Our Philosophy - Inglemoor Cooperative Preschool

Our Philosophy

Our purpose is to educate children and adults, to form a community of families wherein friendship and support develop, and to contribute to our greater community. We strive to encourage each person involved in family life to think through and develop a personal, comfortable, meaningful philosophy regarding family relationships.

We believe in establishing a developmentally appropriate environment with hands-on activities based on the learning levels of the children. These activities are chosen to stimulate social, emotional, cognitive, physical and aesthetic growth in our children as they learn through play.

We believe play is the work of children, and make learning fun and open to discovery and manipulation. We foster an encouraging and supportive environment where both children and adults have the freedom to grow and learn together.

Our Teaching Staff

Our Director and teacher of 3/4, Pre-3 and Toddler classes is Gina Goldstein. She has 15 years of experience in early childhood education ranging in age from 2-5 years old.  She has a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work from the University of Washington.  Gina is truly local, being born and raised in the Pacific Northwest. She believes that children should be allowed to develop at their own pace.

Our Pre-K class teacher is Caroline Chastain. She has a BA degree from Washington State University, a teaching degree from Western Washington University, and a Master's degree in Educational Administration from Seattle University.  She has 6 years experience teaching 4th, 6th, 7th, and 8th grades. Caroline has experienced co-op preschool as an involved parent right here at ICP.

Our Curriculum

  • Children grow in confidence through creative play in individual and group activities.
  • Music, art and literature are part of every preschool day.
  • Children are allowed to develop at their own pace socially, intellectually, emotionally and physically.
  • Adult-guided group activities alternate with child-directed free time.
  • The educational themes of our curriculum evolve based on children's interests and are reinforced by a variety of stimulating projects.
  • All classes have an outdoor playtime.
  • All classes participate in excursions where the children are allowed to explore and experience new places outside the preschool classroom.

Our Classroom is a place where:

  • your child is safe
  • your child is respected
  • your child is accepted for whom he or she is
  • your child will learn
  • your child is special
  • your child is loved

Our school will . . .

  • respect your child.
  • celebrate your child's uniqueness.
  • encourage your child.
  • accept your child.
  • help your child learn.
  • give your child choices.
  • follow your child's lead.
  • guide your child to solve his/her own problems.
  • love your child.