A place where children, teachers and families
play and learn together
What is a Cooperative?
Gorham Cooperative Preschool is an independent nonprofit organization serving children ages 3 - 5 from Gorham Maine and the surrounding communities.
Cooperative preschools are organized and administered by the families of enrolled children. Professional teachers are hired to develop and implement the curriculum. Families contribute in a variety of ways. Being part of a cooperative allows you to become part of a connected and caring community.
Family Responsibilities
- Classroom Helper Days - Families are assigned about seven helper days over the course of the year. Being with your child in the classroom is one of the joys of a cooperative. You will never be left alone with students.
- Committees - Every family works on a committee or serves on the board. Committee work options include planning events and fundraisers or cleaning and maintaining the school property.
- Meetings, Fundraiser and Field Trips - Families attend three all parent meetings, help the school meet fundraising goals and attend field trips with their child.
Benefits of a Cooperative Preschool
- Hands-on involvement in your child’s education
- Opportunities to meet and connect with other families
- Volunteer experiences that strengthen leadership and organizational skills
- Reasonable tuition rates for a high quality program
- A rich classroom experience enhanced by the sharing of time and talents
About Us
Our Mission
The mission of the Gorham Cooperative Preschool is to provide a safe, nurturing, play based program, governed by the parent body and taught by professional early childhood educators with assistance from families. A strong sense of community is created by active family involvement. Each child’s unique social, emotional, intellectual and physical growth is supported as they learn to adjust to a structured school environment. Children participate in a variety of hands-on developmentally appropriate activities.
Our History
Gorham Cooperative Preschool was established in January 1968 by a group of parents who shared an interest in a quality preschool experience for their children. They created a school where families work together to create a quality affordable program. Today the preschool continues this legacy.
Our Classroom and Curriculum
Our classroom is a place where children experience the joy of being part of a group. Children learn to interact successfully with peers. Teachers connect with every child ensuring all students feel seen and valued. Children’s need for boundaries, safety, risk taking and exploration are all honored. Because young children learn best when allowed to explore their world, interact with others and move their bodies we use a play-based emergent curriculum.
Children are provided hands-on experiences and materials that match their interest and their developmental needs. The Maine Early Learning and Development Standards are used to guide teachers as they support students. The specific materials and experiences offered reflect the children’s interest and the current season.
Our Dedicated Staff
Karen Lin - Lead Teacher
Having experienced the benefits of a cooperative education for her own children, Karen was thrilled to join our staff in the Fall of 2014. She brings years of experience working with young children in a variety of settings including at a nature center and a special needs preschool. She has a bachelor's degree in Biology and an associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education.
Dana Wheeler - Assistant Teacher
Dana previously taught elementary students for 13 years in Connecticut. She had majored in Environmental Policy, but she loved working with children so much as a substitute that she returned to USM for her K-6 teaching training. She was excited to find GCP for her son and honored to join the staff in 2022.