Kirkland Co-op Preschool
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Kindergarten Teacher Panel

12/7/2020

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Answering your questions about kindergarten. 
Tuesday, January 12, 2021  |  7:00pm  |  Zoom
Four current kindergarten teachers will discuss topics and answer questions regarding:
  • What is needed to register?
    How will registration be different this year?

  • How does remote kindergarten differ from in-person learning?
  • What are the most important skills expected from children? (Social, letters/numbers and fine/gross motor.)
  • Does every school have before school assessments?
  • Is there a gifted program for kindergarten?
  • Thoughts on early entry or delayed entry
    for summer birthdays. 

  • How do families connect to ELL services?
  • How are volunteers used?
JOIN US ON ZOOM.  Contact your preschool teacher for the zoom meeting link.
Hosted By: Kirkland Co-Op Preschool | kirklandcoop.com
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4 Week Pause on In-Person Learning Beginning November 16

11/16/2020

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Dear KCP Families,

n light of the recent address by Governor Inslee, KCP Teachers and Board have decided to replace all in-person meetings with virtual activities for the next four weeks. We understand that Governor Inslee did not restrict preschools and private schools from operating. KCP chose this course of action based on record setting COVID numbers, sensitive exposure issues with some of our staff members, and the Governor's restrictions on social interactions/gatherings.

The KCP Board would like to remind families that the frequency that classes meet in person outdoors, largely rests within the comfort level of the teachers. Amy, Doreen, and Kym are deeply committed to KCP as they have been for years. It is with great respect that we continue to check in with them regarding their comfort levels.

In the coming days, you will hear from your Group teacher regarding additional virtual learning opportunities. In the coming weeks, you will hear from the KCP Board and Teachers regarding when and how we will resume in-person outdoor meetings again.

Thank you for sharing in this journey with us. We understand the challenges we are all facing. We believe we will get through this together.

​Sincerely,


The KCP Board & Teachers
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Enrollment Is Open: Hybrid Learning

8/23/2020

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Please share the graphics and text below. Thank you!
ENROLLMENT is OPEN at Kirkland Co-op Preschool. A few spaces remain available for the 2020-2021 school year featuring a hybrid learning model.

KCP offers three classes serving children from 2.5 to 5 years old. Virtual activities will include science experiments, cooking lessons, group art lessons, circle time and more. Outdoor activities such as hiking, circle time and playground time are optional.

If you are looking for parenting support, KCP is the place to find it! Parent education topics include potty training, kindergarten readiness, anxiety in children and talking to your child about racism and sexuality.

​Register at kirklandcoop.com/registration or email kcpregistrar@gmail.com. First day of class is September 14, 2020.
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Booklist: Mask Wearing & Social Distancing

8/4/2020

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Mask Wearing:  
Lucy's Mask by Lisa Sirkis Thompson
Masked Ninji by Mary Nihn
Smiling from Ear to Ear: Wearing Masks While Having Fun by Kaitlyn Chu
Why is Everyone Wearing a Mask (Bilingual/Spanish) by Debbie Qui
Mummy Wears a Mask by Laurie Theurer

Social Distancing:
A Little Spot Stays Home:  A Story about Viruses and Safe Distancing by Diane Alber
Billie and the Brilliant Bubble:  Social Distancing for Children by Tara Travieso
What is Social Distancing:  A Children's Guide and Activity Book by Lindsey Coker Luckey
If You Can't Bear Hug, Air Hug:  A book Inspired by Social Distancing by Katie Sedmak
The Social Distance King: Introducing Queens and Kings to Social Distancing by Eric Desio
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KCP's Discussion Regarding 2020-2021 Program Changes

7/22/2020

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August 19, 2020
Before the first day of school KCP is required to plan for multiple health scenarios, implement several prevention procedures in regards to COVID-19 and fill out detailed forms. Below is an abbreviated list of the topics and tasks that the Back to School Committee and KCP Board have been working on and will have completed prior to the start of school. 
  • Face masks required for all adults and children ages 5 and over; recommended for children ages 2 and over.
  • Physical distancing measures put in place during outdoor learning time.
  • Health entry screening, temperature check, and screen questionnaire.
  • Signs posted regarding physical distancing, masks, and hand washing.
  • Increased communication regards KCP's sick policy (when to stay home).
  • Include hand washing and hand sanitizing stations outdoors
  • Separate bins of supplies for each child.
  • Increased cleaning with soap and water and disinfectant (high touch areas, bikes, playground equipment).
  • Daily logs of attendance.
  • Illness log to record any symptoms that arise during class.
  • Process to report and communicate any COVID-19 exposure (response/recovery/re-entry plan).


July 28, 2020

Dear Parents,

As many of you know, school districts in our area are opting to begin the 2020-2021 school year with a fully online model. KCP follows the Lake Washington School District decisions to make preschool participation possible for those KCP families that have siblings in the school district. Thus we will begin with a mostly online model. We have heard the voices of our KCP families through our recent survey, where about 65% of responders asked for some type of an in-person option where safety protocols take place. 
​
KCP’s Back to School Committee met July 27 to go over the findings of the parent survey and consider health guidelines in order to come up with a plan that meets several needs and also offers the flexibility to either increase or decrease the in-person meeting times in the future as needed.

At this time, KCP is considering offering a mostly online learning model that includes optional outdoor activities. Currently, teachers are in the process of determining what the Group routines will entail. They are working hard to hear your voice regarding online learning and to bring value added activities that meet the needs of your preschooler.

Some of the online activities you can look forward to are:
  • cooking lessons (applesauce, for example)
  • yoga and movement class 
  • circle time
  • small group meetings, such as one-on-one/two with the teacher
  • bedtime story time
  • show and tell
  • group art lessons
  • science experiments
  • puppet show

Some of the (optional) outdoor activities may be:
  • local hike
  • outdoor circle time at KCP
  • park meet up for organized movement activities

Supplemental items include:
  • art cart deliveries/pick-ups
  • opportunities to connect and receive support from fellow parents through online social gatherings
  • parent education two ways- online meetings hosted by sister co-op schools and online meetings with your Group Teacher. Some of the planned topics are: 
    • talking to children about racism
    • anxiety in children
    • potty training
    • kindergarten readiness
    • talking about sex and sexuality with your children
    • nutrition do’s and don’ts 
    • Kindering: talking about speech and language
    • limit setting and discipline
    • screen time and other media usage

KCP’s Back to School Committee will meet again on August 3 to determine the details of each Group’s meeting routine (online and in person outdoors) and the health protocols that must be followed by those that choose to participate in the in-person meetings. 
Thank you for your patience as we navigate through this time.

Sincerely,

KCP Board and Teachers

MEETINGS
The Back to School Planning Committee will be meeting Monday, August 3 at 7:00pm via Zoom. In the days following the meeting, we will send out an update via email. 
KCP Board members and teachers will meet Wednesday, August 19th via Zoom to discuss and finalize (as much as possible) the Back to School plan. 
We will keep you updated along the way. Please reach out to your Group Teacher or Parent Leader should you have questions. We value your feedback. 

July 23, 2020

THANK YOU
Many of you took the time to share your thoughts with KCP Teachers and Board through our survey. Thank you very much! This helps us come up with a plan to best serve preschool families while holding in high regard the health safety standards issued at this time. The survey is still open for those that have not already submitted a response. See it here. 

BACK TO SCHOOL PLANNING COMMITTEE
Since our last 2020-2021 Program Changes email sent out on July 13, KCP has formed a Back to School Planning Committee and set a meeting schedule. The committee members include Amy Williams (GIII Teacher), Doreen Fisher (GII Teacher), Kymberly Meade (GI Teacher), Sherry Torpy (President), TR Andrew (Treasurer and GI Parent), Jessica Lake (Publicity and GII Parent) and Caitlin Kristensen (Fundraiser and GIII Parent).
The purpose of this committee is to review health and safety standards and study the parent feedback you provided to help us best implement the KCP curriculum we know and love. Everyone's safety is our top priority.  

Today, we would like to share with you the information sources we are using to come up with this plan. 
  • Organization for Parenting Education Programs (OPEP) Fall Guidelines
  • WA State Department of Health Fall Guidance (K-12)
  • WA State Department of Health Childcare Checklist
  • CDC Guidelines
  • Consultation with Dr. Nick Moy, a physician at Virginia Mason Medical Center and parent of a KCP preschooler 
  • Consultation with fellow teachers to learn successful social distancing learning models
As we move forward in developing a plan, we want to assure you that everyone's safety is our top priority. KCP has had a routine cleaning plan in place for many years. We plan to build on that as well as add new health safety protocols. Teacher's have already begun to take action by adjusting curriculum, purchasing an outdoor covering, preparing individual art supplies for each student and purchasing lap desks. These examples are just some of the changes you will see in the fall. 

MEETINGS
The Back to School Planning Committee will be meeting Monday, July 27 at 7:00pm via Zoom. In the days following the meeting, we will send out an update via email. 

KCP Board members and teachers will meet Wednesday, August 19th via Zoom to discuss and finalize (as much as possible) the Back to School plan. 

​We will keep you updated along the way. Please reach out to your Group Teacher or Parent Leader should you have questions. We value your feedback. 

July 13, 2020

Dear KCP Families, 

​As we approach the beginning of our 2020-2021 school year, KCP teachers and board members are very aware that you may have questions about what our program will look like when class begins mid-September. We are thankful that the next two summer months give us time to prepare for the adjustments we will need to make. As you know, a lot can happen in two months, so we remain flexible to adjust as needed.

In the next week, KCP teachers will be meeting with fellow preschool teachers associated with LWTech to discuss how to offer the best educational setting while upholding high health and safety standards. Secondly, KCP teachers have arranged for a training session with a teacher from the Tiny Treks program (outdoor based learning). We are committed to following safety protocols in addition to the cleaning regimens already in place. Currently, a hybrid model for the fall is being considered. We recognize that circumstances can change, thus we will reevaluate throughout the school year.

KCP is also following the guidance of LWTech, as our school is connected to the college through the parent education program. This connection offers us many benefits, such as insurance, access to parent education seminars, teacher support and more. Because of this connection, what our classroom looks like in September will be driven by their recommendations. Meetings are taking place to determine what exactly those recommendations are. 

In the coming weeks you will hear from us again with updates on our progress. In the meantime, please share your thoughts with us through this survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/GF85399 Your comments will be anonymous. While we may not be able to meet each person's precise needs, the teachers and board members will certainly try. Thank you again for your comments, time and patience.

Sincerely, 
KCP Teachers and Board Members

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KCP's Commitment to Racial Equity

6/8/2020

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Dear KCP Families, 

Kirkland Co-op Preschool stands in solidarity with the Black Community. The murder of George Floyd, an unarmed black man, at the hands of a white Minneapolis police officer, has ignited in all of us new levels of sadness, frustration, anger, and disappointment in the systemic racism, oppression and violence that people of color, specifically black people, experience in our country every day.

​As you know, KCP is connected to LWTech, and also closely follows the leadership of the Lake Washington School District. Both organizations have issued statements that align with the goals, values and principles of KCP. You can read those statements here: LWSD and LWTech 

KCP Teachers and Board Members pledge to continue our work to bring an end to systemic racism and violence against Black people in this country by teaching our preschool children acceptance and how to stand up to oppression. Please reach out to teachers should you have questions, thoughts, or concerns that need to be addressed.

Should you need support in discussing this topic with your preschooler, many resources are available. Visit KCP's website at 
http://www.kirklandcoop.com/news/talking-to-children-about-racism for a selection of resources to help you discover the best way to discuss this topic with your family.

Sincerely, 

​KCP Teachers and Board Members
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Talking to Children About Racism

6/8/2020

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Several resources are listed here to support you as you talk with your preschooler(s) about racism. This resource list is meant to be an informational jumping off point for you to help you discover the best way to discuss this topic with your family. 

They Are Not Too Young to Talk About Race
Resource List: http://www.childrenscommunityschool.org/social-justice-resources/
Info Graphic on Child Development on Racial Recognition: 
http://www.childrenscommunityschool.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/theyre-not-too-young-1.jpg

​
What Systematic Racism Is and What We Can Do to Solve It
Video: https://youtu.be/YrHIQIO_bdQ

NPR: Talking Race With Young Children
Podcast Episode, 20 minute listen: 
https://www.npr.org/2019/04/24/716700866/talking-race-with-young-children?fbclid=IwAR262i36JkNreR2lYg0pPPHDPL9u6iyHSVkMV2vrR3Ehdl-1oG-0ZlXKMrY

Black Lives Matter At School: Announcing the 2020 Curriculum Resource Guide
https://blacklivesmatteratschool.com/teaching-materials/?fbclid=IwAR0dkiNwfwyg5oD1zbnRfxHIX1Bai11IPNNcIzLHYj4twOrHrYYgipFk0uI

A Kindergarten Teacher Explains Racism to Young Kids: "You Have the Voice" 
https://www.popsugar.com/family/kindergarten-teacher-explains-what-is-racism-video-47529956?fbclid=IwAR2x6LfPyRy1vmhu36cOjy7tJXkkEVmKTpI6p6r70NqatY_-N3EOU2FE1Dk

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KCP Closed March 16-27

3/12/2020

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Thursday, March 12, 2020

On Wednesday, March 11, Lake Washington School District announced that schools will be closed through March 27th. Kirkland Co-op Preschool will be following suit and canceling classes also. The KCP board will be continuing discussions about how the upcoming months will look for our program. We appreciate your flexibility as we navigate these new unchartered waters for KCP and our community.

The Group Teachers have met to discuss ways we can connect with families over the upcoming weeks. Your teacher will be in touch with you soon regarding plans for your group.

Our community is experiencing many changes in regards to the COVID-19 situation. KCP Teachers and Board members are committed to remaining updated on recommendations from our local and state agencies. We will continue to send out information as situations change. You are welcome to contact your Group Teacher or Parent Leader should you have further questions.​
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KCP Health Policy

2/28/2020

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The Board members of Kirkland Co-op Preschool are aware of health concerns regarding Conoravirus. We know that this situation may be worrisome. Currently, the Washington State Department of Health considers this a low public risk as this time. KCP is committed to remaining informed and following surrounding school district policies to keep our students as healthy as possible. 

Our current approach to this situation closely follows what is outlined on the
Lake Washington School District website. See more at lwsd.org


Adapted from LWSD, KCP guidance and approach includes: 
  • Requesting that families follow the WA State Department of Health guidance around quarantine if they have traveled internationally or have symptoms related to the virus. For more information visit:
    doh.wa.gov/Emergencies/Coronavirus/Schools
    ​
    cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/
  • Requesting that families keep children home when they are sick.
  • Encouraging frequent hand washing.
  • Encouraging covering coughs or sneezes with the inside of the elbow (cough pocket). 
  • Washing hands after nose blowing, putting hands in the mouth, etc. 
  • Using our school routine cleaning and disinfection program which emphasizes cleaning and disinfection of frequently touched objects and surfaces. 

In general, if your child is ill with a fever or vomiting within 24 hours of their scheduled school day, please keep him/her at home until he/she is without fever or vomiting for a minimum of 24 hours. 

KCP appreciates your cooperation. Please feel free to contact your Parent Leader or Group Teacher with questions or concerns. 
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Donation Matching Programs

12/2/2019

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Many companies offer donation matching programs. Your donations help our school community in countless ways, so why not double them? Every time you donate to Kirkland Co-op Preschool, you can double your donation by submitting your company’s employer match form. Search for Kirkland Parents Cooperative Group Inc. (501(c)(3), Tax ID: 91-0728533 as our name and ID.

Direct links to some of the companies in our community that offer Donation Matching Programs can be found in the list below. Not sure if your company offers a matching program? Check with your employer. Cannot find Kirkland Parents Cooperative Group Inc. in your company matching list? Feel free to nominate us through your HR department.


Thank you!  Giving to the Kirkland Parents Cooperative Group Inc. goes a long way to improve the school experience for all students, teachers and families at KCP. The following companies match employee donations. If your company is not on the list, check with your HR department, and let us know. 

Amgen

AT&T

Bank of America

Boeing

CenturyLink/Qwest

Expedia

Gates Foundation

Google

Microsoft Corporation

Puget Sound Energy

Starbucks

The Home Depot
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Kirkland Co-op Preschool  |  7525 132nd Ave NE  |  Kirkland, WA 98033  |  425-867-0818
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