(PLEASE NOTE: This information is updated as often as possible. All information is subject to change. Our parent work requirements change slightly every year (as does our tuition). Enrolled families receive parent handbooks and sign contracts outlining all current financial and work responsibilities. You will learn more when you attend one of our tours.)
The families currently enrolled in Morning and Afternoon School are the current owners of Little Village Nursery School, a non-profit corporation. We operate under a set of by-laws that govern the school. The co-op is led by a parent-elected Board of Directors made up of current parents who oversee the operations of every aspect of the school. Additionally, every parent member has specific responsibilities that keep our organization running smoothly.
Volunteerism is fun, and we trust you are interested in our school because you want to be highly involved. We want team players who work well with others and who are committed to spending the time to make our school and community thrive.
Yes, being in a co-op can feel like having a part-time job, but know it’s possible to be a part of Little Village while at the same time continue to pursue a part- or full-time career - as a lot of our parents do.
Morning School - Required Participation
- Hold a co-op job
- Complete at least 1 workday a month
- Complete 6 hours of school improvement
- Participate in fundraising activities
- Participate in parent education events
- Attend all-school meetings
- Prepare and deliver “special snack” 3-4 times a year
- Contribute to staff appreciation lunch once a year
Afternoon School - Required Participation
- Complete 6 hours of school improvement
- Participate in fundraising activities
- Participate in parent education events
- Attend all-school meetings
Current Co-op Jobs
Below is a list of current parent positions in the Morning School. Each Morning School family must hold one school job (per child enrolled) for the entire school year.
- President (Board Position)
- Vice President (Board Position)
- Secretary (Board Position)
- Treasurer (Board Position)
- Facilities Coordinator (Board Position)
- Newsletter/Yearbook (Board Position)
- Co-Fundraisers (2) (Board Position)
- Co-Registrars (2) (Board Position)
- Co-Op Council (Board Position)
- Scrip Coordinator
- Parent Workday Coordinator
- Hospitality/Graduation Coordinator
- School Improvement Coordinator
- Tour Guide
- Purchasers (3)
- Grant Writer
- Recycling Chairperson
- Parent Support Facilitator
- Scholastic Coordinator
- Librarian
- Parent Ed Coordinator
- Welcoming/Social Chairperson
- Webmaster
- T-shirts/Placemats
- Videographer
- Safety Chairperson
- Fall Get-Together Host
- Administrative Assistant
- Toddler Coordinator
- Fundraising Assistants (3)
- Catalogue Manager
- Sally Foster Coordinator
Workdays
Each Morning School family is required to work at the school one day (per child enrolled) each month. This is a great opportunity to share time with other working parents, enjoy the school, and join your child for snack time in the classroom. Some of the workday responsibilities include: preparing snack for the kids, assisting the teachers with art projects, running errands, answering the phone, cleaning shelves, sweeping the yard, etc.
School Improvement
Each family is required to complete six hours (per child enrolled) of weekend school improvement. There are five weekend mornings throughout the school year designated for parents to put in a three-hour shift and perform needed tasks, including washing toys, repairing furniture, painting, raking leaves, cleaning gutters, tree trimming, etc. Two parents can work simultaneously during one three-hour shift and fulfill their six-hour obligation for the whole school year.
Fundraising
All families are required to participate in the school’s fundraising efforts. Participation in the school’s annual Silent Auction is mandatory and includes a minimum purchase of two tickets to the event, plus a minimum donation/solicitation at a value determined by the LVNS Board. The Board may determine fines for non-participation. Special consideration may be made based on individual need.
Parent Education
Our mission statement states that one of the purposes of Little Village is to educate our parent members in the principles of child development and care. In addition to our monthly parent support group, we offer several parent workshops and guest speakers throughout year. Parents are required to complete a certain number of “Parent Ed” hours during the school year.
Communication and Enforcement
One of the duties of the school’s Vice President is to monitor the participation of all members. If the Vice President feels a member family may possibly fall short of completing their participation requirements, the family will be contacted in order to set up a meeting for the purpose of working out a plan to fulfill their requirements. As a last resort, the failure of a member family to participate actively in the school and its functions may result in penalties including, but not limited to, monetary assessments, the imposition of alternative duties, or termination of membership.
