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Waterloo Co-operative Preschool

Waterloo Cooperative Preschool (WCP) is a non-profit co-operative preschool run for the children by the parents. Our RECEs deliver high quality programming and services based on Ontario's pedagogy for the Early Years. WCP believes that all "children are competent, capable of complex thinking, curious, and rich in potential". We provide an inclusive environment that welcomes everybody and allows our children to build on their strengths and abilities. WCP is a place to grow!

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Our Programs

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Toddler

Our two-day toddler program is an ideal introduction to preschool for children 18 to 30 months. Toilet training is not required.

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Preschool

We offer a three morning or two afternoon preschool class. Great for children ages 30 months and up. Toilet training is not required.

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KinderPrep

KinderPrep is designed for three to five year olds. This class can be combined with our other preschool classes or act as an alternative to junior kindergarten.

Are you interested in becoming more involved in the preschool? Click here to view the Board of Directors Role Summaries!

What’s New

Registration

Are you interested in enrolling? Head over to our Registration Page or Contact us for more information!

Space is secured on a first-come, first-served basis. A non-refundable $23.63 registration fee, along with last month’s tuition, is required to hold your child’s spot and must be submitted along with the completed pre-registration form. E-Transfer wcp.etransfer@gmail.com

Registration continues throughout the school year and is facilitated through the OneList Waterloo Region.

Be sure to read through our Parent Handbook for a more in-depth look at WCP!

Canada-Wide Early Learning and Childcare Plan

According to the provincial government, Ontario families with children five years old and younger in participating licensed child care centres will see their fees reduced, up to 25 per cent, to a minimum of $12 per day once a child care operator enrolls in the program.

In December 2022, parents will see another reduction. In total, fees for families will be reduced, on average, by 50 per cent by the end of this year.

In September 2024, families will see further fee reductions, culminating in a final reduction to an average of $10-a-day child care by September 2025.

However, we are told Waterloo Region will average closer to the $12 per day mark.

DISCLAIMER: Our application to the Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care System has now been approved and we are now offering reduced child care fees. Waterloo Co-Operative Preschool is funded in part by Waterloo Region

Upcoming holidays and important dates

Monthly Board Meetings:

Tuesday, February 20 at 6:30pm

Tuesday, March 19 at 6:30pm

Tuesday, April 16 at 6:30pm

Tuesday, May 21 at 6:30pm (this is the AGM and is mandatory to all staff & members)

Tuesday, June 11 at 6:30pm

Land Acknowledgement

We acknowledge that our preschool is situated on the land that is the traditional home of the Chonnonton, Haudenoraunee and Anishinaabe peoples. We extend our respect to all first nations, metis and inuit peoples for their past and present contributions to this land. We also recognize their enduring presence and deep traditional knowledge and philosophies with whom we share this land today.

We encourage our community to continue their reconciliation journey along with us by visiting the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR).
To find out more information about the land that you’re on, visit Native-Land and Whose Land.

Reason for Absence Form

Parents are to inform the Preschool prior to the start of class of any absences using our absence reporting form. The Supervisor will follow up by email as soon as possible or by the end of the child's class time if a report was not received to confirm the reason for absence. If there is no response from the primary contact, the next guardian or emergency contact is contacted until contact has been made. Read the policy here.

Do you need help navigating the childcare system?

Early Learning and Childcare Navigator roles are funded by the Region of Waterloo Community Services, and these positions have been developed in response to our greater community’s need to improve equitable access within Early Learning and Child Care services for Black, Indigenous, 2SLGBTQIA+, and other equity seeking populations. Early Learning and Child Care Navigators can support families with children under age 6.

They can meet your family in person (in your neighborhood or at a community site), over the phone or online.

Languages ELCC Navigators can support families in include: English, Polish, Ukranian, Serbian, French, ASL/CSL, Urdu and Hindi.

If you would like help navigating your childcare enrollment, please click here: Meet with an Early Learning & Child Care Navigator Request 

If you would like to find out if you qualify for subsidy assistance, please click here: Child Care Subsidy Calculator and Application

What Parents Say About Us

“Awesome preschool in the heart of Waterloo. The teachers and staff are awesome; and go above and beyond to mentor the little tykes. Right from welcoming the kids into school each day, to taking care of their individual needs; from teaching them the various social skills and manners to providing timely and correct updates and guidance to parents; the teachers and staff at Waterloo Co-Operative Preschool did more for my son than I expected. A perfect place for Kindergarten Prep.”
— Mayank S.
“If you’re looking for a warm, nurturing, learning environment for your little one, you can stop your search right now. Don’t walk, RUN to sign them up at Waterloo Co-Op! The teachers are very caring and really help the children grow and develop while focusing on the individual needs of each child. I have noticed a huge improvement in my toddler’s development (speech, fine motor, gross motor) since beginning at this preschool. The playground outside is fantastic and has a little roadway and bridge for the children to pedal tricycles around, plenty of shade, sensory experiences, and various features to develop gross motor skills (logs, tunnel, slide, etc). Healthy snacks and water were provided. My toddler always had a fantastic time playing and learning with friends and the teachers. Don’t let the Co-Op aspect put you off - it’s been the best part of my time at the preschool. Thank you WCP!”
— Tori W.
“My son attended the KinderPrep/Preschool, and he had a wonderful year at Waterloo Cooperative Preschool. The teachers were friendly, caring and very supportive. My son’s favourite part of the preschool was the outdoor play area & he also made friends at WCP. I can honestly say that the KinderPrep program really helped make my son’s transition to Kindergarten very easy!”
— Sofia K.
“Our son attended the preschool program at Waterloo Co-operative as a three year old and had an excellent experience there. As an introverted child who gets anxious in new social settings and around large groups of children, we thought it would be better to give him another year to mature before introducing him to a classroom with 20+ kids. We are so glad we made the decision to keep him at Waterloo Co-operative Preschool for another year in the preparing for Kindergarten program.”
— Seth's mom
“My daughter was already comfortable with Waterloo Co-operative Preschool because her older brother went there, but the first day when I took her to class, she could barely believe that it was finally her turn. I enjoy seeing her have so much fun in the classroom and seeing her little personality develop. The preschool is a truly special place. ”
— Sarah's mom
“Even before he was enrolled, our son Carter couldn’t wait to get in the door of the preschool. He saw how much fun his big sister was having there and just wanted to be a part of it. We decided to enrol him in the toddler program and he has loved every minute of it. He wakes up every day of the week and asks if it’s his “preschool day.” The only problem is having to see his pouting face on the days where it is not! Carter’s eagerness and enthusiasm is the best and most important indication of what a fantastic program this preschool has.”
— Carter's mom

Gallery

Take a look at what we do

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