EAST ITHACA PRESCHOOL
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Mission Statement
Our Philosophy EIP was established with the belief that it is crucial for young children to begin their educational lives by developing their social skills as well as participating in gently structured group activities and free play. In a multiage, supportive and fun environment, they learn to respect differences, listen and express themselves, and collaborate and form community under the guidance of an experienced teacher aided by member parents. Our Objectives To provide an environment that encourages and stimulates children to explore, imagine, create, communicate, and cooperate; To organize a stimulating program under the expert direction of our professional teacher, and drawing on the unique skills and resources of our members and community; To foster each child’s unique abilities, self-confidence, and social skills.
About This Cause
East Ithaca Preschool (EIP) is a non-profit, cooperative preschool, founded in 1924 through the cooperation of the American Association of University Women and parents in the Belle Sherman neighborhood (then known as the Bryant Tract), with the influence and assistance of Cornell’s Department of Home Economics (now Human Ecology). Originally called “The Ithaca Cooperative Play School” and held in the home of a member family, it was one of the first parent organized and operated co-op nursery schools in the country. Though we have changed our name and location several times, our original organization, philosophy, and objectives remain much the same. Our home is in the Bethel Grove Community Center, a building founded in 1938, with much history of its own. We have rented there from 1958-1968, and from 1977 to the present day. What Is A Cooperative (courtesy of the Parent Cooperative Preschools International (PCPI) A parent cooperative preschool is organized by a group of families with similar philosophies who hire a trained teacher to provide their children with a quality preschool experience. The preschool is administered and maintained by the parents on a non-profit, non-sectarian basis. The parents assist the professional teachers in the classroom on a rotating basis and participate in the educational program of all the children. Each family shares in the business operation of the school, thus making it truly a cooperative venture. Parents, preschool children and their teachers all go to school together and learn together. For Parents Parents gain insight into child behavior by observing other children. They observe how other parents and the professional teachers handle various situations and gain greater understanding and enjoyment of their own children through active participation in their education. They have the opportunity to share their experiences and expertise with others while working together in a cooperative setting. Through serving on the Board, parents learn about administration, running meetings and other skills useful to them in other areas and states of their lives. They also learn useful ideas for helping their children at home and in the world around them. For Children Children participate in a supervised play and learning experience with children of their own age. Equipment, materials and physical facilities are scaled to child size. An opportunity is provided to interact with adults other than their own parents. The children are able to find security and a feeling of belonging in a world which is non-threatening and interested in them. Learning to respect and accept the rights and differences of others is emphasized. Children have hands-on experiences in creative arts, music, science, literature, and language geared to their needs and developmental level. For the Community Parents and children develop an extended family with friendships they carry through their lives. Parents gain a strong sense of responsibility and develop positive self worth which carries over into every aspect of community life. The cooperative organization provides preschool experiences within the financial means of most families.