By Lisa Carolin
Chelsea Children’s Cooperative Preschool
14600 E Old US Hwy 12
734-433-1938
email: [email protected], [email protected]
website: chelseacoop.org
For more than 50 years, the Chelsea Children’s Cooperative Preschool has provided programs for preschool aged children.
The co-op is supported by community members who donate their time and hard work to the co-op, which gives back to the community through family events, activities, charities, and more.
The Chelsea Cooperative Preschool is owned and administered by its members,” said Anna Zenz, the current president of the Co-op Preschool. “Parents play an integral role in how the preschool operates. They serve on the executive board taking care of the business side of the preschool. They serve on committees to put on events throughout the year or help with the operation of the preschool. Parents also assist in the classroom getting a firsthand look at child behavior and interaction.”
The preschool started as a playgroup in the North Lake Area with a plan to start a cooperative preschool at the North Lake United Methodist Church Youth Building.
“While the building underwent renovations, the preschool began in the home of the teacher, Camie Noah, in the fall of 1972,” said Zenz. “Since then, the Co-op has moved to several different locations throughout Chelsea. We are currently located inside St. Paul United Church of Christ on Old US-12.”
Thanks to many dedicated staff members, the preschool has thrived. Former co-op parent Claire Bauschke became the preschool’s director in 2014 and teaches the 3- and 4-year-old classes.
“Charissa Keller is the teacher aide in the 4-year-old class,” said Zenz, “and Sandy Lantis and Martha Piper, retired teachers from North Creek Elementary, are the teacher and teacher aide in the multi-age class.”
Currently a 3-year-old program, a 4-year-old program, a multi-age program for 3-and 4-year-olds, and a 2-year-old playgroup are offered.
The philosophy of the Chelsea Children’s Cooperative Preschool is that learning is ongoing and emerges when children interact with their environment and form relationships. The Chelsea Co-op provides opportunities for children to explore and grow in a safe, age-appropriate environment.
Parents are encouraged to assist in the school’s development and operation thus creating a partnership between them, the children, and teachers.
“Not only do we provide a solid and sound first experience for children in our community, but we support parents by giving them opportunities to network with each other and practice developmentally appropriate parenting techniques while they interact with children and other adults in the classroom,” said Zenz.
