Co-op preschools with a longer day?

Hi there

Most of the co-ops have been around for a long time (some 30 years, some closer to 80) and were designed around socialization and free play instead of the current needs of parent schedules, and some have been slower to change in this area.  That being said, I believe Albany Preschool has both an AM and PM program and it is possible to sign up for both.  The AM program requires parental participation, but the PM program does not, unless they have changed their structure in the last 3 years.  CCC (Children's Community Center) I believe also has extended care until 5:30.  There may be others as well.  I have heard of at least one Spanish-language co-op in Oakland (I don't remember the name), but have not heard of any French ones.  I hope others can chime in with other recommendations for that!

Best of luck finding one that fits your family!

-Happy Co-op parent

You don't mention where in the East Bay you are located, but Albany Preschool and El Cerrito Preschool Co-op both have programs that run until 4:30 PM. They also offer extended care until 5:30 PM.

I don't know of any French immersion co-ops though.

Do not discount the “aftercare” or afternoon programs at coop preschools. Our son attends Children’s Community Center where the basic preschool day is 9-12:30 but care is offered until 3:30 or 5:30 (and from 8am if needed). The afternoon program has great teachers who are super engaged, and my kid loves the afternoon program. 

My guess is that the “basic” school day at coop preschools runs short because if parent participation is required there is a time limit on how long a chunk of time a school can realistically ask parents to participate. For our afternoon program there is no parent participation requirement; it’s just teachers. For our morning program, families are expected to participate in the classroom one regular day a week 8:45-12:45.