Teacher Janice finds the Co-Op environment to be very supportive of children and their families. She holds a BA in Education (K-12 certification) and a BA in Psychology from Seattle Pacific University. Before teaching with the NSC Co-Op program, she taught a K-6 gifted program in the Shoreline School District, ran an in-home daycare and started a preschool program for toddlers with the Seattle Parks and Recreation Department.
Teacher Janice and her husband have lived in Ballard since 1982. They have two grown sons and two grandchildren born in 2017 and 2019.
We are excited to welcome Teacher Naomi and Teacher Lauren for the 2024-2025 school year! They have been active parents on the school board, have a solid background in education and childcare, and are thrilled to be carrying on the legacy Teacher Janice has created at Crown Hill Cooperative Preschool.
For children, CHCP offers a safe, inclusive environment to learn social, emotional, and intellectual skills through cooperative and creative play. We offer three classes: Otters (12-24 months), Orcas (24-36 months), and Eagles (36+ months) with an option for extended Pre-K. Kids in each class enjoy a nurturing place to explore new ideas, experience new challenges, and make new friends.
For parents, we provide a welcoming caregiving community guided by professional early childhood educators. In addition to classroom participation, parents attend monthly sessions led by a North Seattle College faculty member. These Zoom meetings address child development, common parental challenges, and an overview of leading literature. Adults build self-confidence and parental competencies together, learning from educators as well as each other.
You don’t have to do it alone. Join our village at Crown Hill Cooperative Preschool.
Crown Hill Cooperative Preschool is part of the North Seattle College (NSC) Cooperative Preschool program. There are over 40 North Seattle College Cooperative Preschool classes held at 11 convenient locations in North Seattle. Each school is an independent, non-profit entity run by a skilled preschool teacher, the children’s parents, and a professional educator from NSC.
For more information on North Seattle College Cooperative Preschool programs, please visit : northseattlecoops.org
If you are a PEPS member and looking for the next step, this PEPS article is a great introduction into the benefits of co-op preschool.
Testimonials from CHP Parents:
“When I first toured the Crown Hill Co-Op I was charmed by the murals of children’s book characters in the play rooms, and amazed by the expansive outdoor space. Between both of my boys we have been at CHCP for 4 years and now I am just as impressed with Teacher Janice and her curriculum. Janice is a joy. She has a unique ability to make each child feel seen, and encourages them to bring their interests to class to help guide activities. I’ve seen how this helps build my children’s confidence and it’s been a joy to see them grow into their own here. We have loved our time at CHCP and are so glad we found this special place!”
Adrienne W
“This is our first year at Crown Hill Co-op, and our first year attending preschool. We weren’t sure what to expect as we joined the co-op, but we can say that it has far exceeded our expectations. Teacher Janice is simply amazing. She understands children so well, and creates activities that are engaging and often STEM focused. One thing that we love the most is the outside play area at CH. There is a giant sand box, a climber, ramps, toys, it’s really something that you have to see in person to really appreciate. We feel so lucky to be a part of this community!”
Katy A
“Crown Hill Pre-School Co-Op is a nurturing environment for kids to develop peer relationships and explore the world around them. Teacher Janice is the heart of the school and works to make sure each child is not only comfortable, but thriving and loved. The parent education component in partnership with North Seattle Community College is invaluable. I am so thankful for this opportunity to grow right alongside my children.”
Lauren J
We have 3 classes serving children from 12 months until they are ready to start Kindergarten.
As a Nature Explore-certified preschool, all of our classes emphasize a welcoming, structured outdoor environment that emphasizes child-led exploration. Weather permitting, all children spend time outside on a daily basis, and the amount of time outside increases as children get older. In all classes, the day starts with large motor play where children climb, slide, balance and jump their way to better physical health, coordination and strength in a fun & inviting outdoor setting.
After snack time or lunch, the children read books until everyone is finished eating. Then they have Discovery Time in the classroom. STEM and creative learning activities will be set up for the children. It is a time to explore a variety of areas that are adult-guided, child-centered activities. During this time the children will engage with the adults, and other children, in activities that are play-based with an emergent curriculum. These areas will include: art, fine motor, building, reading, imaginary play, playdough and science.
The day ends with circle time where the children and parents sing songs and listen to stories led by Teacher Janice.
The Otters class meets on Wednesdays from 9:00 am – 11:00 am.
Toddler classes hosts up to 20 children ranging from 12 to 24 months old. Children are eligible if they’re 12 months old on or before August 31st.
Our preschool is a fun place for you and your toddler to learn and grow. From painting to pretending, taking turns to tower building, each child will have the opportunity to explore many experiences as their minds make new connections about the world around them.
Parents attend class with their children, making this a great opportunity to ease your child into a preschool environment at a young age, and meet parents with children of similar ages.
The Orcas class meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:00 am – 11am.
This class hosts up to 20 children ranging from 24-35 months old. Children are eligible if they’re 24 months old on or before August 31st.
Our preschool is a fun place for you and your toddler to learn and grow. From painting to pretending, taking turns to tower building, each child will have the opportunity to explore many experiences as their minds make new connections about the world around them.
Parents attend one class a week with their child and drop off one day a week. Children attend both classes each week with the age-appropriate goal of separating from their parent.
The Eagles class meets on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 11 am – 1:30 pm
This class hosts up to 18 children starting a 36 months and continuing until the child is ready to start Kindergarten. Children are eligible if they’re 36 months old on or before August 31st.
Parents attend one class a week with their child, and drop off 2 days a week. Children attend three classes each week with the age-appropriate goal of separating from their parent. Board and parent education meetings are held one evening a month throughout the school year (children do not attend these meetings).
Eagles Pre-K meets right after the Eagles class, and is an optional extension for families preparing for Kindergarten. We meet on Tuesday and Thursday from 1:30-2:30PM. This is immediately after the normal Eagles class.
At Crown Hill Explorers’ Pre-K program, we dive deep into our natural environment, integrating science, language, and play. Leveraging our extended hours, we’re committed to honing our students’ scientific prowess, and we’ve chosen an exceptional curriculum for this mission: MESS or Marvelous Explorations through Science and Stories. This comprehensive program is a brainchild of The Florida Museum of Natural History and the University of Florida.
MESS isn’t about memorizing facts. It’s about lighting a fire of curiosity, laying a robust foundation for knowledge, and cultivating budding scientific thinkers. At its heart, MESS believes:
We are thrilled to offer MESS to our CoOp families. It promises a harmonious fusion of a play-based curriculum with the robustness of a science and language structure that MESS brings to the table.
One time, non-refundable
$105/month for 10 installments
$56.38/quarter for three quarters
One time, non-refundable
Co Op should be affordable for all families; financial aid is available.
One time, non-refundable
$155/month for 10 installments
$56.38/quarter for three quarters
One time, non-refundable
Co Op should be affordable for all families; financial aid is available.
One time, non-refundable
$241/month, for 10 installments; $70/month additional for PreK extension.
$56.38/quarter for three quarters
One time, non-refundable
Co Op should be affordable for all families; financial aid is available.
Crown Hill Cooperative Preschool is located at 2400 NW 85th St. Seattle, WA, 98117. The Preschool rents space in Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church. The preschool a Nature Explore certified outdoor classroom and play area with access to a daylight basement during inclement weather.
The school year follows that of Seattle Public Schools and the regular school holidays shall be observed.
Being a part of a cooperative school requires a time & commitment from each family. In return, families reap the rewards of a high-quality preschool, lower tuition rates, parenting support and lasting friendships. Co-Op parents are asked to:
On their work day, parents are assigned a specific responsibility as teachers aides in order to guide the children’s activities. Typically, this involves working at a specific station, such as the sandbox, play house or sensory table, and helping to make sure that the activity is both engaging and safe for the children involved.
Co-Op parents are automatically enrolled as students in NSC Parent Education Program and receive three college credits each quarter. The parent educator attends preschool every week and leads a monthly evening education session addressing relevant family and school topics. In the Toddler classes, parent educators also lead weekly discussion groups during classroom time. Half of the Toddler parents attend parent education each week.
“The mission of the NSC Parent Education program is to promote the development of knowledge and skills for strong and healthy families.”
Parents are involved in their child’s early education experience by participating once a week in the parent-operated cooperative preschool where their child is enrolled and at a monthly evening parent-only meeting & class taught by the parent educator — an NSC faculty member. The instructor also advises and supports the parents as they practice the skills they are learning while being assistant teachers in their child’s preschool. Please visit the NSCC website for more information on all our cooperative preschools: http://coops.northseattle.edu
If you are looking for more information about Crown Hill Preschool classes please use the forms below to contact us…
