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Our Classes

Play Based Learning for Ages 1 to 5

Preparing children for Kindergarten with a nurturing and inclusive environment

Toddlers

The Toddler class at Wedgwood Co-op offers little ones (ages 1-2) an opportunity to explore, play and interact with other children in a safe and stimulating environment. Class meets once a week and a parent or caregiver stays with the child.

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Many of our caregivers find lifelong friends in our co-op classes. The Toddlers class is an excellent place to get to know families in our neighborhood and have built-in support from our parent educator about parenting questions or concerns you have.

Fast Facts

Age

One year old by August 31

Meets

Fridays 11:30am - 1:30pm

Cost

$77/mo (2024 - 2025 school year)

+ NSC tuition $57.42/quarter 

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Beth Graham 

Toddlers Class Teacher

I am truly looking forward to being your child's teacher this year and getting to know your family.

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My cooperative preschool journey began with my own experiences as a co-op parent with my children in a toddlers classroom. In my life before being a mom, I received my Masters in Teaching from Seattle University. For ten years, I had the pleasure of being an elementary school teacher in the Lake Washington School District. My focus, after becoming a parent, has shifted to Early Childhood Education. I have been a co-op preschool teacher in Seattle since 2018.

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I strive to create a warm and engaging environment where the children feel adored and comfortable trying new things. It is my hope that the first school experience that your child has sets them up for a love of school, learning, and curiosity. I am passionate about music, process-based art, and play-based learning.

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Sally Olson

Toddlers NSC Parent Educator

I am very happy to be the Parent Educator for the Wedgwood Toddlers class! I've been a Parent Educator with the Seattle Colleges since 2000.  I received my Master of Social Work degree from the University of Michigan in 1987, where the focus of my clinical training was child psychotherapy and parent consultation.  I worked for the first 12 years of my career as a child and adult psychotherapist, and served as a Child Mental Health Consultant for Head Start and ECEAP preschools. I also taught the Roots of Empathy curriculum in the Seattle Public Schools and led children’s therapy groups for Divorce Lifeline. 
 
In my parent education work, I weave in stories from my own experience and those of families I’ve met and worked with over the years to make real the research-based information and practical tips that I share. I truly enjoy working with young children and families. One of my favorite aspects of this work is the observation of young children learning - just watching their faces and body language as they explore, think and light up with new discoveries!
 
My husband and I are the parents of two grown daughters who live in the area, which is just wonderful!

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Pre 3's

Pre-3s learn through playful exploration and clear, kind guidance from the teacher and parents. Our play-based curriculum promotes the development of social skills, emotional intelligence, scientific inquiry, literacy, physical capabilities (fine and gross motor skills), mathematics, and a lifelong love of learning. The majority of the class time is free choice. Children can choose from a variety of activities designed to spark curiosity and delight, inspire imaginary play, and foster creativity.

Our class is organized around weekly themes that emerge out of the children's direct experience and interests. Themes may include seasons, feelings, friendship, animals, plants, weather, vehicles, etc.

Fast Facts

Age

Two years old by Aug 31

Meets

Monday and Friday 9am-11am (parent/caregiver attends one day a week

Cost

$112/mo (2024 - 2025 school year)

+ NSC tuition $57.42/quarter 

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Beth Graham 

Pre 3's Class Teacher

I am truly looking forward to being your child's teacher this year and getting to know your family.

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My cooperative preschool journey began with my own experiences as a co-op parent with my children in a toddlers classroom. In my life before being a mom, I received my Masters in Teaching from Seattle University. For ten years, I had the pleasure of being an elementary school teacher in the Lake Washington School District. My focus, after becoming a parent, has shifted to Early Childhood Education. I have been a co-op preschool teacher in Seattle since 2018.

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I strive to create a warm and engaging environment where the children feel adored and comfortable trying new things. It is my hope that the first school experience that your child has sets them up for a love of school, learning, and curiosity. I am passionate about music, process-based art, and play-based learning.

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Beth Goss 

Pre 3's NSC Parent Educator

I’m looking forward to spending time with your children and supporting you and your family on this parenting adventure! Let me tell you a little about myself.

After doing my graduate work in Elementary Education at Eastern Michigan University, I moved to Seattle and began work as a preschool teacher. After several years of spending my days with infants and toddlers, as well as becoming a mother myself, I realized that I wanted to shift my focus to Early Childhood Education. I was a preschool teacher, a childcare administrator, and a teacher trainer before I started working at North Seattle College in 2002. I'm also a Certified Childbirth Educator, a Certified Gottman Educator and Training Specialist, specializing in the transition to parenthood.

My two children are in their 20s and are happily engaged in their semi-adult lives. I have found, however, that my mom was right- you never stop parenting your kids!

3-5'3

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.

Skills needed for Kindergarten are woven throughout the classroom experience so that all children are ready for the transition by the time they finish Pre-K. Beginning in January, our class time stretches from three to four hours, easing kids into longer school days.

Fast Facts

Age

3 or 4 years old by Aug 31

Meets

Sept-Dec: Mon 12-3pm, Tue-Thu 9am-12pm
Jan-Jun: Mon 11am-3pm, ​Tue-Thu 9am-1pm
(1st Monday of month only Pre-K)

Cost

$280/mo for 3-5's

$300/mo for Pre-K (4 years old by Aug 31)

(2024 - 2025 school year)

+ NSC tuition $57.42/quarter 

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Kelsey Reed

3-5's Class Teacher

As a parent at Wedgwood Co-op, I fell in love with the cooperative model and play based approach. My children have thrived here, and I was so excited for the opportunity to build this amazing community as a teacher. 

 

Besides being a parent, I have worked with kids as a music teacher and nanny for many years. I love preschoolers' imagination and excitement. I'm honored to spend time with these amazing kids at such a fun time in their lives.

 

My goal as a teacher is to create a classroom where children ask questions, tell stories, practice empathy, and learn through experience. Kindergarten readiness informs all areas of my curriculum from academics to life skills, like opening up your own lunch. I believe strongly in our school's values of kindness and inclusion. The themes we explore in 3-5s reflect the beautiful diversity found in our co-op families and help children expand their understanding of the world beyond.

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Betty Williams

3-5's NSC Parent Education Teacher

I can think of no better way to spend my time than working with children and families as we nurture these young lives to thrive in a supportive community. I feel so fortunate to have this opportunity to provide education, resources and support to families with young children during such a foundational time in their lives.
 
I have a BA in Psychology from Vanderbilt University, located in Nashville, Tennessee. I grew up in East Tennessee, and moved out to the great Northwest with excitement for the beauty of the Puget Sound area after I graduated. I received my MSW with an emphasis in working with children and families from the University of Washington. I worked in the child care field for many years as an infant, toddler and preschool teacher, program supervisor, and center director. My husband, Mike, is also in the early childhood education field, and currently works at Child Care Resources. We have two daughters; my stepdaughter Mari, who lives in Shoreline with her husband, Chris, and two sons, Gabriel, who was born Dec. 21, 2014, and Joshua, born Feb. 25, 2020; and Jessica, who lives in New Jersey with her husband, Shaun, and daughter, Emerson, born Oct. 22, 2018, and Kelly, born July 9, 2021. When Jessica was young I moved into teaching Early Childhood Education and Parent Education Classes as a part-time instructor at Seattle Central Community College. Since 2004, I have been working as a full-time instructor in Parent Education at North Seattle College, where I now coordinate the program as well as teach 4 classes. 
 
My vision for Parent Education is to provide a balance of opportunities for parents/guardians to share concerns, discuss challenges and strategies, and receive information from the field of early childhood education. I know that living in supportive, diverse and inclusive community is the best way for children to grow, learn, and fulfill their potential as caring citizens of the world. I am happy to share resource information with you anytime, so don’t hesitate to catch me when I attend the preschool classes, or call/email me in between classes.
 
I will be in class with your children and you on a weekly basis, rotating through the days for multi-day classes. Our parent education happens during the evening meetings monthly. My role with the co-op board is as an advisor, and I work as a partner with the children’s teacher to support your children and your learning in the class.  Your co-op is affiliated with NSC for my services and commits to following certain guidelines as outlined by the Risk Management Manual (posted on the PAC website), which outlines health & safety practices for our cooperative preschools. This document is produced as a resource for all of the cooperative preschool programs throughout Washington State that are affiliated with the Parent Education Programs in their local Community Colleges. I am very pleased to be part of such a valuable program that seeks to improve our communities and help our children get off to the best possible start in their lives. I welcome your feedback regarding Parent Education and your co-op experience anytime.

Contact

8208 18th Avenue NE

Seattle, WA. 98115

General Inquiries:

registrar@wedgwoodcoop.org

Wedgwood Cooperative Preschool is affiliated with North Seattle College and admits applicants of any race, color, religion, sex or national ethnic origin, and is committed to facilitating participation by offering scholarships to families who might not otherwise be able to participate.

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Scholarships are available from the NSC Parent Advisory Council (PAC) to offset tuition at participating coop preschools. Scholarship applications are reviewed solely by NSC Parent Advisory Council and information disclosed on the forms is kept strictly confidential. For more information, visit the North Seattle College's website.

© 2023 by Wedgwood Cooperative Preschool. All rights reserved.

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