Williamsburg Parent Cooperative Preschool

The 4 and 5 Year Old at Co-op

The goal of the 4 and 5 year old classes is to encourage independence and kindergarten readiness. It is a year of talking to each other, resolving conflicts, taking turns, giving as well as taking, and exploring the community with a variety of field trips. We design a program to provide: Thematic curriculum based on seasons, holidays, friends, family, community, and science Circle-time incorporates the calendar, weather, and continual building of phonemic awareness with the introduction of the alphabet Open-ended and child-centered craft opportunities to learn to make choices encourage creativity, and exploring different mediums Classroom cooking and science experiments to foster measuring, counting and the senses Dramatic play and dress-ups to stimulate role-playing and storytelling Manipulatives and blocks for small motor skills, writing skills, and reading skills Music and books to exercise our physical bodies and brains Sharing time promotes communication and confidence by bringing something from home and sharing it An up-to-date, safe, and exciting playground with climbing, sliding, swinging, riding, digging, and riding opportunities We provide a diverse curriculum with an emphasis on fair play, community, and respect for each other. Our 4’s and 5’s Teachers
Emma McMillan I come from a business background with various business jobs such as cost accountant. I began my preschool career by substituting at my children’s preschool in Phoenix, AZ. The preschool transitioned into a Parent Participation Preschool in 1986. I was offered a four-year-old teacher position with two parents helping in the classroom. I attended teacher training workshops and classes during my four years in Phoenix. Our family moved to Williamsburg in 1990 and I became an avid volunteer at Waller Mill Elementary where my children attended. I was hired as a Special Education aide for one year before the opportunity to apply at the Williamsburg Co-op arose. I received the 4 day 4’s & 5’s position in 1992 and have enjoyed four year olds for 15 years. I continue to attend early childhood conference workshops as well as having received training as an “observer” for Preschool Partners, an organization, created in Newport News, VA to help early childhood programs meet the needs of preschoolers.

Lori Wright When thinking of a career path, working with children always came to the forefront. While at Virginia Tech, though, I diverted towards a business degree. After graduating, I worked for five years before I realized that teaching children is what I really wanted to do! I returned to school and received my certification in Early Childhood and Elementary Education. My husband accepted a job at NASA, and we chose to live in Williamsburg. In 1989, I was hired by the Co-op to teach the afternoon classes. Little did I know how much I would love working with the children and parents all of these years. Every day is an adventure when teaching four and five year olds. You never know what they are going to say, which always brings a smile to one’s face! Their opportunities to play, create, interact and have fun are all developmentally appropriate in accordance with exactly what I was taught in my schooling. I have such fondness for the parents that I have worked with throughout the years. Watching parents create solid and life-long friendships is such a benefit at Co-op. Preschoolers are delightful, but challenging. Having friends to talk with is so helpful during this period of time. The support of all my wonderful co-workers, the commitment of the parents, and the preciousness of my four year olds have made Co-op a great place to work. I continue to learn every day I am here.

Lisa Old I was born and raised in California. I graduated from the University of California at Santa Barbara and worked as a reporter and editor in Los Angeles before moving to northern Virginia. I have two children, a daughter, Sarah, who loves horses, and a son, Ryan, who loves making music. My husband, Hunter, is an attorney here in Williamsburg. After having children, I decided to change careers so I studied early childhood education and began teaching preschool. My favorite age of children is definitely these early years, particularly the 4- and 5-year-olds. I have the pleasure of playing with an exuberant group of boys and girls three afternoons a week, sharing in their delight as they discover the world around them through play. Watching these children learn to play cooperatively with each other, get their hands dirty in arts and crafts, and run wild on the playground makes this the best job in the world.

4’s and 5’s Classes:
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 9:00-12:00
Monday, Wednesday, Friday 1:00-4:00