Parent Community
Parents in the Classroom
BOCP parents are a true community of people working together, supporting each other and taking ownership of their school.
At BOCP, parents have the opportunity to learn and grow alongside their children. Parents participate firsthand in their children's first exposure to education, setting the stage for their children to feel more secure and confident in the world of education ahead. As a cooperative, parents play a role in all aspects of school management and work alongside each other in the classroom. Parents participate as teaching assistants, refining their knowledge of child development and supporting the children's social and emotional growth through positive support. Parents work in their child's class 2-4 times a month. This involves activities like working a craft table, playground supervision, and helping at circle time. Parents get to know the children and develop relationships with fellow BOCP families, building a strong network of community for themselves and their children.
Beyond the classroom, BOCP parents form a caring community that relies on and trusts each other. Parents come together socially to enjoy the company of one another and they work together to strengthen the school. Parents also participate by taking a light job to help support the teacher outside the classroom. Some examples are washing the aprons and towels once a week, cutting and snipping paper for art projects, making play dough, planning field trips, or using any special skill you may have to offer.
BOCP is a not-for-profit organization run by a board of parent volunteers. Parents may choose to fill a role as the Chair, Treasurer, Secretary, Parent Leader/Scheduler or Registrar in lieu of taking on other jobs outside of the classroom.
BOCP parents are a true community of people working together, supporting each other and taking ownership of their school.
At BOCP, parents have the opportunity to learn and grow alongside their children. Parents participate firsthand in their children's first exposure to education, setting the stage for their children to feel more secure and confident in the world of education ahead. As a cooperative, parents play a role in all aspects of school management and work alongside each other in the classroom. Parents participate as teaching assistants, refining their knowledge of child development and supporting the children's social and emotional growth through positive support. Parents work in their child's class 2-4 times a month. This involves activities like working a craft table, playground supervision, and helping at circle time. Parents get to know the children and develop relationships with fellow BOCP families, building a strong network of community for themselves and their children.
Beyond the classroom, BOCP parents form a caring community that relies on and trusts each other. Parents come together socially to enjoy the company of one another and they work together to strengthen the school. Parents also participate by taking a light job to help support the teacher outside the classroom. Some examples are washing the aprons and towels once a week, cutting and snipping paper for art projects, making play dough, planning field trips, or using any special skill you may have to offer.
BOCP is a not-for-profit organization run by a board of parent volunteers. Parents may choose to fill a role as the Chair, Treasurer, Secretary, Parent Leader/Scheduler or Registrar in lieu of taking on other jobs outside of the classroom.
Educators
Preschool Teacher Maura Donegan Maura Donegan began her extensive teaching career in 1983, focusing primarily on preschool and elementary-level students. This is her 18th year with our preschool. Maura follows the National Association for the Education of Young Children guidelines for developmentally appropriate practice. Her passion and love for teaching young children is evident in her upbeat attitude and innovative classroom activities and projects. Her personal hobbies include embroidery and handwork, reading, and traveling. She is the mother of three grown children. 
Co-Parent Educator Jennifer Watanabe Jennifer has been teaching parenting classes at Bellevue College since 1997. She is a certified Positive Discipline parenting educator. She has vast experience teaching researched-based curriculum focused on child development, temperament, emotion management and the Positive Discipline curriculum. She earned her parenting coaching certification in 2007 from Seattle Pacific University’s Parent Coaching Institute. This coaching approach influences her teaching style: class content is presenting in a way that helps parents to successfully use the positive parenting strategies they have learned. She is passionate about families, including her own. She and her husband are parents to two grown sons. They enjoy traveling and exploring Washington State. Jennifer facilitates our monthly Parent Education classes alongside her co-educator Kerste, which includes lectures, discussions and problem-solving components. Topics are determined by the needs of the parents, but always include normal child development, and effective discipline techniques. Parent conferences are offered twice yearly. She is also available for private, informal consultation. |
Co-Parent Educator Kerste Helms I love teaching and helping parents and children learn more about themselves, their families and the world. I have been teaching children since 1993 and adults since 2009. I have a BA in Elementary Education & History and taught grades K-3 for 6 years before staying home for a few years with my own children. I became familiar with Bellevue College's Co-op Preschools when I enrolled my children and began attending parent education classes as a student. I fell in love with the program and have worked here ever since my youngest child began kindergarten. Together with Jennifer we facilitate our monthly Parent Education classes, which include lecture, discussion, and problem-solving components. Topics are determined by the needs of the parents, but always include child development, temperament and effective discipline techniques. We offer consultations ongoing and Parent/teacher conferences in the spring. When I'm not at school I am active in my church and enjoy gardening, reading, and listening to podcasts. I love living in the Pacific Northwest and try to get out to the beaches, mountains, lakes and parks as much as possible. I live in Bellevue with my husband and dog and enjoy watching my children thrive in college and their individual pursuits. |
Extra Teacher
Learning Environment
Our environment is purposefully and flexibly created to cultivate curiosity and invite the children to engage the materials and activities. We work diligently to set the stage each day, reflecting a mix of emergent curriculum and planned themes. Natural materials create a sense of calm, tranquility, and nurturing. Every resource is carefully considered for its purpose. We hold space for a place to pause and children go to our cozy reading spot for slowing down, soothing sore feelings, and enjoying quality literature,
Learning Environment
Our environment is purposefully and flexibly created to cultivate curiosity and invite the children to engage the materials and activities. We work diligently to set the stage each day, reflecting a mix of emergent curriculum and planned themes. Natural materials create a sense of calm, tranquility, and nurturing. Every resource is carefully considered for its purpose. We hold space for a place to pause and children go to our cozy reading spot for slowing down, soothing sore feelings, and enjoying quality literature,
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Children are miracles.
We must remember it is our job;
To create,
With reverence and gratitude,
A space that is
worthy of a miracle.
-Anita Rui Olds
We must remember it is our job;
To create,
With reverence and gratitude,
A space that is
worthy of a miracle.
-Anita Rui Olds
Last updated May 12, 2021
