"A Place Where Children Can Learn and Grow"

Program

Our structured program is based on the physical, mental, and emotional readiness of three-, four-, and five-year-old’s.  Our experienced certified teacher and our paraprofessionals bring the spirit of fun into the classroom while emphasizing sociability, self-reliance, muscular development and coordination, and an introduction to routine schedules.  Some of the special events your child has an opportunity to experience in the first year are Pajama Day, Beach Party and the well-loved Teddy Bear Picnic.  In your child's second year, there are a variety of field trips, a Thanksgiving program, and Chippewa's creatively performed Circus!  A balance of organized group activities and free play makes an exciting and fun school experience for your child.

Membership Responsibilities

As the only preschool facility in Midland that is not funded by outside sources (i.e., church affiliation), Chippewa relies on its families. Chippewa families help to keep operating costs down by volunteering their skills and talents through such responsibilities as occasionally working in the classroom, making play dough, or lawn care. Your time is valuable, so Chippewa's responsibilities take very little time and can be done at your convenience.

As with most organizations, Chippewa encourages families to show their support for their child's school by participating in fundraisers each school year. Chippewa also offers a buy-out option for those who are unable or choose not to participate.

Our Facility

Chippewa Cooperative Preschool is a unique and historical site where your children can learn and grow with pride and excellence.

Originally built in 1906, the (then) one-room country schoolhouse was known as the Barrett School of Midland.  In 1940, with one of the earlier efforts of Alden B. Dow, the old school was replaced by a bigger more modern facility. In 1959, Chippewa began renting the building. In 1964 the Board of Education put the school up for sale and Chippewa successfully bid for it.  

Today, the school shines with pride.  As you walk through the 3,000 square foot facility, your senses are stimulated by the bright colorful interior which hosts art tables, indoor climbing equipment, an assortment of educational toys and puzzles, as well as our unique Tricycle Carousel.  The backyard is a 10,000 square foot fenced-in yard with swings, a jungle gym, a black top area for tricycles, and a large sand area for play.

Chippewa is unique in the respect that it is owned, operated and maintained by the families of the children who attend Chippewa Preschool.  It provides families an opportunity to become more involved in their child's education and can help strengthen family relationships, as well as a stepping stone to lasting friendships for both child and parent.

Classes

Two-Day Class (3 & 4 yrs old)

This class meets Tuesday and Thursdays from 9:00 to 12:00 p.m. for sixty-five days from August to May.  To be eligible for this class, your child must be three years old by:

September 1st

Calendar days off, in general, correspond with the Midland Public Schools Calendar.

Note: All children must be potty-trained by the first day of school.

Children can be dropped off at preschool starting at 8:45am. This gives the child more time for free play with classmates.

Three-Day Class (4 & 5 yrs old)

This class meets Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9:00 to 12:00 p.m. for ninety-five days from August to May. To be eligible for this class your child must be four years old by:

September 1st

Calendar days off, in general, correspond with the Midland Public Schools Calendar.

Note: All children must be potty-trained by the first day of school.

Enrollment Options

Chippewa offers both cooperative and private enrollment options.

Cooperative

The cooperative option involves parent/family participation by helping the teacher carry out the day's program.  It gives them an opportunity to experience their child's growth and development from an educational perspective.

 *All families will be asked to participate in a co-op “job” for the school. Examples of jobs include making playdough, preparing art supplies, laundry, lawn care, etc. Board members are exempt from this.

Private

Due to working schedules, younger children at home, or any other reason that may prohibit cooperative participation, Chippewa offers families a private enrollment option. Private families pay higher tuition which covers the cost of a paraprofessional who assists the teacher in the classroom. Even if you can't readily or regularly participate in the class, dropping in once in a while is always welcome.

*All families will be asked to participate in a co-op “job” for the school. Examples of jobs include making playdough, preparing art supplies, laundry, lawn care, etc. Board members are exempt from this.

Licensing

Chippewa Preschool has been licensed by LARA - Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs since 1956 as a daycare facility, meeting all health, sanitation, fire and program requirements.  Representatives of the department serve as advisors to our area councils of cooperative preschools.

Chippewa Cooperative Preschool welcomes children of all ethnic, racial and cultural backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, religion, or marital status in any aspects of our operations, policies and procedures including, but not limited to enrollment, hiring, termination, educational policies or any other administrative part of our preschool program.

Chippewa Cooperative Preschool is a 501 (c) 3 Non-Profit Organization

dedicated to the educational developmental growth of

preschool children within Midland MI.