About Us

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	Ruth Washburn Cooperative Nursery School is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing children two-and-a-half through five years of age with an enriching preschool experience.
	Philosophy
	Ruth Washburn Cooperative Nursery School: is open to all regardless of race, religion, sexual preference, or ethnic background lets parents and children learn together schedules individual conferences between parents and teachers has a warm, friendly atmosphere keeps class size small offers extended care is non-profit has scholarships available
	The school provides an atmosphere in which a child's emotional, physical, social and cognitive needs are carefully nurtured. The school helps children to develop and sustain a positive self-image and the ability to engage in caring interaction with others.
	Through small class size and a wide variety of materials, music, art, movement and dramatic play, the children are invited to creatively explore the world and discover how to uniquely express themselves. Teachers guide and facilitate activities, allowing children to make their own choices and direct their own work.
	The school is organized as a cooperative, in the belief that its educational aims can best be accomplished with the active presence of parents with the school.
	Parents assist in the classroom and take responsibility for the maintenance, governance, and financial well-being of the school, while the school, in turn, provides opportunities for parent education and support.
	This blending of school and family life eases the child's transition to the world beyond the family and creates a cooperative community dedicated to providing the richest, most caring environment possible for children.
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	History
	Ruth Washburn Cooperative Nursery School was founded in 1961 by Miriam “Minnow" McPhee Howbert. Until her retirement in 1977, Minnow served as Director for 16 years and remained actively involved until her death in 1989. The school is named for nationally-known child psychologist Dr. Ruth Washburn, Minnow's aunt, because of her support during the school's formative years. Her psychological understanding of each child and belief in each child as a valuable person was an inspiration to early childhood educators throughout the country.
	The school began in 1961 with seven families in the Jerry Jones residence. In 1973, parents located the property and house where the school is presently. The major task of remodeling the building and landscaping the outdoor area was accomplished through parents in their volunteer time.
	A design by two Colorado College art students and parent crews created the exciting, spacious natural environment that is now our playground. In 1990, contributions in Minnow's memory made possible extensive renovation of the building, including the addition of Minnow's Room.
	A garden project, spearheaded by parent Wendy Fay, was initiated in 1999 to further enhance the outdoor curriculum. A grant from the Hillsdale Foundation and additional money from the Giddings Foundation provided the financial base for this undertaking.
	Throughout the history of the school, parents have consistently supported the Cooperative in improving and expanding the program to its present dimensions. Our group of parents and staff seems to form its own kind of community centered around and dedicated to our children's development and happiness.
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	Board of Governors
	The Board of Governors is a group of seven current and two alumni parents of the Cooperative who are elected each April to serve the following year.
	The Board of Governors is responsible for the proper operations of the school legally, as well as ethically and philosophically. Their duties include setting a budget, hiring the Director, hearing parent suggestions, assisting in problem solving and looking at future directions and needs of the school in order to plan effectively for the future.
	Many of these responsibilities are accomplished at one evening meeting a month, although most positions on the Board have other specific responsibilities.
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