will be posted in the classroom by the teachers for families to assist with any needed supplies. 

Family Leave

Extended Family Leave is available for illness, birth of a child, adoption, or crisis situation for a maximum of six weeks. Any type of leave requires notifying the Class Coordinator and the teacher as early as possible. During leave, enrolled children will be encouraged to attend class. The member family does not need to provide snacks, clean, attend Member Meetings, and, if necessary, will not need to continue with their class job. To the best of their ability, the member requesting leave needs to find a substitute for their classroom workday and should communicate with the Class Coordinator and Vice Chair to determine whether someone needs to take over their class job for the duration of their leave. These arrangements need to be coordinated with your Class Coordinator and teacher. If the family requires a longer leave, they must petition the Board by contacting the Class Coordinator. CFF Co-op Preschool is committed to being flexible to accommodating family leave while being sensitive to the quality and content of the program. During family leave, tuition must be paid.

Scholastic Book Order

CFF Co-op participates in the Scholastic Book order program. Brochures will be distributed to all families approximately once per month at monthly Member Meetings and available in the classroom. An envelope will be provided in the classroom to collect orders and payments. The Scholastic Book Order Coordinator will send out all of the orders and distribute books when they are received from the company. The co-op gets points toward free books for the classroom and for teachers to give as gifts to students based on orders.

Withdrawal from Program

Two weeks’ written notice is required when withdrawing from the program and notice must be given to the Class Coordinator and the teacher. Prepaid tuition beyond the required two weeks’ time period will be reimbursed.

Failure to Meet Obligations & Good Standing Policy

CFF Co-op is a member-run organization. Full participation is necessary for the program to operate and thrive. Each member is required to meet the obligations of the CFF Co-op to maintain membership and to keep their child(ren) enrolled in the program. Failure to meet the obligations is grounds for dismissal in accordance with the bylaws. 

Each member is expected to:

• Work in the classroom on their designated work day.

• Attend a monthly member meeting (usually on the 4th Wednesday evening of the month).

• Attend two classroom cleanings each year. Attending Inventory Day will count as a classroom cleaning. (If unable to fulfill classroom cleanings or find a substitute to attend in their place, there will be a $50 per missed cleaning fee, which will be due by Inventory Date (date TBD).

• Pay tuition on the 1st of every month or no later than the 7th. (Mailed checks must be postmarked by the 7th of each month). 

Inevitable illnesses and scheduling conflicts arise. If it is necessary for a member to miss a meeting, cleaning, classroom workday, or other obligation, the member should provide a substitute.  If this is not possible, the member should notify his or her Class Coordinator in advance to schedule a time to make up the missed obligation. If the missed obligation is not made up, the member may lose his or her good standing status, including the opportunity for priority enrollment for the following academic year.

Confidentiality Statement

Co-op members shall respect the privacy of other members and the confidential nature of any verbal or written information related to children, families, staff, and the Co-op organization. All such information shall remain confidential during membership and after Co-op membership ends. Rosters provided for class members should only be used for preschool business. Contact a Board member for the full ICC Policy for Confidentiality. 

Mandated Report of Possible Child Abuse or Neglect

College instructors and children’s teachers are mandated by Washington State law to report child abuse and neglect to the police or Child Protective Services should there be reasonable cause to believe abuse or neglect has occurred.

Section II: In the Classroom

Class Schedules

2/3s class: Thursday and Friday mornings 9:15 – 11:15am

3/4s class: Monday through Wednesday mornings 9:15 – 11:15am

Pre-K class: Monday through Thursday afternoons 12:15 – 2:45pm

Age Requirements

CFF is open to any parent or guardian with a child of appropriate age for the classes who fulfills the responsibilities of participation in the Cooperative. To be eligible, children must be the following ages by the appropriate dates of the participating school year:

• 2/3s class: child must be 2 years old by August 31st 

• 3/4s class: child must be 3 years old by August 31st

• Pre-K class: child must be 4 years old by August 31st 

Early Entrance

Children who have birthdays between September 1st and October 31st may be eligible for early entrance at CFF Cooperative Preschool. Early entrance will be available starting in the month of September, if there are openings in the class and if there are no age-appropriate children on the waiting list. Eligibility for early entrance is based on the teachers’ discretion and may include an evaluation period where the child would attend classes.

Adult-to-Child Ratios

The minimum adult-to-child ratio in the classroom or on the playground during class hours are as follows:

Children age 18 months or younger: 1 adult to 2 children

Children age 19 months to 35 months: 1 adult to 3 children

Children age 3-5 years: 1 adult to 5 children

If less than the required adult-to-child ratio is present, school will not operate that day and children will be sent home. The maximum number of children per class is 18, unless approved by the Board and teachers. 

Ratios must be met at all times, with a minimum of four adults working during any single class time. 

What to Bring

Each student needs to bring a labeled backpack to school each day with a change of clothes, any necessary diapering or toileting supplies, and a large Ziploc bag to hold any items that may become wet or soiled. Students will also need a labeled bicycle helmet to use on the playground. No overnight storage is available in the classroom for these items. 

What to Wear

Preschool Policy

Adults  

Adults who are supervising and interacting with children are expected to be dressed for play. Members will attend class wearing clothing that allows for comfort while engaging in all activities with the children. Members will need to be able to get on the floor or ground, at times needing to sit at a child’s level for long periods of time. Adults must also be prepared for all outdoor weather conditions. Be aware that clothing may become soiled, stained or bleached when in contact with children’s learning materials (i.e. paint, glue, ink, etc.) or classroom cleaning products.

Shoes should be suitable for walking on varying surfaces (i.e. sand, woodchips, dirt, concrete, etc.) and be appropriate for seasonal weather conditions. Shoes should provide support for walking quickly, occasional running and lifting children, equipment or furniture that may weigh up to 50 pounds. Adults are discouraged from wearing flip-flop sandals and shoes/boots with high heels.

Children

Children need to be dressed in clothing and footwear that will allow them to engage in all opportunities for play and learning. They will be learning to use toilets and wash hands with minimal assistance from adults and should wear clothing that they can learn to fasten/zip themselves. Short sleeves are preferable since water, paint and glue are frequently involved in planned activities. Generally, paint and colors used in play-doh and sensory materials will be washable; however, stains on clothing are possible.

In accordance with health and safety best practices, children enrolled in FLED affiliated cooperatives are required to wear shoes when playing outdoors, both at the school site as well as on field trips. We want children to fully enjoy their time outside while ensuring that they are protected against the elements, accidents and other health and safety risks. Footwear that is suitable for walking, jumping, climbing and exploring is highly encouraged.

Work Stations

On your workday, you will be assigned a work station in the classroom by the teacher.  In the classroom, you will find the following areas available to the children: art center, dramatic play area, block center, table toys, play dough table, loft, sensory table, and writing center. Information about each particular area is posted on the wall in that area. Your child’s teacher and/or your Class Coordinator will give you training on your duties at each workstation in the classroom.

Snack and Mealtimes

Snack time and lunchtime serve many goals within the preschool curriculum. While making sure children are well-nourished for their play is important, there are other areas where children will be developing skills:

● Self-help skills: Serving themselves, opening packages, pouring their own water, cleaning up after themselves

● Language skills: Communicating their needs

● Social skills: Having conversations around the table, reading social cues, sitting next

to different children

Snacks and lunches should be

● Simple and age appropriate

● Free of all nuts, nut oils or nut products

● Free of any ingredients that could trigger an allergic reaction in the current student

population

● Free of choking hazards, including but limited to:

○ No popcorn

○ No candy

○ No marshmallows

○ No grapes

○ No hot dogs & sausages

○ Never serve cheese in rounds or cubes - shreds, slices and string cheese (cut

lengthwise) are OK

○ Never serve raw crunchy fruits or vegetables in chunks – thin slices are OK

Caregivers and adults in the classroom should

● Follow all food preparation guidelines

● Ensure a clean environment before and after mealtime (sanitizing sprays and wipes

can only be used when children are not present.)

● Sit with children while they are eating

○ Adults should ensure that all food on the table is safe for the classroom

○ Adults should model and coach conversations among the children at the table

○ Adults should actively prevent choking hazards by keeping children at the table

while eating

Snack and Lunch Preparation Guidelines

● Please refer to the Risk Management Manual for specific instructions around food preparation, including up-to-date bleach sanitizer recipes.

● Everyone (adults and children) should wash hands with soap and water prior to any interaction with food.

● Children must not be present in food preparation areas or when bleach sanitizer is in use.

● Food preparation areas and children’s tables should be cleaned using the 3 Step method before preparation and after eating.

● When possible, gloves and utensils should be used for serving food.

● Food waste and trash should be emptied daily.

● Reusable plates, glasses, utensils and placemats should be cleaned and sanitized after every use.

School Closures

CFF Co-op generally follows the school closure schedule of the Edmonds School District, including holidays and snow closures (please see calendar at beginning of handbook) with a few exceptions:

• CFF will still have regular class October 21st-25th, 2024 and March 12th-13th, 2025 while the Edmonds School District has half days.

• The 2/3s class will still have class on October 18th, 2024 and March 14th, 2025. 

If there is a school closure or delay of one hour or greater announced by Edmonds School District #15, there will be no morning classes, unless the Class Coordinator(s) contacts families otherwise. If the Edmonds College campus is closed, all co-op classes will be canceled for that day. An academic year calendar is available at the front of this guide. 

Extreme Conditions

• When the local Air Quality Index (AQI) is above 100, outdoor play will be canceled. 

• When the Wind-Chill Factor is below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, outdoor play may be canceled. 

• When the Heat Index is above 95 degrees Fahrenheit, outdoor play may be canceled. 

• Outdoor play time is at the teacher’s discretion, and may be modified as needed. 

Holidays, Birthdays and Other Celebrations

In an effort to meet the developmental needs of preschoolers, as well as maintain an inclusive environment, FLED affiliated preschools do not celebrate holidays within the classroom or as part of preschool activities. This includes holidays with a religious or cultural background (such as Halloween, Valentines Day or Thanksgiving.) Many children rely on the routine of the classroom to feel safe and secure. Drastic changes in the daily routine or changing of expectations (for example, requiring participation in an art project or adults in costumes) can be unsettling to young children.

There are many ways children can celebrate other than giving gifts, eating special foods or having parties. Universal experiences like seasons changing, children growing or classroom projects provide ample opportunity to celebrate in an inclusive way. Sending letters or thank you cards can give children the experience of giving while supporting the learning goals of the curriculum.

For enrichment activities, caregivers are welcome to bring in aspects of their home culture, including holidays. Caregivers should work with both the preschool teacher and college instructor to ensure it is presented in a developmentally appropriate way.

As growing older is a universal experience, birthdays can be acknowledged at school:

● Birthday celebrations need to be kept simple with a routine that is the same for each

child.

● Families should be asked ahead of time if their child would like to participate. Being the center of attention may not work for every child.

● Children’s birthdays may be celebrated with a simple crown, Happy Birthday song, or

other developmentally appropriate ways.

● Birthday parties, treats and goodie-bags must be private events and will not be

allowed at preschool. Invitations to parties should be given privately, unless all students in the class are invited.

Field Trips

Each class will have a member who serves as the Field Trip Coordinator. Together with the teacher, they will plan a field trip during normal class time approximately once per month.  Families may be responsible for any fees associated with the trip for themselves and their children. All children must have an adult accompany them on school field trips. Families unable to assist with specified excursions must find a substitute adult or contact their Class Coordinator. All drivers will carry emergency information for each child in their car while transporting children for field trips and will comply with the insurance and driver’s license requirements set by EC and CFF Co-op. An adult driving a child other than their own to a preschool sponsored event (field trip or other group outing) may be required to provide proof of current auto liability insurance and a copy of a valid driver’s license. Only children enrolled in the preschool may participate in excursions, unless the teacher gives approval for other children, including siblings. Financial assistance is available for field trip expenses; please contact the Treasurer for details.

Hand Washing and Toileting

All children and adults working in the classroom must wash their hands before participating in the classroom. It is preferred that the bathroom in the lobby of the Center for Families is used for hand washing after entering the building. Hand washing is also required before preparing snacks, before and after eating, after toileting and nose blowing, and when returning from outside time. Tissues are provided in the classroom and everyone is encouraged to use them for runny noses, sneezes, and coughs. Covering of the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing is encouraged for both adults and children. Placing toys in the mouth is discouraged.  If a toy is placed in a child’s mouth, it should be removed from the play area and cleaned/sanitized before returning. 

Children needing to use the bathroom during class time will be encouraged to use the bathroom located in the classroom. If the child prefers to go to the CFF lobby bathroom, they will be accompanied by at least two adults working in the classroom. The adults will notify the classroom teacher before leaving for the bathroom. A child who needs a diaper changed will be accompanied by two adults (unless one of the adults is the caregiver to the child) to the restroom in the lobby of the Center for Families building. Diapering supplies need to be supplied by the family.

Illness policy

Frequent hand washing will greatly reduce the incidence of illness in the classroom.  PLEASE WASH YOURS AND YOUR CHILD'S HANDS UPON ENTERING THE CLASSROOM, AFTER DIAPERING/TOILETING, BEFORE SNACK AND AFTER RETURNING FROM OUTDOOR PLAY.  

Do not attend class if you or your child has a fever or is in the first three days of a cold.  Do not attend class if you or your child has vomited in the last 24 hours. Individuals must have a normal temperature for 24 hours (without using fever reducing medications) and symptoms are improving before returning to class.  Please notify the teacher and/or instructor if your child unintentionally exposed the class to a highly contagious disease (i.e. chicken pox, hand foot and mouth disease, etc.). Please realize that a runny nose may not be caused by a cold but may indicate a child has allergies. In addition, please follow the current Washington State Department of Health and CFF building policy guidelines regarding COVID. 

WHEN STUDENTS OR CAREGIVERS ARE TOO SICK FOR SCHOOL - SIGNS TO WATCH FOR

• APPEARANCE, BEHAVIOR - Unusually tired, pale, lack of appetite, difficult to wake, confused or irritable

• EYES - white or yellow drainage, vision change, and/or redness of the eyelid or skin around the eye, itchiness, pain or sensitivity to light. This may be a sign of “pink eye” (conjunctivitis) and needs medical attention.

• FEVER - Temperature of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. Students need to be fever free for 24 hours without the use of fever reducing medications before returning to school.

• EAR PAIN WITH FEVER

• PERSISTENT NASAL DRAINAGE AND/OR CHRONIC COUGH

• SORE THROAT - A student with a confirmed diagnosis of strep throat may return to school after 24 hours of appropriate treatment.

• DIARRHEA - Watery stools within the last 24 hour period

• VOMITING - Vomiting within the past 24 hours

• RASH - Body rash, especially with fever or itching.

• SCABIES - Students with scabies may return to school 24 hours after beginning treatment.

• CHICKENPOX - Students need to stay home until all lesions have crusted over and there are no new lesions in 24 hours.

If the adult or child has been on antibiotics for 48 hours (or past doctor-designated contagious period) and has signs of an improved condition, the adult and child may come to school. Children or adults with allergies or asthma should notify the teacher of their condition prior to entering the classroom on a day where symptoms are present so that the teacher does not send the adult or child home with what appears to be an illness but is not.  

Adults or children contracting contagious diseases or having any health concerns requiring special precautions or care should notify their teacher, who will then notify the Risk Management Chair, who will then notify anyone else who needs to be aware of the illness or disease (Class Coordinators, other enrolled families, other teachers, and Lisa Neumann at CFF). If a child becomes ill while at preschool, the parent will be notified and arrangements made for the child to be taken home. If the child is sick on the caregiver’s scheduled workday, he/she will be responsible for providing a substitute.

Each caregiver is responsible for completing a list of pertinent emergency and medical information to be kept on file at the preschool, including emergency contact information, current immunization records and other pertinent information. Caregivers with children who have specific concerns or special needs are requested to alert the cooperative and to clarify any condition that may require special precautions or care. Forms for these purposes will be provided annually prior to the start of school.

In the event of head lice, all classes must be informed and laundry and soft toys must be bagged and sanitized properly. Each child is required to bring a helmet each day on Bike Day for riding bikes and scooters on the playground, and they are not allowed to share their helmet. If a family does not have a properly fitted helmet for their child and cannot obtain one, the co-op will purchase one; please contact the Treasurer for details. 

Accident Policy

If a working adult witnesses an accident and/or other significant incident during the school day, the adult should tell the teacher immediately and fill out an Accident/Incident Report. The Accident/Incident Report will be forwarded to the Risk Management Chair to sign and process according to the current guidelines established by Edmonds College. In the event of a serious injury to a child, a parent or emergency contact on the registration form will be notified. If this person cannot be reached and emergency measures are necessary, the child will be taken to their doctor or hospital.

Classroom Visitors

(including siblings)

Safety and insurance regulations prohibit the cooperative from permitting siblings or visitors during class time, except when the teacher gives specific permission. All permitted visitors must wear a name tag provided by the school. Any visitor attending class more than two times during the school year will be required to register with the college through the Family Life Education Department.

If necessary, a parent/caregiver may bring siblings into the classroom to drop off or pick up the enrolled child, or to conduct co-op business on days other than a classroom workday. These children must be supervised at all times by the parent/caregiver. Parents/caregivers arriving on a classroom workday with older children because of a lack of alternative care for that child may be asked to leave at the discretion of the teacher and/or Class Coordinator.

1. A member may come to school on their workday with an un-enrolled child if the teacher gives permission and adult-to-child class ratios are maintained. The child must be added to the attendance roster and have immunization forms on record at the preschool.

Attendance of Infant Siblings

Infant siblings enrolled in the class must be held in a front pack, wrap, or sling by their caregiver. Use of a portable crib is allowed, providing the classroom has space and the caregiver is within reach at all times. The caregiver must be able to fully participate as a working adult in the class. Infants can never be left on the floor, and car seats or strollers are not allowed for use in the classroom. Each quarter, teachers and instructors will check-in with caregivers of siblings to make sure sibling attendance is working for all parties.

Guidance Policy

Purpose: Ensure the safety and well-being of each child; provide the maximum amount of freedom for children; support children in learning to practice self-control; provide members with a consistent plan for guiding children.

Responsibilities of Teacher: Holds primary responsibility for providing a safe environment and consistent expectations for behavior; teaching and enforcing class rules to children and adults; and supporting adults as they develop guidance skills.

Responsibilities of Members: Agree to use the guidance techniques presented to the membership, and provide guidance that is gentle and non-punitive. 

Basic Expectations for Children

Respect and honor self and others

Child may not hurt him/herself or others

Respect property

Child may not destroy property or materials

Respect the play of others

Child may not disrupt the play of others

Positive Guidance: Provide guidance in a manner that is kind, calm, firm, and non-punitive, without lecturing or scolding.  Never hesitate to ask for assistance or offer to help if it becomes a challenge for adults to remain calm.  

Positive Redirection:

1. State what the child can do, the rule or the expectation (keep it brief and clear).

2. Remind the child of what is acceptable.

3. Warn the child and provide a chance to do ___ over. 

4. Redirect the child: distraction for younger children and alternate activity for older children.

5. “Time-together:” adult spends one-on-one time with the child as needed.

6. Alert teacher: The teacher will determine if it is necessary for the child to take a break and calm down. The teacher will determine who should be with the child to help calm down, take a break, and plan to re-enter the activities. This should not be punitive.

Section III: Finances

Registration

A non-refundable $65.00 registration fee is due for each child enrolled in CFF Co-op. The fee is due with the preschool registration form at the time of registration.

Families that join the co-op after February 1st will receive a registration fee reduction of 50%.

Tuition

Expenses of the CFF Co-op, including our teachers’ salaries, classroom supplies, and maintenance of playground equipment, are paid out of monthly classroom tuition and are supplemented by fundraising proceeds. Each family is required to pay the monthly co-op tuition when due for each child enrolled in the program. Monthly tuition is due by the 1st of the month, no later than the 7th (if paying with check, must be postmarked by the 7th). Tuition is paid in advance and is collected September through June. If tuition is not paid by the 7th of the month, there will be a $15.00 late fee. Monthly tuition includes college tuition for one parent/caregiver.  

Tuition payments are calculated by dividing the yearly tuition amount into ten equal monthly payment amounts.

Tuition for the 2024-2025 school year is as follows:

• 2/3s class: $1020 payable in ten monthly installments of $102

• 3/4s class:  $1350 payable in ten monthly installments of $135

• Pre-K class: $1730 payable in ten monthly installments of $173

Tuition checks should be made payable to LMCP (Lynnwood-Meadowdale Cooperative Preschool, the legal name of CFF Co-op). Checks can be placed in the secure lockbox in the classroom or mailed to:

LMCP

P.O Box 521

Lynnwood, WA 98046-0521

1. Electronic payments will be accepted through the same site used for registration, Jovial. If families choose to do so they are responsible for any processing fees associated with the site. 

Returned Check Policy

Checks written to the co-op that are returned from the bank as non-payable are subject to a $15 returned check fee. This fee covers the bank charges incurred by the co-op.

Sibling Tuition Discounts

If a family has two or more children enrolled in the same preschool class, the parent/caregiver may:

• Work two days per week and pay one and three-quarters (1 and 3/4) tuition, or

• Work one day per week and pay two full tuition fees.

If a family has two or more children enrolled in two different preschool classes, they get a discount of 25% off the youngest child’s tuition, and must work two classroom days. 

Financial Aid

Financial aid may be available to assist current and incoming families needing help in paying classroom tuition. Families requesting or considering financial aid can contact their Class Coordinator or the CFF Co-op Treasurer. Families requesting financial aid will submit a Fee Waiver Request Form to the Treasurer. In order to receive financial aid, the member must be in good standing. The Board will determine the amount of assistance to be granted based on funds available and the individual needs of the family requesting assistance. All fee waiver requests are confidential.

Fundraising

Fundraising covers necessary co-op expenses. Fundraising targets are established in the annual budget, and the Fundraising Chair (in coordination with the Board) chooses and coordinates fundraising events. Adults interested in fundraising are encouraged to serve as the Fundraising Assistant for their class.

Joining the Program after September

Families who join the program after the beginning of the year will need to submit a $65 registration fee as well as tuition for the first month they attend. If the first class attended is before the 15th of the month, the entire tuition payment for that month will be due. If the first class attended is after the 15th of the month, the first tuition payment will be prorated to 50% of the amount due. 

If a family joins the co-op before the class has done its two cleanings for the year, they still need to be present at both cleanings. If they join after one has been done, they are responsible for attending the one remaining cleaning. If they join after both class cleanings have been done, they need to attend one cleaning, to be scheduled with the Class Coordinator, attend Inventory Day, or pay the cleaning fee.

Purchasing

1. Only persons authorized by the Board are allowed to make purchases on behalf of CFF Coop. For the 2024-2025 school year, the following individuals are authorized to make purchases on behalf of CFF Coop (collectively, “Purchaser(s)”):

• Teachers (⅔’s, ¾’s, Pre-K)

• Executive Board Members

• Class Coordinators (⅔’s, ¾’s, Pre-K)

2. Purchasers are authorized to make a purchase up to $100/purchase without the approval of the Board if (1) the purchase is being made on behalf of the preschool as directed by the Board, or as is reasonable in order to carry out a preschool job or responsibility, (2) the purchase is budgeted for, and (3) sufficient funds remain within the budget for the purchase. It is the responsibility of the Purchaser(s) to work with the Treasurer to make sure that expenses do not exceed the current year’s budget. 

3. A single purchase greater than $100 must be approved by the Executive Board prior to purchase. Any items being bought on behalf of CFF Coop that have not been budgeted for, or that will require using money from the reserves, must be approved by a Board vote.

4. The Executive Board may direct other CFF members who are not Purchasers to purchase items on behalf of the CFF Coop on a case by case basis. These CFF members should work with the Treasurer for reimbursement.

5. Receipts must be submitted within 30 days of purchase in order to receive reimbursement. Allow 1-2 weeks for the reimbursement to be processed. Any purchases by unauthorized persons may or may not be reimbursed at the discretion of the Executive Board. The Board has the right to deny a request for reimbursement if it decides that a purchase was unwarranted.

6. The Board will prepare and propose a budget for the upcoming school year. A preliminary budget must be approved by the Board by July 1st. A finalized budget must be approved by the membership at the first member meeting of the new school year. If, after the school year begins, the Board determines that the financial status of the preschool is significantly different from what was expected when the budget was prepared, then an updated budget may be prepared and submitted to the Board for approval and then presented to the membership.

Debit Card Policy

The CFF Co-op Treasurer may have access to a debit card to be used only in exceptional circumstances. Examples of such circumstances include, but are not limited to purchases that cause an undue burden for a member or employee to purchase by check and/or for purchases that require online payment. This debit card will be kept in a secure location approved by the Board. Changes to the debit card location will be voted on and approved by the Board and recorded in the Board meeting minutes. 

Debit card purchases are subject to the limits of the Purchasing Policy as it applies to the Treasurer.

Use of the card is limited to the Treasurer. Authorized check signers other than the Treasurer may not have a debit card. Prior to use, each individual proposed debit card payment must be voted on and approved by the Board and recorded in the Board meeting minutes. The card will not be used for any purchases that have not been previously voted on and approved by the Board.

Following each transaction, the Treasurer will document the transaction date, the amount, purpose of the transaction, and the date of Board approval. At the following monthly board meeting, the Treasurer will report on each individual debit card transaction and enter the documentation for record into the meeting minutes.

Section IV: Role of the Board, Teachers & Parent Educators

Role of the Board

The CFF Co-op Board is composed of members, teachers and parent educators.  The Board performs the following general functions:

• Oversees the “business” of the cooperative and plans the annual programs (i.e. fundraising programs, orientations, social events, etc.).

• Coordinates the annual evaluation of the teachers and preschool program in conjunction with the EC Family Life Education Department.

• Prepares employment agreements for teachers and addresses the hiring, termination and conduct of teachers.

• Prepares an annual budget and monitors expenditures accordingly.

The Board consists of the following voting positions: Chairperson, Vice Chair, Secretary, Treasurer, Registrar, Risk Management, Fundraising, Community Events Coordinator and a Class Coordinator for each class. Each position can be filled by two people, if desired. However, each position only has one vote when voting occurs.

Board Election and Transition

The CFF Co-op Board is elected annually at the April Member Meeting. Board membership is open to any member in good standing. The newly elected Board will serve from June to the end of the school year. In the case of vacancies after the April Member Meeting, the Board will vote to approve any additional officers throughout the year. 

Role of Teachers

The teachers are responsible for designing and implementing a developmentally appropriate preschool program that fosters emotional, social and intellectual growth. Teachers are responsible for designing the classroom and daily activities. They attend all monthly Member and Board meetings, as well as scheduled co-op events. Teachers are also expected to participate in an ongoing, self-designed professional development program.  

Role of Member Educators

Member Educators are members of the Family Life Education Department staff at EC. They lead the Member Education portion of the monthly Member Meetings and participate in the classroom one day per week. Member Instructors are available to help members with questions concerning their child.  

AMENDED AND RESTATED 

BYLAWS

OF

CENTER FOR FAMILIES COOPERATIVE PRESCHOOL 

(ALSO KNOWN AS)

LYNNWOOD MEADOWDALE PARENT COOPERATIVE PRESCHOOL 

Article 1.  Name

The name of this nonprofit corporation is Lynnwood Meadowdale Parent Cooperative Preschool (the “Cooperative”), doing business as the Center for Families Cooperative Preschool.

Article 2.  Principal Offices

The initial principal office for the transaction of the business of the cooperative is located at Edmonds College, 20000 68th Avenue West, Lynnwood, Washington.  The Board of Directors may change the principal office from this location to another location within this city.

Article 3.  Purpose & Powers

This cooperative, in conjunction with the Edmonds College of Lynnwood, WA, is a non-profit organization and shall be operated exclusively for the educational purposes within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Service (the “Code”). The Cooperative shall not conduct activities precluded by the said Code for an organization exempt from taxation under said section. The Cooperative is organized to support families with young children by providing programs where children and parents learn together as participants in a supervised college laboratory setting.  The preschool shall provide a flexible, stimulating environment in which each child may freely experience, at his or her own rate, a broad range of physical, social and intellectual activities.  The preschool shall provide parents with an opportunity to be directly involved in the education of their children and to get instruction in the skills of parenthood.  In furnishing services to its members, the cooperative’s operations shall be so conducted as nearly as possible at cost and not for profit.  The cooperative shall have all of the general or specific powers conferred on this cooperative by the laws of the State of Washington, all of which are hereby expressly claimed. 

Article 4.  Membership 

Section 4.1 One Class of Members; Joint Membership:  The cooperative shall have one class of members, which shall consist of the parents of a child or children enrolled in the preschool.  Two parents or guardians of an enrolled child(ren) shall be considered joint members of the cooperative.  A single parent or guardian of an enrolled child(ren) shall be considered a member of the cooperative.

Section 4.2 Eligibility for Admission and Membership:  The Center for Families co-op preschool admits students of any race, color, gender, religion, national and ethnic origin, age, handicap, or sexual orientation and does not discriminate in the administration of its educational policies, admission policies, scholarship and loan programs, or other school administered programs.  Provided, however, a condition of the admission of any child(ren) is that the parent(s) or guardian(s) of such child(ren) shall agree to be member(s) of the cooperative and to comply with all of the policies, rules and regulations of the cooperative.  Each Member must fulfill the duties and responsibilities of active participation in the Cooperative, as specified in the Bylaws and the Parent Guide adopted by the Board of Directors. Only parents who agree to and do carry out the obligations of a participating Member will be allowed to admit their children to the classes of the Cooperative.

Section 4.3 Voting Rights:  Each member or joint member shall be entitled to one undivided vote on each matter submitted to a vote of the membership.  A joint member vote may be cast by either of the parent(s) or guardian(s) of the child(ren) enrolled in the school.

Section 4.4 Termination of Membership:  Failure to perform the responsibilities of Members set forth in the Bylaws, the Parent Guide or any written agreement between the Member and the Cooperative may be grounds for dismissal from the Cooperative by the Board. The Board shall deliver a written warning notifying the Member of the Board’s consideration of his or her dismissal from the Cooperative and the basis of such dismissal. Any determination to dismiss a Member must be approved by a majority of the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors, by an affirmative vote by a majority of the Directors present at any regular meeting at which a quorum is present, may suspend or expel any child(ren) and terminate any member for cause after appropriate notice and hearing, including but not limited to, the non-payment of tuition as herein provided.

The Board shall promptly deliver written notice to the Member of the decision of dismissal and the effective date thereof.

Section 4.5 Powers of Members:  Semi-annual meetings of the Members shall be held during the school year for the purposes of electing the Board of Directors, approving the annual budget of the Cooperative, and conducting such other business as may come before the Members. The membership may rescind any action of the Board of Directors by majority vote of the members at a regular monthly membership meeting at which a quorum is present.

Section 4.6 Admission and Membership Eligibility Criteria:  The cooperative may establish tuition requirements and admission standards for students and membership requirements for parents/guardians, which shall be set forth in standing rules, which shall be available to all members and potential members. 

Section 4.7 No Personal Liability.  No Member shall be liable to third parties for this Cooperative’s acts, debts, liabilities, or obligations.  A Member will, however, be liable to this Cooperative for tuition and annual dues and assessments as provided by these Bylaws and for other contractual obligations of the Member to this Cooperative or as may otherwise be agreed to by this Cooperative and the Member.

Article 5.  Meetings of Members

Section 5.1 Semi-Annual Meeting: The semi-annual meetings of the members shall be held once in the Fall Quarter and once in the Spring Quarter.  Such semi-annual meetings shall be held at such place and time as designated by the Board of Directors.  

Section 5.2 Special Meeting:  Special meetings of the members may be called by the President, or a majority of the Board of Directors, or not less than 50% of the members.  These meetings are in addition to the monthly Member Meetings that Members are required to attend, and will be scheduled as a portion of the monthly Member Meeting whenever feasible.

Section 5.3 Notice of Meetings:  All notices of meetings of members shall be sent or otherwise given not less than ten (10) days before the date of the meeting.  Such notice shall state the nature of the business expected to be conducted and the time and place of the meeting.  No business shall be transacted at any special meeting other than that referred to in the notice.  Provided, the failure to give notice or of any member to receive notice shall not invalidate any action taken at the meeting if a quorum was present.

Section 5.4 Quorum:  At any meeting of the members of the cooperative a majority of the members shall constitute a quorum for any and all purposes; provided that if a quorum is present, thereafter, the meeting may be conducted until adjournment, notwithstanding the withdrawal of enough members to leave less than a quorum, provided that not less than one-third of the members are present.

Article 6.  Board Directors and Officers

Section 6.1 Number and Qualification of Officers and Directors:  The authorized number of Directors shall be no less than three (3) and no more than eleven (11).  The Officers of this cooperative shall be a president, a vice-president, a secretary, a treasurer, each of whom shall be Directors.  Any two or more of the foregoing offices may be held by the same person, except the offices of president and secretary.  Any member in good standing is eligible to be elected as an Officer and/or Director.  Membership in the cooperative shall be a continuing qualification to hold office as an Officer and/or Director.  Any Officer or Director who ceases to be a member shall be deemed to have resigned as an Officer and/or Director and his/her position shall be deemed vacant.  

Section 6.2 Election and Term of Officers and Directors:  Officers and Directors shall be elected by the members at the semi-annual meeting of the members.  The Officers and Directors so elected shall hold office for a term of one year beginning in June, however, if any semi-annual meeting is not held, or if Officers and Directors are not elected at any semi-annual meeting, they may be elected at any special members’ meeting subsequently held for that purpose.  Each Officer and Director, including an Officer or Director elected to fill a vacancy or elected at a special members’ meeting, shall hold office until expiration of the term for which elected and until a successor has been elected.  

Section 6.3 Nomination of Officers and Directors:  At the time of the spring annual meeting, any member in good standing of the cooperative may nominate himself or herself to be an Officer and/or Director.  In addition, any member may nominate any other member to be an Officer and/or Director.  It is intended that candidates shall be nominated to serve as both an Officer and as a Director or as a Director.  Candidates nominated to be both an Officer and a Director shall be voted upon by the membership for both positions at the same time (i.e., on the same ballot). 

Section 6.4 Vacancies:  Except as otherwise provided by law, vacancies in the Board of Directors, whether caused by resignation, death or otherwise, shall be filled by a vote of the majority of the members of the Board of Directors.  A Director thus elected to fill a vacancy shall hold office for the unexpired term of his predecessor and until his successor is elected.  If there is a vacancy caused by resignation, death or otherwise of a Director who is also an Officer, any member, including the existing Officers and/or Directors may be nominated for the vacant Officer/Director position.  If an existing Director is elected to fill the Officer/Director position of the departing Officer/Director, additional elections shall be held as may be needed until any vacant positions are filled.

Section 6.5 Meetings by Conference Telephone or Similar Communications: Except as may be otherwise restricted by the articles of incorporation or bylaws, members of the Board of Directors or any committee designated by the Board of Directors may participate in a meeting of the Board of Directors or committee by means of a conference telephone or similar communications equipment by means of which all persons participating in the meeting can hear each other at the same time.  Participation by such means shall constitute presence, in person, at a meeting.

Section 6.6 Annual Meeting:  Following each annual meeting of the members, the Board of Directors is authorized to hold a regular meeting for the purposes of organization, and the transaction of other business without further notice of such meeting. 

Section 6.7 Regular Meetings:  Regular meetings of the Board of Directors shall be held monthly, or at such times and at such places as the Board of Directors may determine.  Oral or written notice of such meetings shall be given not less than 24 hours prior to the time of meeting.  But such notice may be waived by all the Board of Directors, and their appearance at a meeting shall constitute a waiver of notice. 

Section 6.8 Special Meetings:  A special meeting of the Board of Directors shall be held whenever called by the president or by a majority of the directors.  Only the business specified in the written notice shall be transacted at a special meeting.  Each call for a special meeting shall be in writing or by printed notice given by electronic transmission, stating the place, day and hour of the meeting.  Notice of any such meeting of the Board of Directors shall be given at least two (2) days prior to the meeting.

Section 6.9 Action by Board Without Meeting: Any action that could be taken at a Board meeting may be taken without a meeting if a written consent setting forth the action so taken is signed by each of the Board members in office. Such written consents may be signed in counterpart originals.  Board member voting may be done by email if the vote is unanimous.

Section 6.10 Quorum and Failure of Notice:  A majority of the Board of Directors shall constitute a quorum at any meeting of the Board.  The failure to give notice or of any Director to receive notice of a Regular or Special Meeting shall not invalidate any action taken at the meeting if a quorum was present.

Section 6.11 Powers and Duties of Directors:  Subject to the limitations provided in the articles of incorporation, other sections of these bylaws, and of Washington law, the business of the cooperative shall be exercised by the Board of Directors.  Without limitation, the Directors’ powers and duties include the following: (a) general supervision and control of the business and the affairs of the cooperative; (b) subject to any applicable policies of Edmonds College, authority to admit and terminate members and to adopt rules and regulations to govern the operation of the cooperative and the members; (c) authority to procure insurance covering general liability of the company for accidents; (d) Directors shall provide for installation of an accounting system adequate to meet the requirements of the cooperative; and (e) to select one or more banks to act as depositories of funds of the cooperative.  

The foregoing enumeration of powers and duties is not intended to be exclusive and shall not limit or restrict the exercise of the general or specific powers conferred on this cooperative by the laws of the State of Washington.

Section 6.12 Reimbursement and Compensation:  The cooperative may reimburse Officers and Directors for actual and reasonable costs of travel, meals, and lodging for attendance at conferences, seminars, and training sessions that are for the benefit of the cooperative provided that such expenses shall be approved by the Board President (preferably in advance) or if the expense is for the Board President by two other Board officers. 

Directors serve in a volunteer capacity and will not be entitled to compensation for attendance at meetings or for travel to and from regular and special meetings.

No voting member of the Board of Directors, or member of the immediate family of any Board member, shall occupy any position in the cooperative on a regular salary.

Section 6.13 Resignation and Removal of Directors:  It is requested that members holding Board positions or Officers who need to resign their position do so by the regular Board meeting and fulfill the responsibilities of their office until a new member can be appointed or elected by the next Board meeting. A Board member may be removed from office with cause by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the other Board members. Any Board member who resigns or fails to attend at least three (3) consecutive regularly scheduled meetings without cause shall be deemed as having resigned from the Board of Directors.

Section 6.14 Voting and Presumption of Assent: A Board member present at a Board meeting at which action on any matter is taken shall be presumed to have assented to the action taken unless his or her dissent or abstention is entered in the minutes of the meeting, or unless the Board member files a written dissent or abstention to such action with the Secretary before the adjournment thereof, or forwards such dissent or abstention by mail to the Secretary of the Cooperative immediately following adjournment of the meeting. This right to dissent is not available to any Board member who voted in favor of an action.

Section 6.15 Online Voting: Voting by Board members may be done through email if a decision cannot be made during a meeting, or needs to be made before the next meeting date. To do so, the vote must be unanimous and called for by the chairperson. (Added October 2011)

Article 7.  Officers and Committees 

Section 7.1 Officers:  The Cooperative must have a minimum of a President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer, which shall be composed of no fewer than three (3) people.  All officers shall be members of the Board of Directors.  The Board may designate other officer positions, each with such duties as the Board may designate.  Any two or more offices may be held by the same person, except the offices of President and Secretary.  The following Officers of the cooperative shall be elected as Officer/Directors by the membership:

Section 7.2 President/Chairperson:  The President, serving as chief executive officer of the Cooperative, shall (1) preside over all meetings of the cooperative and of the Board of Directors; (2) call special meetings of the Board of Directors; (3) appoint such committees as the Board of Directors may deem advisable for the proper conduct of the cooperative; and (4) perform all acts and duties usually performed by a presiding officer.  The President may, together with the Secretary or Treasurer, sign deeds, bonds, contracts or other instruments.  The President will act as a co-signatory with the Treasurer for all Cooperative disbursements.

Section 7.3 Vice President:  In the absence or disability of the President, the Vice President shall perform the duties of the President, provided, however, that in the case of death, resignation, or disability of the President, the Board of Directors may declare the office vacant and elect any eligible person President.

Section 7.4 Secretary:  The Secretary shall keep the minutes of all Board and membership meetings.  The Secretary shall take care of the books and records of the Cooperative, which shall be open to examination by any Member at reasonable times and for all reasonable purposes.  The Secretary will see that all notices of meetings are given in accordance with these Bylaws or as required by law.  The Secretary shall take roll at each meeting of the Board and the Members where a quorum is required to do business, will confirm the presence of a quorum and so advise the President, will count votes, will determine the number of votes required to take action, and will advice the President whether the requisite number of votes has been obtained.  The Secretary will perform all duties incident to the office of Secretary and such other duties as are assigned by the President or the Board.

Section 7.5 Treasurer:  The Treasurer shall be responsible for the keeping and disbursing of all monies of the Cooperative, and shall keep accurate books of accounts of all transactions of the Cooperative.  The Treasurer shall arrange to have all assets received by the Cooperative managed as the Board provides and in accordance with the approved budget of the Cooperative.  The Treasurer shall (a) have charge and custody of, and be responsible for all funds of the Cooperative; (b) receive and give receipts for monies due and payable to the Cooperative from any source whatsoever, and deposit all such monies in the name of the Cooperative in banks or other depositories selected in accordance with the provisions of these Bylaws.  If this position is temporarily vacant, the Board will designate a temporary representative to assume the duties of the Treasurer, including signing checks, until the duly elected Treasurer can assume the duties of the job.  At the expiration of his term of office, the Treasurer shall promptly turn over to his successor all monies, property, books, records, and documents pertaining to his office or belonging to the Cooperative.

Section 7.6 Other Officers:  The Board of Directors, as they may deem for the best interest of the cooperative, may provide for the appointment of additional officers/directors to manage the activities and affairs of the Cooperative.  Such additional officers/directors may be appointed from within or outside the membership and may, but need not be members of the Board of Directors.

Section 7.7 Committees: The Board may appoint committees to assist and advise the

Board with those functions, powers, and duties, as the Board deems appropriate. Each committee shall include at least two (2) Board members and such other persons as the Board may designate from the Board or the Members. The Board, by a majority vote, may designate that any committee exercise the authority of the Board in the management of the Cooperative, subject to such limitations as may be prescribed by the Board. This grant of authority notwithstanding, no committee may undertake the actions prohibited by RCW 24.03.115. A majority of the number of committee members composing any committee shall constitute a quorum of that committee, and the act of the majority of the members of a committee present at a meeting at which a quorum is present shall be the act of the committee. The committee shall report to the Board as requested and shall maintain a record of the meetings of the committee.

Article 8.  Miscellaneous Provisions

Section 8.1 Books and Records:  The Cooperative shall keep the following at its principal or registered office: (a) current copies of the Articles, Bylaws and Standing Rules, if any; (b) copies of correct and adequate records of accounts and finances, including the approval budget; (c) minutes of the meetings of the Board of Directors, Members and any committees; (d) records of the name and address of each of the Members; and (e) such other records as may be necessary or advisable, including copies of all contracts of the Cooperative.

Section 8.2 Fiscal Year:  The Cooperative’s fiscal year shall end on June 30.

Section 8.3 Rules of Procedure:  To the extent that it is not inconsistent with the Articles, these Bylaws or applicable law, the most recent edition of Robert’s Rules of Order shall govern all questions of parliamentary procedure at meetings of the Board of Directors or the Members.

Section 8.4 Conflict of Interest/Compensation:  No Officer, voting Board member, or Member of the Cooperative shall have any personal financial interest, direct or indirect, in any activity undertaken by the Cooperative.  No Board member, committee member, or Officer shall receive compensation for their service, but may receive reimbursement for approved expenditures incurred on behalf of the Cooperative.  Board Members, Officers, and Members of the Cooperative shall be eligible to apply for tuition scholarships.

Section 8.5 Dissolution:  Should the Cooperative be dissolved, the Board of Directors shall be responsible for liquidation and disposition of all assets, including equipment and cash on hand.  Upon dissolution, all assets remaining after payment of all liabilities shall be distributed to another nonprofit.

Section 8.6 Standing Rules:  The Board of Directors may adopt such Standing Rules, relating to the amount and payment of tuition and all other matters which the Board of Directors deems appropriate, as the Board of Directors may deem beneficial to the fulfillment of the purposes of the Cooperative.

Section 8.7 Amendment of Bylaws:  These Bylaws amend and restate in their entirety the Bylaws of the Cooperative heretofore adopted, as the same may have been revised.  These Bylaws may be further altered, amended, or repealed and new Bylaws may be adopted by the vote of two-thirds (2/3) of the members.

Section 8.8 Indemnification, Limitation on Liability and Insurance:  The cooperative may indemnify any director, officer, or former director against all judgments, penalties, fines, settlements, and reasonable expenses, including attorney’s fees, in connection with any proceeding to the maximum extent authorized under RCW 23B.17.030, subject to the provisions of Chapter 23B.08.560 RCW, as now enacted or hereafter amended.  The risks covered by this indemnification may be protected against by the purchase, maintenance, and payment of premiums for such insurance as in the discretion of the Board is deemed to be appropriate.  The Cooperative shall carry a liability and accident insurance policy each year.  Certificates of insurance showing the insured and the term of coverage shall be maintained in the books and records of the Cooperative. 

Section 8.9 Budget:  The Members shall approve an annual budget for the Cooperative.  A draft annual budget for the following school year shall be prepared by the Treasurer and the President, and recommended by the out-going Board of Directors to the in-coming Board of Directors at the end of the school year.  The new Board shall finalize a proposed budget and recommend such budget for approval by the Members at the semi-annual meeting of the Members. 

Section 8.10 Non Discrimination:  The Cooperative will comply fully with all applicable state or federal statutes and regulations forbidding recipients of state or federal financial assistance from discriminating on the ground of race, color, gender, national origin, age, handicap, or sexual orientation.  Furthermore, the Cooperative shall provide equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, gender, national origin, age, handicap, or sexual orientation.

I hereby certify that the forgoing Amended and Restated Bylaws of Center for Families Cooperative Preschool (also known as Lynnwood Meadowdale Parent Cooperative Preschool), were duly adopted by the Board of Directors at meeting held on _____________________________.

Secretary

Standing Rules

Center for Families Cooperative Preschool

2024-2025 School Year

Location: Edmonds College Campus, Center for Families

20000 68th Ave. W. Lynnwood, WA 98036

425-640-1178

Fees: $65.00 non-refundable, non-transferable registration

2/3s class: $1020 payable in ten monthly installments of $102

 3/4s class:  $1350 payable in ten monthly installments of $135

  Pre-K class: $1730 payable in ten monthly installments of $173

Tuition is due on the 1st of the month, no later than the 7th. Late payment will result in an additional $15 late fee (any checks that are postmarked after the 7th will be considered late). Checks are payable to Lynnwood Meadowdale Cooperative Preschool (LMCP), the former name for Center for Families Cooperative Preschool. Checks may also be placed in the classroom lockbox or mailed to LMCP P.O Box 521 Lynnwood, WA 98046-0521. You may use Jovial for electronic payments; however, families must cover any additional processing fees by the site. If you choose to pay in monthly installments, payments are due September 2024 to June 2025, or as set by the Treasurer based on your enrollment date.

Each class will have a maximum of 

• 2/3s class: 17 students, unless approved by the Board and teachers

• 3/4s class: 18 students, unless approved by the Board and teachers

• Pre-K class: 18 students, unless approved by the Board and teachers

Class Schedule:

2/3s class:  Thursday and Friday, 9:15 to 11:15am

3/4s class:  Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, 9:15 to 11:15am

Pre-K class:  Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, 12:15 to 2:45pm

The preschool follows the Edmonds School District #15 academic calendar concerning holidays and bad weather procedures. If you are unsure if school is canceled due to weather, contact your Class Coordinator, check Band, or check the Edmonds School District website. A late start means that AM preschool is canceled. The cooperative may meet on early release days and non-student days that are not official holidays. Please check the calendar at the beginning of the handbook. The preschool Board establishes preschool start and end dates. For the 2024-2025 school year, the start date is September 16th, 2024 and the end date is June 6th, 2025. The teacher will distribute periodic class calendars that will list scheduled field trips, snack schedules, birthdays, holidays, and non-school days.

The preschool is governed by a planning Board run by members.  It consists of those positions outlined in the member handbook.  All members meet on the fourth Wednesday of the month from 6:30 to 8:30pm, to discuss co-op business and for member education, except for the months of November (moved to second Wednesday) and December (no meeting that month).  The Board meets on the second Wednesday of the month from 6:30 to 8:30pm, except for the month of November (no meeting that month), and the month of April (moved to the third Wednesday to accommodate Spring Break). Board meetings are held in the Center for Families conference room. Board meetings are required only for Board members, but all co-op members are welcome to attend.

Appendix 1: Center for Families Building Guide

Welcome to the Edmonds College Center for Families!  The Center for Families celebrates the growth and learning of children and their parents.  Best practices, in both the education of children as early learners and support of their parents, guide this program as a model in the community.  The well-being of children and their families is the foundational responsibility of the Center.  

The Center creates a place for:

• Nurturance and encouragement of children’s growth and development through a rich and planned early

learning environment;

• Establishment and support of partnerships that strengthen parents’ roles in their children’s development

and education;

• Edmonds College students who are preparing to enter the professions of early childhood education

and family support; 

• Availability of resources for families and early childhood educators in the broader Snohomish County

community.

What is the Center for Families (CFF)?

Center for Families offers a variety of programs to assist families and their children.  

CFF is a teaching and training facility for Edmonds College, Central Washington University (Lynnwood) students and the community at-large.  The center houses three different programs to serve children and families: Child Care, Family Life Education Department (FLED) and Head Start. 

Campus Child Care provides on campus, licensed childcare in an environment that is safe, nurturing, and designed to meet the developmental needs of children who are between the ages of 3 months and 5 years old.

Family Life Education Department (FLED) offers parent education Infant Toddler programs for parents and their three-month old infants to three-year old children and cooperative preschools for parents and their two to five year old children.   

Head Start provides free comprehensive child development, early learning and parent support services to families who have children who are 3 years old by August 31 and meet OMB low-income guidelines.

Philosophy Statement

The Center for Families respects the unique early years of children’s learning, accompanied by the nurturing role of parents.  The educational practices are centered on the children in an individualized manner, and centered on the adults with supportive strategies for children and parents growing together.  Educators of children and parents are knowledgeable and educated in the best practices for quality in early childhood education, parent education and family support.  The Center identifies that learning happens in a quality education program that is built upon caring relationships.

The guiding educational principles of the Center for Families are:

• provision of a classroom program that is based on children’s current developmental abilities, interests and emerging new areas of growth;

• adherence to a “whole child” perspective that supports young children’s emotional, intellectual, social, physical, creative and language areas of growth as a highly connected and integrated process;

• maintenance of a daily classroom program and environment that provides the child-centered, experiential and play-based elements of young children’s learning;

• creation of planned curriculum that is intentional in encouraging each child’s growth with knowledge of development and research-based best practices of early learning;

• respect for all children and parents as individuals including their culture, beliefs, experiences and language;

• value of relationships and human interactions as foundational in a thriving learning community of children and adults;

• support of each child through the active partnership with each parent; 

• support of each parent in his or her critical role in the life of the child, family and community.

Edmonds College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital or family status.

Supervision of Children

The Center for Families has many policies to create a safe environment for children and families.  In order to maintain a safe environment, we rely on parents to assist with the supervision of all children at CFF.  Children must be in visual and auditory range at all times; do not leave your child unattended in the classroom, halls, bathrooms, outdoors or other areas of the center.  We appreciate your assistance in keeping everyone safe and secure.  Please notify the staff if, at any time, you witness a child being left unattended, see someone of suspicious nature or if a situation that does not feel right or is a concern to you.  

EdPass Requirement (Mandatory campus identification and access to CFF)

Edmonds College has a unique card system used to identify students and employees, called EdPass. For security reasons the college requires that all students and employees carry the card while on campus and to have a sticker for the current quarter. The EdPass has multiple uses: it is your college library card, as a registered student you can ride Community Transit for a reduced rate by purchasing a bus sticker, deposit money for a flex account for purchases on campus and access a limited number of free printed pages each quarter. Many businesses and organizations also offer discounts when showing your EdPass!  

You will need your student ID number and photo identification to get an EdPass. The EdPass office is located in Lynnwood Hall. To get more information about how to obtain an EdPass, go to http://www.edcc.edu/edpass/default.html.

Everyone that needs access to the children’s program is required to carry and use an EdPass, including persons with a child enrolled at CFF. The door to the children’s programs has a security feature that requires the scanning of an EdPass, the official college identification card, for entrance. The card will be programmed by our staff to authorize access through the security doors to the Center for Families classrooms. Persons that are authorized to pick up your child and are not eligible to possess or use an EdPass must check-in with front desk staff before entering through the security door. Persons without an EdPass will be required to show photo identification and sign-in and out at the front desk and to be wearing a visitor’s badge. Security has the right to require persons without an EdPass to leave the campus or to file trespassing charges with the local police.

CFF needs everyone’s help to maintain this secure feature:

1. Everyone uses their EdPass to access the children’ program areas.

2. Families may NOT try to enter behind someone else that has an EdPass.

3. Families may NOT provide access for others who try to enter without their EdPass. If anyone tries to enter without an activated EdPass, you are responsible to stop that person and ask for employee assistance to verify the person is authorized to enter the children’s area.

4. The Center staff monitors who is going in and out and verifies that the person has legitimate access.  

5. We have procedures for locking down the facility, if a situation indicates that the children and staff may be in danger.

Restraining Orders and Parenting Plans

Please notify front desk staff, your child’s teacher and campus security any time you have legal documents forbidding anyone access to you or your child.  CFF requires a copy of the restraining order (and/or parenting plan) and a current photograph of the person that is not permitted access to your child be kept on file.  Providing us with the documents allows us to be aware and able to respond to situations that require contacting you and local authorities if the person were to request access to the child or be on the premises of CFF.

Entry and Exit doors

Always close your child’s classroom door upon entry and exit for child safety. Never allow a child to leave the secured area or a classroom unless you can verify that the child is within arm’s length of the child’s parent or a supervising employee.  

The play yard exterior gates are for emergency exit only. You must always enter and exit through the EdPass door.

Cell phones

CFF is a cell phone free zone. Adults may not use cell phones for personal calls, texting or games while supervising children, when signing children in or out, in classrooms or play yards, or in the corridor by the classrooms.  You are required to complete your phone calls before entering CFF.  Please give your child your full attention when dropping off and when you return each day. Check with your individual program on how you can receive emergency messages and calls.

Food and Beverage Policies

Water bottles are the only beverages adults are permitted to bring to the children’s area. Personal food items are not allowed beyond the EdPass door, unless your class specifically permits meals/snacks brought from home. No adult or child is permitted to consume food in the hallway or lobby. You should be sitting at a table in your child’s classroom at designated meal times.

Alert:  Do not bring into the center any foods or lotions that contain nuts or nut oils, including, but not limited to peanuts and peanut butter, walnuts, almonds or almond butter, pistachios, cashews, etc.  The center has children enrolled whose lives can be put at risk if exposed to nuts or nut products.

Fragrances/colognes/lotions

Please do not wear perfume, cologne or scented lotions when accessing CFF.  Children and employees at Center for Families have breathing sensitivity that could become life threatening to persons wearing scented products.  

Personal Belongings

All adult personal belongings should be stored in a secure location and out of the reach of children. Medications (non-prescription or prescription), lighters/matches, and cigarettes are not stored or taken into the children’s areas or play yards. CFF and Edmonds College has a history of being a target for theft, including wallets, purses, book bags, laptops, etc. CFF and EC will not be responsible for any lost or stolen items. 

Permission for free access

Parents are welcome to observe their child and the staff throughout the day.

Parents have free access to all center areas used by their child during business hours. Observation rooms are open and available with audio monitoring equipment. Most parents find the observation rooms useful to observe their child without disrupting play or group times. 

Several educational programs on campus, including the Early Childhood Education program and Family Support Studies, assign students to observe children’s development and/or interactions, observe teaching techniques or observe the environment for health and safety practices. Visitors or students will not be left alone with the children and must get special permission from the director to observe directly within the classroom or outdoor play yard. Students and community members must make advanced reservations to observe the classrooms and the children, request forms are available at the front desk. 

Outdoor expectations 

Please use the below PDF to view the Center for Families outdoor expectations for playing outside in the play spaces.

CFF Outdoor Expectations and Rules update June 5 2024.pdf

Arrival and departure

When arriving with your child, please assist them to wash their hands and wash your hands too. This helps us promote a healthy practice and is our most effective means of preventing the spread of illness.  It is recommended that everyone wash their hands when leaving the center as well.

Please let staff know when you are leaving your child and when you are picking up your child from the classroom.  Staff are encouraged to greet everyone upon arrival; however, at times they may be deeply engaged in activities with the children and need you to initiate the hello or good-bye.  

If someone else is picking up your child, that person’s name must appear on Permission to Remove from Center, and you must write down his or her name at the front desk for entry past the EdPass door.  No child will be released to anyone not listed as “authorized to remove the child from the Center”. Phone calls to arrange an alternate person to pick up your child will not be accepted. It is helpful if the teacher knows in advance, although they are still required to check the identification of any new person. Please remind the person picking up your child to bring photo ID.

Child Abuse Reporting

All Center for Families staff are required by Washington State Law and licensing requirements to report immediately to the police or Child Protective Services any instance when there is reason to suspect the occurrence of physical, sexual, or emotional child abuse or child neglect, exploitation or endangerment. Depending on the recommendation of Child Protective Services, staff may or may not be able to notify parents when the call is made.

If we suspect a parent or designated person is unable to provide care in a safe manner, or under the influence of drugs or alcohol when picking up a child, we are obligated to contact CPS and/or the local police. We will make every effort to contact someone you are comfortable with to escort you and your child home. If a parent refuses to cooperate, we will release the child, and call the police.

Physical punishments, as well as threats of physical punishment, verbal abuse and sarcasm are not allowed at Center for Families. Parents may not physically punish or verbally threaten their children at the center.

Parking

We are concerned about children’s health and safety while in our care at the Center for Families and when they are traveling to and from the center. The parking lots can be very dangerous for children and adults.  Always make sure that you are watching for fast moving vehicles and holding your child’s hand or carrying your child when you’re leaving your car and entering the building and as you return to your car. The staff encourages this procedure with our “We hold hands” program.  “We hold hands” program requires adults to hold a child’s hand when leaving your car, leaving your child’s classroom and when leaving the Center for Families. 

Never leave your child unattended in a car. If you have a sleeping or ill child in the car and you have urgent business to complete at the Center for Families, please ask an available staff person to come stand by your car. Children should always be secured into an approved car seat and seatbelt while being transported. If we observe that a child is left alone in a car, or is not restrained appropriately while traveling we are required to make a report to Child Protective Services or the local authorities. 

Smoking is prohibited in the college's parking lots, including the areas around the Center for Families. Edmonds College prohibits smoking on campus, except for designated outdoor areas. The policy responds to the health and campus cleanliness concerns of nonsmoking students, staff, and community members, as well as addresses the rights of smokers.

Thank you for participating at the Center for Families. We, the Center for Families staff, encourage your feedback to make this a better place for children and families.