Flagstaff Cooperative Preschool was founded in 1962 when a group of interested parents decided their children needed the experience of a preschool education. These parents hired a professional teacher to begin our preschool program. In 1964, the school incorporated and in 1966 became a non-profit, tax-exempt corporation licensed by the State of Arizona.

BENEFITS OF THE SCHOOL:

For Children:

• To develop at their own rate, become independent, self confident, creative and cooperative
• To develop relationships, self-acceptance, and self-esteem
• To make the transition to elementary school smoothly
• To develop their own concepts about the world
• To have opportunities to develop socially, physically, cognitively, and emotionally in a balanced learning environment

For Parents:

• To gain insight into their childs world
• To have the opportunity to benefit from professional guidance when dealing with their childs behavior
• To reinforce their childs self-esteem
• To have the opportunity to form relationships with other preschool parents

About the School
Flagstaff Cooperative Preschool is located inside 2 FUSD Elementary Schools: Marshall, and Puente de Hozho. There is also a site located inside the Murdoch Community Center.  Each site offers something unique for its population:

• FCP at Marshall - This multi-age setting, serving ages 3 - 5, combines curriculum and experiences with FUSDs next door kindergarten classroom.
• FCP at Puente de Hozho - The 3 - 5 year old program at Puente de Hozho is a Spanish enhancement program. Language lessons are taught daily to the students at this site.
• FCP at the Murdoch Center - This is our newest site which services the South Side community for ages 2-5.  The location provides a unique opportunity to partner with the community and build connections with the University and its emerging teacher population.

Our facilities are regulated by the Arizona Department of Health Servies located at 2519 E. 7th Avenue, Flagstaff, AZ 86004. Their telephone number is 928.774.2707. Inspection reports are for gas, fire, health and licensing documents are always available on request.  FCP has also been awarded recognition by NACCP. 

Each site is licensed for 20-22 children per classroom. A qualified teacher and co-teacher leads classes. An aide, parent, student teacher or NAU intern may assist the teacher. Flagstaff Cooperative Preschool offers its teachers reimbursement for continuing education.

Family members are welcome visitors in the program at all times, to eat lunch with a child, observe, or volunteer. Teachers work in collaborative partnership with families to build mutual understandings about childrens learning and developmental needs. When staff is not of the linguistic and cultural background of the children / families, increased efforts are made to ensure communication.