Featured School of the Week: Village Preschool of Portland

Since 1955, Village Preschool of Portland has been bringing families together for exceptional and affordable co-operative education with a strong central value: the importance of play! At Village, teachers and parents collaborate in a safe and engaging space where children can explore, create and become their most authentic selves.

Slow start, strong finish!  

Starting preschool is a big step! Children (and parents!) benefit from a thoughtful transition, whether it is their first time at school or their first day back from summer. Village Preschool organizes summer playdates and picnics that families are encouraged to attend so they will see some familiar faces that first day of school. New families also have the option of Head Teacher Jamie visiting them at home; this way children can meet her in a familiar place. Village Preschool always begins the school year with a “slow start” for both the 3-4 year old class (Tuesdays and Thursdays) and the 4-6 year old class (Monday-Wednesday-Friday).

Learn with play!

Every element of Village Preschool is chosen to engage children and support exploration, cooperation, creativity and problem solving. Unit blocks, art and cooking projects, stories, music and daily outdoor time are all important components in the Village learning experience. Every month Teacher Jamie sends home a brief communication to share with parents the colors, shapes, and activities children will be exploring, including the theme for the science and nature table that families are encouraged to add to from their own outdoor adventures!

Grow with respect!

Village is a place where every child is heard and acknowledged and they are accepted for their feelings and ideas without judgment.  As Teacher Jamie says, “Gently and consistently we can let the children understand boundaries and how rules make our classroom a safe, healthy and considerate place.” Teachers and parent helpers communicate with no rewarding, punishing or praising. In this way, children build authentic self-esteem and intrinsic motivation, becoming more confident, independent and respectful members of their community.

Support & Inspire!

Parenting during the preschool years can be a challenge as well as a joy; it’s always nice to have a little extra support! Whether it’s sharing podcast recommendations, baby-sitting swaps or pop-up play-dates, many families love their co-op connections! Family education is an integral part of the Village experience and many alumni comment that even years later they continue to use the philosophy and parent education they learned at Village Preschool!

Village is made up of a diverse group of families that include Oregon natives as well as recent arrivals, stay-at-home parents and full-time professionals. They come together because they are committed to active participation in their child’s education. While there are responsibilities expected of each family, pre-existing talents, time constraints and commitments are always taken into consideration when choosing jobs and scheduling classroom helpers. Attending school activities and participating in occasional meetings not only facilitates home-school communication–they are memories to savor in this special season of parenting! 

Welcome to Village! New families have several opportunities to learn more about Village Preschool of Portland! They can visit the website at villagepreschoolofportland.com or send an email to info@villagepreschoolofportland.com.

Village Preschool also invites interested families to attend the Fall Open House on Saturday, November 2nd from 10 am-12 pm at 4729 SW Taylors Ferry Road in SW Portland.

Village Preschool is a non-profit and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin.