Chapel Hill

Welcome to the Chapel Hill Cooperative Preschool (CHCP), a 5-star rated, NAEYC-accredited preschool and the longest-running independent, non-profit preschool in Chapel Hill. Our mission is to partner with families to provide a nurturing and engaging educational environment that respects and honors childhood, celebrates independence, and supports children as they learn and grow through play.

Our History

Organized as a parent cooperative in 1960, we still maintain our cooperative philosophy and rely on parent volunteers and community donations to enhance the learning environment for our children. We are proud of our history as the first integrated preschool in the south and strive to continue this legacy by promoting diversity and equity in our classrooms.

Staff

Our dedicated staff is comprised of highly qualified and experienced teachers who are passionate about providing a high-quality education to our students. Our teaching staff is divided into two age groups: Toddler Teachers (2.5-3.5 years) and 3-5's Teachers (3-5 years). Our teachers are trained in child development and early childhood education and work closely with families to ensure that each child's educational and social needs are met.

Early Childhood Education

At CHCP, we believe that early childhood education is a critical period in a child's life. Our programs are designed to foster cognitive, social, and emotional development in young children. Our experienced teachers use play-based learning strategies to encourage exploration, creativity, and critical thinking.

Parental Involvement

We believe that parental involvement is essential to a child's educational success. At CHCP, we encourage parents to participate in the classroom and school activities, and we offer opportunities for parents to volunteer in their child's classroom. We also invite parents to attend school events, such as concerts, plays, and art exhibits, to engage with the school and other families.

School Programs

Our school offers a range of programs, including Parent-Child Program, Toddler Program, and 3-5's Program. Our Parent-Child Program is designed for children with their parents or caregivers, while our Toddler Program is for children between the ages of 2.5 and 3.5 years. Our 3-5's Program is for children between the ages of 3 and 5 years.

Food Program

At CHCP, we believe that nutrition is essential for a child's growth and development. Our Food Program is designed to provide healthy and nutritious meals and snacks to our students. Our program is led by our experienced chef, who prepares delicious and wholesome meals that meet the dietary needs of our students.

Board of Directors

Our Board of Directors is responsible for the overall direction and management of the school. The board is comprised of dedicated and passionate parents who volunteer their time to ensure the continued success and growth of the school.

Board Meeting Minutes

The Board of Directors regularly meets to discuss school business, including budgeting, policy development, and strategic planning. Board meeting minutes are available upon request for those who have a legitimate interest in the school's business.