PCN
Making preschool education a family experience since 1963
Now accepting applications for 2012-13 school year!
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Our School
Plans for a co-operative nursery in Petoskey began in the middle of September 1963, when about twenty mothers gathered in the basement of the Presbyterian Church with an idea and very little more besides boundless enthusiasm. After many, many more meetings and lots of hard work, we held our first class on November 10, 1963. We first rented classrooms in the Emmanuel Episcopal Church then moved to Petoskey United Methodist Church in the fall of 2000. We are licensed by the State of Michigan Department of Human Services.

COOPERATIVES PROVIDE DEVELOPMENTAL EXPERIENCES FOR ADULTS AS WELL AS CHILDREN. SPECIFICALLY, PARENTS

  • OBTAIN GUIDANCE IN THEIR JOBS AS PARENTS
  • LEARN WHAT CHILDREN ARE LIKE AT DIFFERENT AGES AND STAGES
  • GAIN SEVERAL FREE MORNINGS EACH MONTH
  • BECOME FAMILIAR WITH CREATIVE ACTIVITIES, MATERIALS, AND EQUIPMENT
  • GAIN A MORE OBJECTIVE PICTURE OF THEIR CHILD’S DEVELOPMENT

DUE TO ALL OF THESE EXPERIENCES, MANY PARENTS HAVE REPORTED FEELING A GREATER SENSE OF SELF-SATISFACTION IN THEIR PARENTING ROLES.

Member Requirements

Members 2010

Everyone's contributions at PCN count. This is an organization where the functioning of the whole depends on the functioning of each part.

As a member of PCN, parents are required to work in the classroom two times per month. You choose what days you are available to work. In addition to working in the classroom members are also required to hold a school job for the year such as librarian, safety coordinator, recycling, etc. or volunteer to serve on the Board Of Trustees. Sign up for classroom jobs takes place in the fall before school starts.

There are also two mandatory general membership meetings held in the fall and spring that must be attended by at least one parent.

*2 working days per month may be waived for an additional $50 per month in tuition
Testimonials

Being part of a cooperative preschool has turned out to be such a gift for my husband and myself. Petoskey Children's Nursery provides a strong bridge between home and school and solidifies a positive experience for our sons. I so enjoy our drives home from school each day this year and the conversations we have. Since I am truly a part of their learning community our discussions move beyond, "How was your day?" and the constant "Fine".  It is easy for me to ask specific questions about their classmates, working parents and classroom learning because I am part of their learning community as well. One of my favorite moments together came this spring. Both boys had this inner calmness as I picked them up. They hummed all the way home to themselves; swinging their legs and looking out the window in a state of inner bliss. For me, this said it all. PCN and Mrs. Beck nurture a child's mind and body by providing a safe, loving environment with a focus on developmentally appropriate learning, healthy snacks and a strong sense of community.

I chose PCN because it was an opportunity to grow alongside my children.  Being in a Co-op allowed me to be an involved partner in all 3 of my children's first school experience.  It was a chance to meet other parents with similar values and concerns for their children's' development.  I've become a better parent by interacting in the PCN program.

When we were considering options for preschool, both of us were concerned about what our children would be exposed to and how well they would be prepared for kindergarten. The most appealing part of PCN was its Co-Op curriculum that allows parents to participate in their child’s experience, getting to know the instructor and other parents, and witnessing how they learn and develop. PCN was absolutely the right choice for our family; it is amazing to watch your child blossom right before your eyes. Our kids were excited about going to school to see their teacher and their friends every day – Thank you PCN!