Parent child co-ops

For caregivers and children in the greater Boston area.

Using a community-based approach, co-ops are hosted by local families and include a consistent group of up to six children within a similar age range. The overall philosophy includes a positive and responsive approach to children’s behaviors focusing on the strengths of each child, supporting self reliant independence, and adult self reflection.

In these ongoing challenging times, when adults are reevaluating their priorities, Marcia can help you create a home-based childcare approach that feels safe, creates community and supports a sustainable parenting practice.

“Bring out the best in you. Bring out the best in your child.”

The cohort is formed collaboratively between the host family and the facilitator who provides the initial orientation and training followed by ongoing support.

What to expect

• Parents will work in community to support children in meaningful, effective and loving ways, deepen their understanding of child development, and explore long term sustainable parenting practices to apply during co-op and at home.

• The co-op’s activities include: outdoor play, open exploration and guided activities, which support the children’s interest in their world, (from all types of animal life to construction vehicles, from the natural world to counting), including art, cooking. Other activities include, creative movement, effective routines, group snack, (and lunch depending upon the co-op hours), and more!

• Facilitated co-ops can be designed to meet individual cohort needs and interests.

• Children attend each day. “Teacher-parent” schedules are based on the ages of the children and the number of days care is offered.

Facilitation

Understanding the Nature of Childhood’s facilitator, Marcia S. Hubelbank, will support the initial organization of the cohort, provide parent orientation sessions, support the host in designing and adapting the physical environments (indoors and out), help to create the schedule, establish adult roles and responsibilities, and the day-to-day routines, as well as determine the types of activities suitable for each cohort of children.

On-site for a determined time, (to be decided per group) Marcia will role model productive ways to guide and respond to the children’s behavior, share her insights and observations about each child, review routines, support parenting practices, and address questions as they arise.

In subsequent weeks, she will provide ongoing support, as needed, facilitate monthly parent discussions (via conference call), on topics of interest related to both co-op and home, as well as provide ongoing training.

Levels of support:

Tier 1- Co-op model overview only

Tier 2- Co-op model overview, plus co-op environment set up support

Tier 3- Co-op model overview, plus co-op environment set up support, and ongoing consultation

Cost is dependent upon the level of support you choose

Please use the co-op inquiries button to describe your interest level.

BONUS: “Montessori at Home” - for families who participate in Tier 3, are eligible to receive a free 1.5 hour home, or virtual, visit to support efforts at home.