Summary
Contact Info
All Austin Cooperative Nursery
2301 Hancock Dr
Austin
, TX
78756
www.allaustincoop.org
Tel:
(512) 454-5315
Director:
Jennifer Saltman
General Approach to Learning
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Play-based with some structure |
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| Predominantly teacher-led instruction |
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Co-op |
Application Information
| Applications accepted |
Upon birth |
| Deadline for applications |
Rolling |
Key Statistics
| Age cutoff for enrollment |
2 years |
Parent Ratings
| Parents at this school would recommend this school to other parents. |
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| Quality of teaching |
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| Development of social skills and work habits |
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| Home-school connection |
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| Parent community |
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| Discipline |
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| Facilities |
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| Health |
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| Safety |
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| Handling of separation |
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Survey Information
Number of parents surveyed:
6
Savvy Source survey: Yes
General Info
Facilities
| CONDITION OF FACILITIES RATING (4.2) |
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| Building, bathrooms, hallway |
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| Classroom equipment and furniture |
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| Outside play equipment |
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Parents' Comments
Parent #1
Good
Parent #2
Jan. 2009 - (Note: Check out the school website). We looked at preschools all of the city for our daughter, and were so lucky to get off the waiting list at All Austin Co-op. Our daughter has been there for a year and a half, and we couldn't be happier with our experience. The teachers and director are creative, warm, experienced, and absolutely wonderful with the children. Since this is a co-op, my husband and I both spend time in the class, so we know all of the other families and what our daughter's day is like. This school "follows the lead" of the children, and emphasizes that children learn best through play, especially in a stimulating, rich environment. There are NOT formal teaching sessions or a detailed curriculum, but we are thrilled with the experience we have had and highly recommend the school.
Parent #3
The school is not open to differing view-points on children's problems. They will not listen to parental opinion on what you would like or what you think is best for your child.
Parent #4
It's nondenominational but inclusive. The philosophy -- Reggio Emilia -- is play-based and includes a good mix of structure and freedom. It's a great community, full of people I would choose to be friends with if it were not for the school bringing us together. But it does take a lot of time and commitment to being involved.
School Philosophy & Day in the Life
School Philosophy and Mission
We believe that children’s play is a very important way of learning. Class sizes are small and the atmosphere is child-centered. Our dedicated teachers have created an environment that is inviting, secure, and rich in opportunities for the children to express their creativity, to explore new ideas, and to interact with other children.
Teachers introduce project ideas to the classroom, always basing their choice of projects on the children’s interests. The artwork and documentation displayed in the classrooms encourages the children to revisit their learning experiences and keeps parents informed about what our children are learning.
Typical Day-In-The-Life At This School
Director has not yet submitted this information to the Savvy Source
Quality of Teaching
Teachers Are:
| OVERALL RATING: (3.7) |
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| Full of energy and seemingly happy in job |
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| Patient and affectionate with children |
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| Talks with children and listens carefully when they are talking with him/her |
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| Praises children for accomplishments and good behavior |
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| Provides feedback on what my child does during the day |
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| Shares insights on my child that are helpful and accurate |
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| Identifies my child’s strengths and weaknesses |
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| If necessary, provides additional support to my child during pickup and drop-off |
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| Resolves disputes quickly, calmly and fairly in a manner that allows children to learn from the dispute |
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| Notices children who are not on task and/or engaging with other children appropriately and quickly reengages them |
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| Manages the energy level of the children so that all children feel safe and able to learn |
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| Provides additional support to a child when s/he is clearly failing in her/his efforts |
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| Strikes the proper balance between active and quiet play for children |
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Director's Comments on Individualized Teaching
Parents' Comments
Parent #1
The teachers each have their own styles but they are uniformly excellent at what they do. One thing a parent shouldn't underestimate, however, is the time commitment required. There is a helping parent in the classroom each day who brings snack and washes the dishes. You also have a volunteer job, which could be washing linens, grant writing, co-ordinating the silent auction fundraiser or landscaping. There are several events -- a May Festival, grounds work days, etc. -- that you are also expected to help with. This system helps create a strong community and support system, but it could be difficult for families who don't have at least one parent 'at home' or who has a flexible work schedule.
Parent #2
There is only one 'floating' teacher at the school who is supposed to participate in special projects but we only see her rarely. There are very few unique activities. The teachers approach to the children is observation rather than involvement in their play.
Parent #3
Savvy Source does not publish names to protect the privacy of the people working at the schools.
Home School Connection
Home-School Connection
| OVERALL RATING (4.3) |
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| Conducts an open house at start of school year |
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| Conducts a parent-teacher meeting at start of school year |
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| Conducts regular parent teacher conferences |
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| Provides summary of child’s learning at end of year |
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| Provides guidance on developmental goals for the following year |
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| Provides guidance on best Kindergarten and elementary schools |
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Director's and Parents' Comments
Parents' Comments
Parent #1
The school itself doesn't provide tips on kindergartens, for example, but the Yahoo groups, both school- and class-wide, are invaluable resources for referrals and asking questions. My son has flourished at the co-op. For me, teachers strike just the right balance between letting children be themselves and pursue their interests against maintaining order and gentle guidance.
Parent #2
This is a co-op, so parents are expected to volunteer in the classroom as an assistant to the teacher on average about once a month. This is in addition to other jobs at the school expected of you. There is a high level of involvement in the school. Each classroom has a 'room parent' responsible for the classroom families' social activities. The amount of coordinated outside activity is dependant on the 'room parent'
Parent Community
| COHESIVENESS RATING (4.2) |
Parents:
Modes of Communication Between School and Home
Discipline, Health and Safety
Discipline
| OVERALL RATING (4.2) |
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| Parents at this school, on average, believe that conflicts between children:
are handled extraordinarily well in a way that not only gives me confidence in the safety of my child but also reassures me that my child (and his/her peers) are learning the early skills needed to socialize effectively with one another
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Parents' Notes on Discipline, Health and Safety
Parents' Comments
Parent #1
Health is taken seriously, with lots of handwashing encouraged. When children have a conflict, the teacher gets down and talks to both of them, looking for ways to help them work it out. Sometimes children are asked to sit to the side with the teacher until the problem is worked out or the child has calmed down.
Parent #2
Snacks are provided by the helping parent in the classroom. Outside play toys are old, damaged, or difficult to use. Climbing structures are very difficult for young children to use (only offered are a vertical climbing wall and a rope tied to a tree)
Health
| OVERALL RATING (4.6) |
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| Temperature and overall air circulation is comfortable |
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| Healthy and nutritious snacks are provided
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| Toys and furniture are cleaned regularly |
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Safety
| OVERALL RATING (3.7) |
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| Screen and identify all visitors
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| Parents may not bring sick children to school where they may infect others |
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Kindergarten Placement & Tips
Parents' Admission Tips
Advice from Parents to Prospective Parents on Admissions
Parent #1
No. It's just a waiting list.
Parent #2
Put him on the waiting list before he turned a year old.
