San Francisco's Oldest parent run, staffed preschool cooperative. For children ages 18 months to 3 years.
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Little People's Workshop was founded in 1975 by local parents who sought an alternative to institutional and traditional daycare, originally relying on a seed grant from the Mayor's Office of Community Development. Since 1976, LPW has operated solely on member dues. As a parent-run, parent-staffed, cooperative pre-nursery, LPW helps ease the transition from home to school by providing constant contact with a community of involved families, as well as professional activity leaders. We offer a high-quality, yet affordable, daycare experience for our 12-15 member families. Up to eight children ages 18 months to three years attend daily, with at least two parents on duty at all times and a professional Arts & Recreation Coordinator present mornings.
    

Learn more:

Philosophy
Family Contribution
Daily Schedule

Our Philosophy

It is our belief that the participatory nature of cooperative childcare allows for an experience that is more nurturing, diverse, stimulating and responsive than traditional group or private childcare. LPW emphasizes free play, positive learning experiences, unconditional caring and good nutrition. We are dedicated to maintaining a child-centric, non-sexist, non-racist, non-authoritarian atmosphere. When conflicts occur, members seek resolution by re-directing children away from the source of frustration and engaging them in other activities.

We strive to offer a healthy and balanced diet, relying on organic ingredients whenever possible. We avoid red meat and highly processed foods. Working parents provide a morning snack, lunch and afternoon snack daily. LPW is managed, funded and maintained by our members. Working together, we strive to make a child's time at LPW exciting, nurturing and inspirational.

 

Family Contribution

Although cooperative childcare offers great rewards, the work involved in running a thriving coop is substantial. We encourage prospective families to reflect carefully on the time and energy commitment before applying.

Member family responsibilities include:

  • Working one or two four-hour shifts per week, depending on your child's attendance (2 days = 1 shift; 3 days = 1 shift + 1 shift biweekly; 4 days = 2 shifts).*

  • Providing snack or lunch during your shift.

  • Covering unfilled shifts as needed.

  • Attending evening member meetings monthly or biweekly, as needed.

  • Performing a coop job (e.g. membership, maintenance, treasurer, etc.)

  • Participating in quarterly cleanup.

  • Becoming CPR/First Aid certified within six weeks of joining.

  • Paying monthly fees (2 days = $265; 3 days = $397; 4 days = $529).

  • Paying one month's security deposit and a $50 non-refundable toy/art supply fee.

*Children may attend LPW two, three or four full days per week.



Daily Schedule

LPW is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, excepting standard holidays. Mornings include art, free play and a trip to the playground; most afternoons, we host activity leaders specializing in music, storytelling, dance, acrobatics or yoga. Occasionally, we organize a morning field trip to an offsite location.

8:45 - 9:00 Greet children; working parents arrive.

9:00 - 9:45 Quiet activities, free play, arts and crafts.

9:45 - 10:00 Clean-up, potty time, diapering and hand-washing.

10:00 - 10:30 Snack. Depart for playground.

10:30 - 11:30 Visit playground.

11:30 - 12:15 Return to LPW. Potty time, diapering and hand-washing. Story time and songs.

12:15 - 12:40 Lunch.

12:40 - 2:30 Nap time. Adult cleanup. Quiet time.

2:30 - 3:30 Kids begin waking up. Snack.

3:30 - 4:30 Free play indoors, gym time or organized activity (e.g., music, acrobatics).

4:30 - 4:45 Singing and reading activities.

4:45 - 5:00 Clean-up. Parent pick-up.

1268 Sanchez Street San Francisco, CA 94114-3833 map/directions
Phone: 415-249-9237 e-mail: info@lpwsf.com