Common Questions about our Program
What is a co-op preschool?
A co-op preschool, also known as a parent participation cooperative, is a preschool that is operated by the parents in hand with the teacher/director. Parents assist the teacher in the classroom as scheduled and take on other tasks to help run the school. This family-centered format greatly benefits the children and the parents as it fosters a positive community environment for enriched learning.
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We belong to the Orange County Council of Parent Participation Nursery Schools. You can read their definition here.
What classes are offered?
We offer two classes here at Li'l Cottonwood:
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Caterpillar Class
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Ages 2.9-4 years (under 3 at the discretion of the teacher)
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Days: Tuesdays and Thursdays
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Times: 8:30 - 11:30 am (additional childcare time is not available)
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Butterfly Class
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Ages 3.5-5 years (under 4 at the discretion of the teacher)
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Days: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays
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Times: 8:30 - 11:30 am (additional childcare time is not available)
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Note: Li'l Cottonwood Preschool generally follows the Los Alamitos Unified School District academic calendar for holidays.
What are the student requirements?
We love our students! Once offered an available spot at our school, we have these student requirements:
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Potty trained
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Current immunizations required by the State of California
What is the curriculum and daily schedule like?
We strive to develop relationships for children and parents, akin to a large family environment. Our curriculum emphasizes the development of the whole child through activities that help the child grow physically, cognitively, emotionally, and socially. It is our objective to create a warm, friendly, and safe atmosphere that fosters positive attitudes and development.
Students will have many opportunities to learn through play indoors and outdoors. We offer art stations, books, music, blocks, manipulatives, dramatic play, sensory experiences, and science activities. Our daily session includes group activities, indoor and outdoor playtime, snack time, interactive learning, and time for personal choices as well.
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Here is an example of a day at Li'l Cottonwood:
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8:15 - Arrive, sign in, and use the bathroom (parents are required to stay until class starts)
8:30 - Class starts
8:35 - Group time, music, movement, choosing helpers, story time
9:10 - Wash hands, transition to snack time outside
9:15 - Outside time (large and small motor activities)
10:15 - Transition to inside the classroom
10:20- Group time, movement, share and discussion
10:30 - Activities, art, dramatic play, blocks, small manipulatives and language arts
11:15 - Clean-up
11:25 - Yoga and good-byes
11:30 - Dismissal (parents must arrive on time and sign their child out)
What are the parent requirements?
Parent involvement is what makes our program so unique. While our program does require a time commitment from parents, it is a genuinely rewarding experience for both parents and children.
Parents are required to:
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Assist in the classroom 1-2 times per month.
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When it is your day to work, you will arrive at 8:00 am to help set up and stay until approx. 12:00 pm to help clean up.
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Classroom volunteers must have submitted a negative TB test and vaccination proof for TDap and MMR
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Hold a volunteer job within the school for the entire school year
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Attend a parent meeting once a month (it is an evening meeting and parents only)
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Participate in fundraisers
How much does it cost?
Our co-op model helps offset the cost of tuition through parent participation and fundraising. Here are the tuition and fees:
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Tuition (for the 2025-2026 school year)
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Caterpillars (Tues/Thurs) - $235 Monthly
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Butterflies (Mon/Wed/Fri) - $265 Monthly
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Note: The first month's tuition is due upon enrollment to hold your child's spot. After that, tuition is due on the 1st of each month. A $10 late fee will be assessed after the one-week grace period from the due date.
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One-time Annual Fees (for the 2025-2026 school year)
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$75 registration fee
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$100 curriculum & supply fee
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$11 fee for OCCPPNS membership
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$2.95 fee for Student Accident Insurance
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Note: The $75 registration fee is also due upon enrollment to hold your child's spot.
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Other Fees:
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Occasional field trip costs
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Optional t-shirt purchase
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Tuition and fees are subject to change upon Board approval.
Where are you located?
We are located in the safe and friendly community of Rossmoor at:
Montecito Center
12341 Montecito Road
Los Alamitos, CA 90720
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Mailing Address
P.O. Box 324
Los Alamitos, CA 90720
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We proudly serve families from the surrounding communities including Buena Park, Cypress, Garden Grove, Lakewood, Long Beach, Los Alamitos, Rossmoor, Seal Beach, and Westminster.
I have more questions - how can I get them answered?
We know choosing the right preschool is a big decision and we are here to help answer any questions you may have!
Please feel free to contact us at lilcottonwoodpreschool@gmail.com
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We look forward to hearing from you! In the meantime, you can follow us on Social media:
