What is it?

St. Patrick Early Learning Cooperative is an initiative which will provide a Catholic, cooperative educational program and community for pre-kindergarten aged children and their parents.

What is the curriculum?

The St. Patrick Early Learning Cooperative curriculum will emphasize social play, physical development, experiential learning, and imitation as the foundation for development into persons made from and for the love of God. Many of the activities will be based on the Memoria Press curriculum.

Where will it be held?

Sessions will be held at Saint Patrick Catholic Church both in the classrooms and outside, and occasionally in the main sanctuary. There may be some optional field trips to nearby locations.

When will it start?

Sessions will begin in September and end in May and meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to noon except Holidays, Thanksgiving week, Christmas break, and Spring break.

Who is eligible to enroll?

Children who are three or four years old on or before September 1st of the current school year, and whose family are registered parishioners of St. Patrick.

What is the maximum capacity?

A maximum of 15 children will be allowed to enroll due to space limitations.

Must a parent attend each session with their child?

Yes. Each child needs a parent in attendance. Parents will be given different roles for each day, including setup, planning, instructing, leading activities, and helping supervise the younger siblings of the attendees.

Attending parents must complete EIM certification with the Diocese of Austin. They will also need to attend any co-op training sessions.

Why must a parent attend each session with their child?

1. To assist parents in their task as the primary and principal educators of their children.

2. To help bolster the St. Patrick faith community among parents.

3. To keep costs low by not having to hire teachers or staff.

I have more than one child. Can my other children attend along with my 3 or 4 year old?

Yes. Part of the vision behind this initiative is to keep families together. There will be a separate area for younger children, however they cannot directly participate with the enrolled children.

What is the tuition?

Tuition is $100 / month ($900 for the entire year) which covers supplies and facility costs. There is a $100 non-refundable registration fee which will be applied to tuition if the child is accepted. However, if there is not enough space left in the program, the fee will be fully refunded.

Are scholarships available?

Families with qualifying financial situations may have part or all of the tuition waived.