Where children & parents
learn & grow together
The Cooperative Experience
Cooperative education goes beyond academics. We provide a sense of community and purpose that fosters friendships, personal growth as individuals, and a sense of belonging - for children and families!
In a co-op, families and teachers work together to share the responsibilities of the school's operations. Families participate on rotating schedules to maintain, and continuously improve the school and its programs.
Guiding and teaching parents and children
the joy of self-discovery, experimentation, and the power of learning, since 1975.
Children gain independence and confidence as they build friendships with peers and trusted adults at school. Low student-to-adult ratios (5:1) ensure a positive learning environment, and help children develop their ability to relate to people of all ages and backgrounds.
Parents have a unique opportunity to learn about preschooler development, and gain skills for guiding young children. Our members often share that they learn as much, if not more, than the children. Learning at school can be continued and reinforced at home for a comprehensive, cohesive approach.
By participating at preschool parents have a deep understanding of what happens during class, and can share in the joy of shared knowledge and references with their children.
Perks of a Co-Op Preschool:
Inclusion and kindness are modeled in our school community, where everyone participates and supports.
Observe the small joys of preschoolers as young friendships are built and children take wing.
Parenting education opportunities in the classroom, via parent ed, and within the community.
Share the excitement of childrens discoveries: Your own child's, and those of all the children in class!
We Are
EXPLORERS
Exceptional hands-on exploratory curriculum to develop high level
thinking skills and caring, compassionate learners.
Our integrated STEAMS (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math and Social Skills)
education is rooted in
Thematic webbing provides inspiration for our daily activities, engaging students to explore central ideas in diverse ways.
Our curriculum is presented using highly-interactive, developmentally appropriate methods that stimulate minds and capture childrens natural curiosity.
critical thinking
collaboration
curiosity
communication
adaptability
questioning
"They have mastered the formula for "first school experience" - instilling a love of learning"
- Sarah S. (alumni parent)
Director Jackie
Jackie Schofield
Jackie holds a 2017 Master of Arts Degree in Early Childhood Education, capping 20 years of teaching and leadership experience with the latest information in research and best practices for effective and appropriate preschool education.
Jackie’s skills and qualifications are recognized by a Teacher/Director award from California Council of Parent Participation Nursery Schools. She is a Certified Music Together Teacher and published author–hoping to write more!
Director Jackie establishes trust and caring with every child from their first interaction.
Teacher Jackie’s positivity and patience infuses every part of our school, embodying the mission of LPPP as a place of learning and growth for both students and parents.
Teacher Barbara
Barbara Crowley
“Teacher Barbara” brings advanced concepts to the understanding of 3 - 5 year olds.
An undergraduate degree from the science-oriented Revelle school at UCSD, fueled the idea that real world knowledge feeds the natural curiosity of preschoolers.
As the Director of LPPP for 20 years, she led our school through four site relocations, growing LPPP to become the largest co-op in Orange County and now serves as as LPPP Curriculum Coordinator.
Barbara holds a PK-12 California Teaching Credential, with emphasis on Language Acquisition, and is recognized by the California Council of Parent Participation Preschools for a lifetime of leadership and inspiration.
Teacher Barbara enchants children with her enthusiastic warmth and vibrant ideas.
Barbara brings 24 years of creative, compassionate, and community-building classroom co-op experience.
Teacher Chrissy
Chrissy Thompson
Teacher Chrissy began working with preschoolers at the Child Development Center while completing a Degree in Human Development at Long Beach State University, as well as while coaching youth gymnastics and dance.
Chrissy is a lifelong learner who is completing her Early Childhood Master Teacher requirements, and deeply understands the philosophy of guiding children along on their own path of learning.
Chrissy has always been an adventurer and loves traveling to new places near and far.
Teacher Chrissy is inspired by the approach of supporting young children in a play based environment.
She is passionate about reading and loves children’s books like “If I Built a House” by Chris Van Dusen, which inspires creativity and thinking big!
Teacher Debra
Why We're Great >
Children learn through their relationships; their friendships with other children, with their families, their teachers and also their environment. Through these, all learning can happen and deep connections are made that last a lifetime.
As a preschool teacher for 20 years, Teacher Debra has worked with children from Infancy to Kindergarten. She has a Master Teacher Certificate, Site Supervisor Certificate, Preschool Teacher Certificate, Infant Toddler Certificate and her School-age Teacher Certificate, an AS in early childhood education and 70 ECE units in the areas of Curriculum and Special Education.
All three of her amazing children are LPPP alumni. Her heart and soul are her family; they live in Mission Viejo with their two dogs Moose and Lola and their ever growing collection of reptiles.
Teacher Debra's love of teaching shines in her relationships with children.
Her passion and training in relationship-driven emergent curriculum drive her focus, on being responsive to children's interests and creating meaningful learning experiences.
"Every time I volunteer in the classroom I feel I have more confidence as a parent."
- Katie H. (Parent)
Education, Beyond Learning
Our play-based, developmental program applies a child-centered philosophy using a thematic approach and STEAMS curriculum to facilitate learning in all areas of a child's development.
Our learning environment supports lifelong social and emotional skills, such as problem solving, how to communicate needs, and the belief that children can “do hard things.”
Children explore their individual school experience, one that engages and builds upon the child’s current knowledge, through our carefully planned educational program.
Emotional
Physical
Cognitive
Imaginative
Creative
Social
"I can do hard things."
- LPPP Children
Growth, All Around
Through a developmental play-based program for the whole child, we seek to enrich and empower, as each child joyfully develops.
Our Vision
We believe in the power of community, of parents, and of the unlimited potential of every child and family.
We create a nurturing and supportive community of children, parents, and highly skilled staff because of our belief that together we can enhance the very foundation of a child’s life.
"The curriculum is rich and stimulating, allowing students
to engage in high-level thinking skills."
- Shelby T. (alumni parent)
Healthy Children, Happy Minds
We go the extra mile to create and maintain a healthy school and campus, for example:
Varied & Nutritious
HEALTHY SNACKS
Curious tastebuds are developed during a healthy snack time, where new foods are celebrated. Veggie, fruit, and protein served each class day.
Bleach-Free Routine Cleaning
SAFER CLEANING
Our multi-step cleaning routines sanitize without toxic chemicals and bleach, to protect our children's developing bodies.
For Joyfully Barefooted Days
PESTICIDE-FREE
Our campus is pesticide-free, to ensure an environment healthy for our children, the animals, the plants and soil.
Positive Habits for a Lifetime
SUSTAINABLE
Children learn to conserve, reuse, compost, and to become respectful global citizens. Habits for a lifetime of sustainability are introduced.
"Play is really the work of childhood" - Fred Rodgers