History
Farmers’ Dell Co-operative Preschool opened its doors on October 27, 1972 and has continued to serve the Binbrook, Mount Hope, Stoney Creek and York communities. The school has moved to several locations over the years including the Kinsmen Hall, Hannon School, Tapleytown School, and Bellstone School. However, in 1989, the school moved back to its original location in the Woodburn Centennial Hall and has remained there since.
We have seen many changes as the school has evolved from the original opening when children were bussed or carpooled throughout Glanbrook. In September 1983, Farmers’ Dell became a non-transportation school due to the rising cost of bussing. Other changes have occurred to order to meet the needs of parents and children, such as building the playground (1990), offering flexible enrolment (2003), JK/SK Enrichment (2006) and JK Readiness (2008).
The school faced one of its biggest challenges when the Board of Education introduced Junior Kindergarten. That year, the school had only 6 children enrolled, operating 4 mornings/week. The school almost closed. However, in 2001-2002, as a result of a strong advertising campaign, the enrolment increased to 22 children.
In December 2001, the preschool hosted its 1st Breakfast with Santa. It has now become an annual event that people look forward to attending. We serve over 280 attendees all-you-can-eat breakfast while they visit with Santa, try their luck at the children’s penny sale, have their faces painted or get a balloon animal made. This event has been successful in raising funds for the school, but more importantly, it has increased the community’s awareness of the preschool.
As a result of promotion and the development of Binbrook and Elfrida, Farmers’ Dell Co-op Preschool has grown significantly. In 2007-2008, we reached a membership of 43 parents. With the increase in demand for preschool education, the school will commence operating 5 mornings/week and 4 afternoons/week in September 2009.
With the introduction of full-day learning for JK and SK children, the JK/SK Enrichment program was cancelled in 2010. As a result, in September 2010, the preschool re-introduced the Toddler Program to meet the demand for a structured program for younger children. As well, the school now offers enhanced learning programs which focus on the children’s individual needs - either preparing for Kindergarten, enhancing what is being taught in Kindergarten or providing an alternative for parents who do not wish to enroll their children in the Full Day Learning Kindergarten.
A co-operative preschool is a place where parents work together to achieve the goals of the school. The school’s success depends upon the involvement of the parent members who actively participate in classroom activities, and assume important roles in the management of the school.
In return, parent members are able to share in their child’s learning experience and create a memory that will last forever. You are able to witness your child’s development, see how they interact with other children, and influence changes that you would like to see in the school.
Since the members work together with the Early Childhood Educator, it allows the school to offer quality education while keeping our rates low and affordable.
| Licensed Capacity: | 16 children per class (ages 27 mths – 5 yrs); or 10 toddler children per class (ages 18 mths – 30 mths) |
| Adult/Child ratio: | 1:6 maximum |
| School Year: | - Classes commence 1st week after Labour Day and
continue until 3rd week of June. - Regular classes are not offered during the summer. - The school observes a 2-week break at Christmas and 1-week break in March (coinciding with the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board schedule) - Summer camps are offered in July and August from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. |
| Class Times: | A.M. Classes 9:00 – 11:30 Monday to Friday P.M. Classes 12:30 – 3:00 Tuesday to Friday |
| Enrollment: | Enrollment commences in April for the upcoming school year starting in September. Enrollment can continue throughout the year when classes are not full. A waiting list is created (max 1 year in advance) and you will be notified when a spot becomes available. |
Each child is a unique person. A child needs play, as play is an important avenue for learning and enjoyment. A child needs to feel free to express attitudes and feelings, as they are important to learning and healthy personality growth. Our school provides children with a stimulating, safe, healthy and fun environment. By interacting in this environment, the child will gain self-esteem and confidence, as well as self-control, with the help of teacher guidance. The child will also grow in all areas of development (physical, intellectual, language, emotional and social).
Farmers’ Dell Co-operative Preschool is committed to sharing the learning experience with children and their families as a co-operative preschool within the rural community. We respect each child and their family for the unique individual that they are, while providing a positive experience.
Your child will:
Member parents can expect to:
We understand that some families are not able to perform classroom duty days and we offer limited non-duty memberships for a slightly higher cost.
Throughout the year, your child will benefit from participating in a program that is based on children learning through play. You will see your child develop in the following areas:
Being a member of a co-op offers a unique experience for parents.
The benefits are numerous, including:
Farmers’ Dell offers a fully enclosed playground which conforms to
the current CSA Standards for safety. Playground is inspected daily by
teacher, monthly by a volunteer parent and annually by an independent,
qualified playground inspector. 