Today we’d like to introduce you to Betty Wood.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Betty. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
OCP was born out of the enthusiasm and drive of two parents who wanted to start a co-op preschool in Decatur. Decatur is close to Atlanta but has always had an identity of its own and there was no co-op school in the area. The two parents approached Betty Wood, the Director of a co-op school in nearby Inman Park, for advice. The result was something of a meeting of minds, which saw the parents enrolling their 2-year old children at Inman Park while planning in earnest for the new school.
In 2005, OCP was founded, with the goal of creating an ethnically, culturally, and economically diverse community that is united through its commitment to parental involvement in education and to fostering respect for the environment. At that time, Betty began serving on the new school’s Advisory Board. The initial enrollment consisted of only 5 or 6 kids, taught by a single teacher in one of the parent’s basement games rooms. But by 2006, OCP had leased more permanent facilities from the Episcopal Church of the Epiphany, and in 2008, Betty Wood left Inman Park to become the School Director at OCP. Now, the school is on a 10-year lease at its third site on the grounds of the Thankful Missionary Baptist Church, with 49 children spread across six classes. Although the original families have now passed through the school, the school community is very tight-knit. For example, our first teacher served on the Advisory Board and joined parents of rising kindergarten children each year to discuss the transition from a cooperative preschool to a public school.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
While the cooperative model appeals to most parents of young children, it may be difficult for working parents to have the professional flexibility to commit to “parent teach” several times a month in their child’s classroom. The parents’ work in the classroom and on committees essential to the daily operations of the school offsets the tuition, making it more affordable. However, many amazing families would enroll their children if more scholarship funds were available. Identifying grants for a small nonprofit preschool is a constant challenge. OCP attracts and hires highly qualified and dedicated teachers who may not be able to work more than a year or two in a half-day program. Parents of young children sometimes find it difficult to adjust to new teachers during their child’s three years of school.
Leasing shared space was challenging in the past, limiting the full implementation of OCP curriculum. Our current space is not shared and Thankful Baptist Church leadership is a great support to OCP.
Oakhurst Cooperative Preschool – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
OCP creates a “home away from home” for its families. In today’s mobile and global society, many families with young children lack the extended family support systems that existed during the more agrarian and less mobile culture of the past century. Oakhurst Cooperative Preschool seeks to fulfill the supporting roles once fulfilled by extended family by providing a community where families not only come together to educate their children but to build long-term bonds among families. OCP curriculum and guidance policies are well researched and professionally accepted as developmentally appropriate practices in early childhood education. Our parent education programs guide and teach parents how to act as strong advocates throughout their child’s education. Our green practices and respect for the environment provide a strong foundation for growing socially conscious and responsible young citizens.
OUR MISSION: Oakhurst Cooperative Preschool creates a nurturing community that gives children and their families the opportunity to learn, communicate, play and grow together. In this positive, family-centered educational environment, we strive to develop each child’s curiosity, empathy, confidence, self-discipline, and enthusiasm for learning. By encouraging children to be active and creative explorers of art, music, literature, nature, and the community, we provide a foundation for acquiring the skills children need to succeed both now and in the future. We model sustainable practices through our curriculum, daily operations, and community events.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
OCP follows a strategic plan that is reviewed and revised every five years. The board and staff are evaluated bi-annually. The original class of OCP students is now in high school. Reports from families and teachers are that these young people are responsible, high functioning students who are leaders in their communities.
Contact Info:
- Address: 830 W. College Avenue, Decatur, GA 30030
- Website: http://oakhurstcoop.com/
- Phone: 404-474-7255
- Email: info@oakhurstcoop.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/oakhurstcoop/
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/OakhurstCooperativePreschool
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/oakhurst-cooperative-preschool-atlanta-2
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/OakhurstCooperativePreschool
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