Delaware Cooperative Preschool Information

Delaware Cooperative Preschool (DCP) was founded in 1984 by a small group of Delaware parents who wanted to play an active role in their children’s early education. The founding members established a non-profit, secular cooperative model rooted in a spirit of volunteerism. DCP is committed to providing students and families with equal opportunity to early childhood education without discrimination based on race, color, veteran status, religion, national origin, political affiliation, sex, sexual orientation, or age. DCP offers caregivers an opportunity to enhance their role as their child’s primary educators while their children gain social and cognitive skills in a nurturing, joyful, child-centered environment. Additionally, as part of a cooperative preschool, families have a unique opportunity to participate in the classroom directly and help create the kind of learning environment they would like for their children. The result is an educational environment rewarding for families, staff, and children alike. Our mixed-age, Montessori-inspired classrooms offer a safe, accepting environment in which little ones can explore, share, play, and communicate with peers. As members of DCP, caregivers are welcomed in the decision-making processes that maintain the Cooperative's staff, finances, and policies. Quarterly meetings address important topics and surface committee accomplishments; a Board of Directors, composed of member volunteers, is elected annually.