Albuquerque Preschool Co-Op

I went for a visit in January of last year and liked it so much that I opted to pull my child out of his then preschool. The teachers are amazing. The administrative staff is very responsive. My child went from having a really tough time to thriving. I know have my two boys enrolled and I couldn't be happier.

I know that it can be challenging to sort through the many preschool options, so I want to provide as much information as I can to help other parents decide. I looked at dozens of preschools, in person and online, before choosing this program. I looked for three things when I was trying to find a preschool: (1) Is it really a preschool or is it daycare? Answer: This program is definitely a preschool, not a daycare. There is a specific start and end time to the day with specific activities at different times. It is not a drop in/drop out center. I like this. I am not looking for a babysitter, I am looking for a real chance for my kids to grow. (2) Do the teachers seem like they enjoy their jobs? Are they present? Answer: Of all the schools I have toured, this one had the most engaged teachers. I have continued to volunteer a few times a month for over a year and I have now had multiple more opportunities to observe the teachers. They sit on the ground and play with the kids. I have never heard a teacher raise his or her voice. The teachers seem to like their jobs. At many other schools, teachers seemed sort of dazed and bored. (3) Does it use a play-based curriculum (which I believe is better for young kids) or does it push academics? Answer: this program uses a play-based curriculum. Children have multiple different stations that they can choose from throughout free play time (science, art, manipulatives, blocks, dress up, etc.). Each of these areas has enough space for many kids to comfortably play without crowding each other. Notably, art is always available--kids can paint pictures or do crafts anytime. These stations change monthly. I know that many preschools have stations, but I just didn't see the variety of activities at other schools I toured and visited. I also didn't see much emphasis on art. My kids come home almost everyday with some kind of art project that they have created. The last thing I really like about this school is that there are always two to three parents volunteering at any time. This means that (1) teachers are always held accountable to the highest standards because they are always being observed and (2) kids get exposure to a caring community of other adults. Each parent brings their own personality to volunteering and my kids benefit from having this variety, even while their main teacher stays the same. There is nothing like this school. It is a genuine preschool (not a daycare), the teachers are engaged and happy, the kids have enough room and space to explore a variety of activities, art is emphasized and valued, and parents are always present. I highly recommend this program.

Awesome school. My son is wrapping up his last year here and has benefited so much from the curriculum even going just twice a week. My daughter will also be attending..

Both my daughters attended 3 years at the Albuquerque Preschool Coop and I feel that my entire family benefited from those years. My oldest was an ornery rascal when I brought her in, and after a few months with Ms Yvette and Ms Brenda's loving yet firm coaching and structure, she started to evolve into the delightful child she is now. My children were encouraged to explore and care for their environment and they learned how to be good friends. As a parent, I learned a great deal about early childhood development by talking to teachers and by working in the classrooms on aide days. I feel like my experience as a mother was deeply enriched by the Cooperative. For those who doubt the benefit of play based learning, let it be known that both my daughters started kindergarten at the top of their class in terms of social adjustment and reading skills. I am frankly surprised by the negative reviews. All parents do have to volunteer time - that's what makes it a cooperative, and it’s also what makes it a great community - but in my experience, staff made every effort to find out parents' strengths and use those to benefit the school. The school facility is a sweet, well cared for, intimate family space that both my children absolutely loved. They still ask to go back and visit their teachers and I will always cherish my memories there.

I cannot say enough about how wonderful the Albuquerque Preschool Coop is; the staff and teachers have truly become part of our extended family. They are warm and caring and always completely invested in the wellbeing of our children. Their knowledge about child development top-notch and up-to-date. As my kids learned through play, I watched them blossom under the teachers' care in ways that were both personal (consideration, communication, cooperation) and topical (science, reading, Spanish, the environment, animals). Families are actively involved in all aspects of the school, which makes for a fun, vibrant community atmosphere--we've made many friends that we will have for the rest of our lives. How do I know? Because I also went to school at the Albuquerque Preschool Coop! The school will always have an important place in the heart of our family.