Local Nursery School Focuses on Strong Self-Image, Positive Environment

is a private, non-profit and non-religious nursery school located in . The organization has been established since 1960. Here, we chat with director Suzanne Dionne.

Q: Tell us a little bit about the organization - what is the mission?

A: Central Co-Op is a non-profit, incorporated, parent cooperative nursery school program. Co-Operative education gives parents the unique opportunity to actively participate in their child's education. The Co-Op's main goal and philosophy is to develop in each child a strong self image and a positive attitude towards the learning process.

The Co-Op is not run like a typical school. It is governed by a Board of Directors, the parents, who work hand in hand with me to make any decisions that are not part of the everyday running of the school. My role is to see that the school is running in accordance with the standards of Early Education and Care and that the children are safe, happy and well cared for and that the teachers continue to educate themselves on the newest learning techniques.

Q:  What is it like to run an organization like this? Why are you passionate about it, what is your favorite part?

A: I love my job. I am very fortunate to be able to work with not only the children but their families. I believe whole heartedly that if a child is able to begin his/her educational experience in an environment where it is important to their family ,that that child will embrace all that learning has to offer. Being a Co-Op gives us that opportunity to show the children that we do care and so do their parents and grandparents and any other adult who is fortunate enough to be able to participate in our program.

Q: What has your experience been like as a non-profit director in town? Have people in Chelmsford been supportive?

A: Being a non profit we are very dependent on our enrollment and our fundraising. We do reach out to the community quite a bit when we are hosting our annual Spaghetti dinner and Pancake breakfast... They are always very supportive and willing to donate. The best part of being a Co-Op is that the parents are always willing to lend their talents.. Just this week while we are on vacation Castle Complements has been hard at work painting the classrooms, bathrooms, and the hallways. They are donating all of there time and all of the materials... It is this type of community that makes us so special.

Q: What would you say to potential parents/clients who are looking at your nursery school? What is the atmosphere like at Central Co-op?

A: The Co-Op is a wonderful place for a child to begin his/her education. We are a family of dedicated teachers, involved parents, and growing children who work and play together. Because the parents are so involved in the daily activities, the Co-Op is a very warm and inviting place...  every morning and afternoon, you can find parent volunteers greeting/ dismissing the children and other parents at the door  and we offer a carpool service for parents with small children that aren't always able to come inside to drop their preschoolers off.
When the children love coming to school and the teachers love teaching.... you have the ingredients for an amazing start towards learning.