About MOS
What is a Cooperative Preschool?
A parent cooperative preschool offers a unique, hands-on approach to early childhood education, where families actively engage in both the learning environment and the management of the school. The close collaboration between parents, teachers, and children fosters a sense of community and shared responsibility.
Here are some of the core benefits and elements of this model:
- Parental Involvement: Parents help in the classroom, which can lead to stronger relationships between families and teachers. It gives parents an opportunity to witness their child’s learning process firsthand.
- Community Building: Since parents play an integral role, a strong sense of community and mutual support is created among families. This can build lasting friendships and connections that benefit children as they grow.
- Child-Centered Learning: With parents and teachers working closely together, it’s easier to tailor educational activities to the unique needs of each child, allowing for more personalized and flexible learning experiences.
Play
At My Own School School, we believe that every student has the potential to succeed when provided with the right resources, support, and guidance. Our philosophy is rooted in the belief that education is a lifelong journey that should foster a love of learning and a desire to make a positive impact on the world.
Play is a set of behaviors that are freely chosen, personally directed, and intrinsically motivated.
"If we are to reach real peace in this world ... we shall have to begin with the children" -Ghandi
Philosophy
My Own School is a non-profit developmental play-based preschool. Our primary philosophy is children at preschool age learn best through play. We strive to create a safe and non-threatening environment that allows each child to grow in confidence, self-expression, self-discipline, trust, and individuality.
The teacher-director and working parents collaborate to provide a diverse range of learning experiences and creative opportunities that enhance the child’s ability to play, think, listen, create, wonder, imagine, communicate and more.
History of MOS
The idea of opening a non-profit cooperative pre-school in San Andreas originated in the summer of 1978. Our first president was Lynn Cornett.
Lynn, along with a small group of concerned parents began to make plans to open the school in September of 1978.
Our first director Pat Green, was also instrumental in formulating our philosophy and program.
The Community responded to the request for help with various donated materials, and Calaveras Unified School District (CUSD) was especially helpful in letting us lease their unused kindergarten building to house our school.
In August 1999, the membership was faced with the fact that our beloved building was in the way of progress. San Andreas Elementary Schools new multi-purpose room project was starting, which now exists on My Own Schools former Nielsen Road site. CUSD had plans to demolish our building and said we could do what we wanted with it. The Board of Directors researches the options and decided to move the building. CUSD also offered us use of property on Gold Strike Road.
Once again the community rallied and donated time and labor as well as many services and materials. The membership worked above and beyond their obligations. We raised over $10,000 dollars that year through fund raising and donations. In February 2000 the little red schoolhouse moved down the road to its new home.