What is A Co-op?
A co-op nursery school is organized and administered by the parents and guardians of the children attending the school.
Parents/guardians (or members) serve on the Executive Board, attend co-op general meetings, perform all necessary jobs to run the school, fundraise, run events and assist in the classroom. This offers members the chance to be involved in their child’s early education and have a voice in the daily operation of the school.
The co-operative approach also means that tuition and fees can be kept low.
A co-operative offers families a chance to meet like-minded people; people who acknowledge the importance of quality early childhood education, and who want to be a part of it.
Clarkson Co-op is non-political and non-sectarian. We strive to be an inclusive school for all in our community. Our curriculum reflects our open and diverse membership.
Clarkson Co-op is not affiliated with Christ First United Church, though they are our landlord and community partner.
Our school works well simply because everyone works together to ensure that the exceptional quality of the school is maintained.
Learn about our Corporate Structure.
Our History
Clarkson Co-op began in 1962 when a group of mothers in the community had a desire to create and be involved in an educational program that would give their children a chance to grow academically and socially with their peers at an early age.
50 years
Serving the community
A staple in the community for over 50 years, Clarkson Co-op enriches the lives of children aged 30-months through 6-years of age.
1962
year of inception
We’ve been right here in this location since the 60s and it’s our unique, co-operative approach that allows generations of families to build lifelong relationships here.
1400+
children enrolled
With parent involvement, small class sizes and experienced RECE staff, we believe that we have found the perfect balance to fostering discovery in early education.
Our Values
Collaboration: Our success comes from strong relationships with our member families, teachers and partners in our greater community.
Resilience: Our school has been sustainable for almost 60 years because we have successfully adapted to changes in the community.
Accountability: We strive to be transparent and open with member families and to ensure long term success of the school by providing quality, affordable programming.
Creativity: We encourage an inspirational atmosphere for children to acquire social, emotional, physical and intellectual knowledge through multiple means of expression.
“
Amazing all around
An amazing school! From Preschool to Kindergarten we have been thrilled to be part of this wonderful community. The teachers are amazing!
— Past parent member
Affiliations
Raising the Bar
Clarkson Co-op is a member of Raising the Bar. This initiative engages programs and educators in ongoing reflection and critical thinking to enhance quality in their environments through positive relationships. It provides a platform to increase a program's capacity to enrich their practices. Raising the Bar is endorsed and financially supported by the Region of Peel and Child Development Resource Connection Peel.
To learn more about Raising the Bar click here.
Childcare Fee Subsidy Program
The Region of Peel's Child Care Fee Subsidy Program provides financial assistance to help families with their child care costs for children up to 12 years of age in licensed child care programs.
For more information on this program, please click here.