ABOUT CCNS
Our Philosophy
More Than a Preschool — A Community
At CCNS, we believe childhood should feel safe, joyful, and deeply connected.
We are a play-based, parent participation cooperative preschool serving families all along the foothills (La Cañada, Montrose, Glendale, Pasadena, La Crescenta, Sunland-Tujunga).
Our approach to early childhood education is built on a simple belief: young children learn best through hands-on exploration, meaningful relationships, and real-life experiences.
But just as importantly, we believe preschool should support families — not just children.
When you join CCNS, you’re not just enrolling in a preschool program. You’re becoming part of a community.
Learning Through Play
At our cooperative preschool, play isn’t separate from learning — it is learning.
Through art, music, sensory activities, storytelling, building, and imaginative play, children develop essential early childhood skills, including:
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Problem-solving and critical thinking
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Early literacy and math foundations
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Communication and vocabulary development
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Fine and gross motor coordination.
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Creativity, curiosity, and confidence
Our classrooms are thoughtfully designed to spark exploration while giving children the freedom to discover at their own pace. This play-based preschool model supports both academic readiness and a lifelong love of learning.
Gentle Guidance & Social-Emotional Growth
We approach early childhood education with empathy and respect.
At CCNS, we see conflict as a natural part of learning. Instead of punishment-based discipline, our teachers guide children through:
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Naming and understanding emotions
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Practicing empathy
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Using words to solve problems
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Developing self-regulation
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Building healthy peer relationships
This gentle, respectful approach supports social-emotional learning — a critical foundation for kindergarten readiness and long-term success.
Children leave our preschool not only prepared academically, but equipped with the emotional tools they need for elementary school and beyond.
It Takes a Village
One of the most meaningful parts of CCNS is the sense of community that extends beyond the school day.
Families stay connected through:
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A school-wide WhatsApp group for updates, playdates, and support
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Volunteer collaboration and school events
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Sharing local resources and recommendations
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An alumni parent group that keeps friendships alive long after graduation
Many families say the preschool community they built here was just as important as the academic experience. For some, it becomes their village during the early childhood years.
At CCNS, parents are more than just observers—they are active partners in their child's early education. Our cooperative model thrives on the dedication and involvement of every family, creating a unique and supportive environment for our children to grow.
The Essential Parent Role
Parent Participation in the Classroom
Parents serve as classroom aides on scheduled workdays, approximately twice a month. On their workday, the parent helpers arrive by 8:30 and leave about 12:15pm. This hands-on role allows you to witness your child's social and cognitive development firsthand while supporting our teachers in facilitating play-based learning activities.
Committee Jobs
Every family takes on a committee job that contributes to the school's operation. From fundraising and administration to facilities maintenance and event planning, these roles ensure that our non-profit cooperative remains vibrant and sustainable for all families.
Why Parent Involvement Matters
When children see their parents engaged in their school environment, it reinforces the value of education and community. This bridge between home and school provides children with extra emotional security and a diverse range of adult role models to learn from.
Parent Education & Meetings
Continuous learning is a core part of our mission. Mandatory monthly parent education meetings provide valuable insights into early childhood development, positive discipline strategies, and school updates, ensuring everyone is informed and connected. Learn more.
9:00 am -10:00 am | Check-In and Outside Time
Check-in with the teachers, place your belongings in your cubby and meet your friends outside. Outside play offers large muscle play: bikes, balls, play structure as well as easel work, sensory bins and sand play.
10:30 am – 11:45 am | Snack and Inside Time
Children will join back on the rug after snack time. Share time, music, creative movement and explain the activity. The children will have the opportunityfor dress up, sensory table, play dough, blocks, books, etc.
Beyond our daily lessons, we host heart-warming festivals and community gatherings. Explore the seasonal activities and special events we enjoy together throughout the year.
A Typical Day at CCNS
10:00 am-10:20 am | Clean-up and Prepare for Snack
Children will work cooperatively to help clean up the outside toys. Empty out their shoes and meet on the rug in the classroom. The children will wash their hands and get their snack packs out of their cubby.
11:45 am – 12:00 pm
Clean-up, Read a Story and Dismissal.