Does anyone have any experience with co-op type preschools??

I am in NJ, so I wouldn't expect you guys to know the preschools I am looking at, but a few of them are co-ops (meaning as a parent you are required to go in a help out like every 5-7 weeks or so)
Anyone have any experience with this? I like the idea of being able to go in a help with my DS class, but I also know I will have another DC by then, so I will have to find a babysitter on the days I go in. I am just wondering if its going to be too much or not. TIA!

Re: Does anyone have any experience with co-op type preschools??

I'm upstate and there's a co-op up here too...it works by points (#hrs you dc is babysat, and you pay with your points...you earn by babysitting)

It's kind of a backup for me now because I don't have any time, that's why I'm trying to find daycare help or a babysitter

I think it would be good for non-regular schedules (like a date night, meeting, etc)

The one here you pay an initial fee and that goes towards background checks for whomever joins

Re: Does anyone have any experience with co-op type preschools??

DS goes to a coop preschool and I love it. I go in once a month and help out in his class, which is great because I get to see him play and interact. I also serve on a committee and my husband helps with maintenance one morning in the fall and in the spring.

ETA: My MIL stays with my baby on the days I go in.

Message edited 11/18/2009 1:36:21 PM.

Re: Does anyone have any experience with co-op type preschools??

Co-ops are all over. DD is in the one I went to when I was in preschool. Right now she is a 2 day 2 hour program for 2 year olds. I happen to like it. We have 10 kids 1 teacher and 1 assistant teacher then there is 1 parent each time. I go about 3-4 times a semester about every 6 months. We are also expected to be on a committee (I'm on Hospitality) which is fun - we did a pot luck nice dinner at the school which was a lot of fun, they also have things like casino nights, cocktail parties, some fundraising events as well. Fathers are asked once in the fall and once in the spring to come in on certain dates (Saturdays) and help out at the school (upkeep).

I have a 5.5 month old at home. It is a bit of a pain - but I like the school so I'm willing to adjust. DH or my mom will watch the baby when I have to go in. MY problem is that DD#2 doesn't take a bottle (we have tried everything) so it is hard for me to get a babysitter which is what most of the other parents in the school do (unless they have a nanny). I would say most of the families have 2-4 children and they make it work.

The nice part is in exchange for your time the tuition is kept down which is a big help too. You do get to know the other parents fairly well which is nice too.