Children ages 3 to 5 meet four days a week in our play-based class to practice social skills, learn emotional intelligence, build literacy and math skills, and much more. The 3-5's curriculum celebrates each child as an individual during a special week, when we explore their interests and the diversity of our community. Children learn about cultures and traditions through stories, pretend play, art, and guest visitors.

The first Monday of each month, the older set of kids (Pre-K) venture out of the classroom for exciting field trips that broaden their understanding of the world and build their sense of community.

Beginning in January, our class time stretches from three to four hours, easing kids into longer school days.

Typical Day

3-5s begin class with open choice time, moving as they wish between various stations inside the classroom.
  • In the climbing room, kids practice gross motor skills and get out the wiggles on rainy days. This is often the place where kids feel inspired to imagine, with thoughtful props provided by the teacher to help kids become cats and bear cubs, firefighters, farmers, princes and princesses.
  • The art station gives children a chance to create through many different mediums. Process is valued over the end product.
  • Home center provides a scene for dramatic play. Children can pretend to cook with play-dough in the kitchen, have a tea party with baby dolls, and much more.
  • The sensory table reflects our weekly themes with a wide variety of materials and toys: water, sand, rice, flax seed, etc.
  • Children create roads, train tracks, forts, and more in our building area.
  • The library loft is a cozy spot for reading books or enjoying a more quiet area of the classroom.
  • At the table toys area, rotating materials challenge fine motor control such as puzzles, peg boards, rubber band boards, and small blocks.
  • Our popular Light Bulb Lab provides children an opportunity to create on their own with paper, glue, markers, or whatever. This is an adult-free zone where children are encouraged to ask each other for help if/when needed, thus learning independence and mentoring.

​At circle time, the class gathers to talk about the weather, count the days in school, read books, discuss social/emotional concepts, practice listening quietly, and singing songs. The class then separates into small groups led by parents before heading outside to explore in our play space and get out some big energy. Class ends with closing circle and goodbyes.

Our program also invites a guest speaker in for each preschooler's special week to present a topic related to the theme the child chose for that week.  Notable guests in recent years have included The Reptile Man, Insect Safari, a tea party given by a Tea Queen, Northwest Railway Museum, Washington Butterfly Association, and the Seattle Mountaineers.

Parent Participation

Parents are a major component of the success and stability of our non-profit school. Aside from making it possible to have a 3-4:1 adult/child ratio, parents bring a variety of skills and talents to the classroom. Parents of 3-5s are expected to:
  1. Work one day a week in the classroom
  2. Be "on call" once month, in case another parent cannot attend on their workday
  3. Prepare and lead a small group activities once every other week
  4. Perform a class job (photographer, substitute teacher, after class cleaning, supplies, etc.)
  5. Attend monthly parent meetings (7-9 pm)
  6. Participate in school fundraising (vital for the enrichment program in this class, as well as PAC scholarships)
  7. Complete 2-3 weekend cleanings per year, plus beginning and end-of-year cleaning
  8. Occasional help with setup, cleanup, and materials for community events
  9. Register for a course in early childhood development through North Seattle Community College and pay quarterly tuition (class completed at the preschool)
In exchange for this time commitment, co-op offers a rewarding, growth-filled and exciting experience for children and parents together. We truly build community and find lifelong friends at co-op.

​For more information or to schedule a time to visit the classroom, email 3-5s@wedgwoodcoop.org

Fast Facts

Age - 3 or 4 years old by Aug 31

Meets  -
Sept-Dec: Mon 12-3pm, Tue-Thu 8:45am-11:45am
Jan-Jun: Mon 11am-3pm, ​Tue-Thu 8:45am-12:45pm
(1st Mon of month only Pre-K)

Cost - $258/mo; $275/mo for Pre-K
+ $53.61/quarter NSC tuition
(2022-2023 prices. Subject to change each school year)
​
Teacher - Alicia Aahl

Questions -  Email our registrar