Tots'cooperative Nursery School

Tots' Cooperative Nursery School is a non-profit organization that has been providing early childhood education for Barrington, RI, and surrounding communities since 1958. Our school is truly a cooperative, run by a parent volunteer board of directors and two dedicated teachers. We believe that family involvement in a child's education is crucial, which is why we encourage parent participation in the classroom and offer various opportunities for parents to contribute to their children's education and the school's decision-making process.

Our play-based program fosters creativity, curiosity, and artistic expression while promoting the development of respectful and meaningful relationships in the classroom. Our teachers lead by example, guiding students physically, emotionally, and socially, and meeting their developmental levels along the way. We prioritize daily outdoor time, providing a rich environment for children to explore nature and learn about the world around them.

Parents Can Share in the Preschool Experience

At Tots' Cooperative Nursery School, we provide parents, grandparents, and caregivers with the opportunity to play an integral role in each child's education. With today's busy schedules, witnessing your child in their peer environment and sharing your skills and passions with them is a valuable experience. Our cooperative model allows parents and caregivers to volunteer in the classroom, serve on the board, participate in fundraising, and contribute in various ways. We believe that school is special when a parent is there to share it, leading to a positive attitude towards school, a stronger bond between parent and child, and a lifelong habit of learning.

The Cooperative Model Benefits Students and Parents

Our cooperative model benefits students by providing them with a safe and nurturing environment. Children develop a positive attitude towards school, seeing the value their parents place on education, and extending learning beyond the classroom. They experience increased pride and self-esteem while building friendships with other children and adults.

Parents benefit from the cooperative model by gaining education in child development and parenting skills. They receive support during the challenging times in parenting from others in similar situations, build a network of friends with the same priorities and concerns, and gain the opportunity to observe their child and their peers in a group setting. The cooperative model offers hidden talents, contributions, and participation in all aspects of a child's education. It provides a voice in school decisions and policy-making, seamless communication with teachers, and opportunities to learn effective advocacy on behalf of their child.

Our Teachers

Our head teacher, Chris Raposa, has been with Tots' Cooperative Nursery School since 1998. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood from UMass-Amherst and a Master's degree in Recreational Therapy from Springfield College. Chris has guided the children at Tots' through the challenging transition from home to school with care, skill, and love. Our second teacher holds a degree in education and both teachers are passionate about early childhood education, providing exceptional care and attention to our students.

Admission and Enrollment

We enroll students who turn 3 by December 31st of the year they start, until they are ready for Kindergarten--usually at 5 years of age. Our child-to-teacher ratio is exceptional, with no more than 15 children per class, ensuring that each child receives individual attention and care. Tots' Cooperative is approved by the Rhode Island Department of Children Youth & Families, and we prioritize potty training for all children attending our school.