Cotati-Rohnert Park Co-Op Nursery School

As a parent of children that attended this preschool for 4 years and a member of the board for 3 years - I felt it was necessary to provide this review. My oldest son attended the preschool for three years - at that time this preschool had a waiting list. The teacher/director was engaging, innovative and had a real connection with the children at that time. After enrolling my second child in the preschool this past fall , and observing the teacher/director I noticed immediately she had changed. She seems tired, burnt out and short with the children. We had conversations where she acknowledged this and said she was working on it. This year alone, there has been a very heavy turnover and the waitlist has disappeared. Children are placed in the “quiet corner” if they don’t meet her expectations and she continues on with her classroom. At this age - self esteem is so important and for children to feel excluded isn’t right. My child asked us consistently why his teacher was mad at him? I immediately removed my child from this preschool. My child as well as others would be better served in an environment that is accepting of all different types of personalities; and they don’t feel punished for having bigger personalities than others. There are so many amazing preschools out there with such well educated directors as well as teachers. There is a place for every child - this just wasn’t a place for ours.

We were so lucky to transition to Cotati Co-op when the co-op preschool we were attending in Petaluma closed. We are sold on the co-op model. While it means one work day per week, all those parent hours are reflected both in the upkeep of the school and the quality of the instruction during the school day. The school is also a non-profit and a great community. Both of our kids went to the co-op and loved it.

Just finished Parent and Me with my kiddo and he absolutely loved seeing the teachers and other kids. I love the structure and projects the kids get and believe so much in the school I am now on the Board to ensure the good stuff continues!