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Meet Our Teacher

THE HEART OF OUR PRESCHOOL
Teacher Janice
Janice Jacobson has been teaching in the North Seattle College Cooperative Preschool Program since 1991. She loves teaching toddlers and pre-threes because, “everything is new and intriguing to these little people.”

Teacher Janice finds the Co-Op environment to be very supportive of children and their families. Teacher Janice 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.

Follow her blog on teacherjanice.com

Our Preschool

WHO WE ARE

We are part of the North Seattle College (NSC) Co-operative Preschool program, meaning that parents participate in our classroom. This blog post is a great introduction to the CoOp Preschool Program.  For children, “co-op” is a safe and nurturing place in which to explore and have fun. Social, emotional and intellectual skills are learned through cooperative and creative play. For parents, it’s a place to improve parenting skills, help shape their child’s first school environment, and form lasting friendships. For kids and parents alike, co-op builds self-confidence and competence. But most of all, co-op is fun!

Preschool is a time for your child to explore, engage and encounter. Preschool allows children to be exposed to new friends, new challenges and new ideas. Between the ages of one and four, children experience many changes and it is exciting to be part of their first learning experiences. Teacher Janice designs the curriculum, using cooperative and creative play to enhance social, emotional and intellectual development.

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

2023-24 Class Details

PLAYING & LEARNING

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.

crown hill preschoolers

The Otter class meets on Wednesdays from 9:00 am – 11:00 am.

Description

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.

Schedule

  • 9:00 – 9:45 Outdoor Classroom
  • 9:45 – 10:00 Snack
  • 10:00 – 10:30 Parent Ed / Exploration Time
  • 10:45 – 11:00 Circle Time

crown hill preschoolers

The Orca class meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:00 am – 11am.

Description

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.

Schedule

  • 9:00 – 10:00 Outdoor Classroom
  • 10:00 – 10:15 Snack
  • 10:15 – 10:45 Exploration Time (indoor if inclement weather)
  • 10:45 – 11:00 Circle Time

preschool children playing in sandbox

The Eagle class meets on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 11:15 am – 1:45 pm

Description

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).

Schedule

  • 11:15-12:15 Outdoor Classroom
  • 12:15 – 12:45 Lunch (Reading Time as they finish their lunch)
  • 12:45 – 1:00 Science Circle
  • 1:00 – 1:25 Exploration Time (indoor if inclement weather)
  • 1:25 – 1:45 Circle Time

preschool children playing in sandbox

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.

Crown Hill Explorers Pre-K Program: Where Nature Meets Nurture

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.

Explore the MESS Intro Guide

Why MESS for Early Childhood Science?

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:

  • Children thrive when guided by compassionate adults.
  • Language, print, and other mediums are pivotal in molding early science comprehension.
  • Given the space and time to delve deeply, young minds naturally grasp scientific concepts and skills.

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.

Tuition & Preschool Costs

  • 12 – 24 Months Old
  • Otters
  • 1 Day A Week
  • Registration Fee: $40

    One time, non-refundable

  • Child Co-op Tuition: $1,050

    $105/month for 10 installments

  • Parent NSC Tuition: $169.14

    $56.38/quarter for three quarters

  • Materials Fee: $65

    One time, non-refundable

  • Total Cost for 2023-24: $1284.14

    Co Op should be affordable for all families; financial aid is available.

  • JOIN US
  • 24 – 36 Months Old
  • Orcas
  • 2 Days A Week
  • Registration Fee: $40

    One time, non-refundable

  • Child Co-op Tuition: $1,550

    $155/month for 10 installments

  • Parent NSC Tuition: $169.14

    $56.38/quarter for three quarters

  • Materials Fee: $105

    One time, non-refundable

  • Total Cost for 2023-24: $1,864.14

    Co Op should be affordable for all families; financial aid is available.

  • JOIN US
  • 36+ Months Old
  • Eagles
  • 3 Days A Week
  • Registration Fee: $40

    One time, non-refundable

  • Child Co-op Tuition: $2,410 ($3,110 for PreK extension).

    $241/month, for 10  installments; $70/month additional for PreK extension.

  • Parent NSC Tuition: $169.14

    $56.38/quarter for three quarters

  • Materials Fee: $125 ($190 for PreK extension).

    One time, non-refundable

  • Total Cost for 2023-24: $2,744.14 ($3,539.14 for PreK extension).

    Co Op should be affordable for all families; financial aid is available.

  • JOIN US

Gallery

HAVE A LOOK AROUND OUR PRESCHOOL

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Crown Hill Explorers Cooperative Preschool

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.

How long is the school year?

The school year follows that of Seattle Public Schools and the regular school holidays shall be observed.

What are the responsibilities of the parents at Crown Hill Explorers Cooperative Preschool?

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:

What is my role as an “assistant teacher” in the classroom?

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.

What is Parent Education?

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

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