Our family has spent 7 wonderful years at Explorer. We have been lucky enough to have in been enrolled in every class over the years. The teachers are experienced, loving, kind, and develop curriculum that is developmentally appropriate for the ages of each class. Almost every class has 2 teachers, which is a huge bonus. The lead teachers having 20 or more years of experience really shines through in all they do. All of the teacher aide's are also exceptional and have a large base of knowledge that enhances the lead teacher. 

The parent education component is just as stellar as the child's education. Over the years I have had exposure to outstanding speakers at our monthly parent education classes. There is always something new to learn or a tid-bit that I can bring home to enhance our parenting. Our teachers provide endless amounts of parent education both in the classroom and during our monthly meetings. They are always ready and willing to help you work through the struggles and successes of parenthood of the preschool age group. 

There are a number of requirements, however the school does it's best to work with you to help your family succeed completing all that is needed to be done. Explorer is run by volunteers and the model in place is top notch. The community is supportive, collaborative, and positive. We will have many life long friends from Explorer. This school is a unique gem and I wish everyone could experience it.

I spent six amazing years at Explorer with my 2 children and have been in the Together Time program all the way to PreK (4Day). Professionally, I am a licensed MFT and my focus is on work with children and families so my interests are in social-emotional learning and education. What initially drew me to Explorer was their educational philosophy and convenient location. I was also looking forward to continuing to work on my own parenting skills while giving my children the gift of an early love for learning and maybe making some connections with other local parents along the way. I didn't know anyone at the school to start and I tend to fall on the introverted side so am more of an observer first and action taker only after I'm more comfortable. When I first joined Explorer, I really had no idea that the community here would play such a wonderful role in our lives and come to mean so much to us.

I will start by saying that on paper, Explorer checks all the preschool boxes:

• An experienced (60+ years), well organized and established educational program

• All dedicated and well qualified teachers with long ties to the school and community

• High quality and developmentally appropriate education - they are NAEYC accredited which is a big accomplishment and and isn't standard for all preschools

While the early education is indeed excellent, it is not the only notable aspect of the school and families do not end up choosing Explorer for that alone. For those new to the co-op model (like I was), you quickly learn that this type of program is a whole package and works with the parents as much as it does with their children. This is not a drop-off/staff handle everything model, it is a parent participation school and with the exception of the teaching, co-ops schools are parent run and each family has a role in helping it run. I have now seen the inner workings of Explorer and ALL the effort and dedication by the teachers and Board of Directors that goes on behind the scenes. While things may seem simple on the outside, there is an amazing amount of thought and consideration that goes into every tiny detail and seeing it in action really puts into perspective how well-run this school is. Of course, being parent led, the community is constantly changing and adapting as new families join and old families graduate out. In my experience, I have found that the teachers and Board are very open to feedback and are always seeking to improve policies to better meet the needs of families. If you're interested in a leadership role, positions on the Board open up each year and that's a great way to get involved if you're looking to make a bigger impact.

In short, my best advice for making this a great experience? Lean in and be part of the school community. Partner with the teachers, ask for and give help, and really get to know the other parents and children. It took me an entire school year to figure this out. This community is filled with some truly amazing children and families that have so many wonderful gifts to share. Making those connections with the teachers and families and having the shared experience of handling the ups and downs of parenting together has really been the best gift.

I was first introduced to a parent co-op preschool through a play date in Summer 2018. Since both my kids are super attached to me (major separation anxiety) and have never really played too much with other kids, I thought that a parent co-op preschool could help them be more social with other kids their own age and be more confident. I found Explorer Preschool on Yelp and their website noted that they were still accepting new registrations. We registered with Explorer late this past fall 2018 but were able to get in to the Tuesday Together Time class for my daughter (1.5 yrs old at the time) and in the Tuesday-Thursday class for my son (3 yrs old).

In the early part of the school year, my son was stuck like glue to me during the days I was in school. For the days I wasn't in school, he cried...a lot. But after about a month or so, he stopped crying and when I dropped him off, I would tell him "have a great day!" and he would say "ok mom bye bye" and run off to play. Needless to say, he found a family outside our family with not only Teacher Konne, Teacher Jenell, Teacher Janet, and the students but also with the parents working at the school. My daughter is young and still needs work on her confidence, but towards the end of the school year she was giving big hugs to Teacher Annie and Teacher Paula, and did start making connections with other kids and perhaps the parents in the class. We've definitely signed up for summer school at Explorer and are continuing on for more fun next year. My daughter will be in Monday-Wednesday 2's and my son will be in 4Day.

The teachers at Explorer are wonderful, well experienced and educated, and always stay up to date with current early education methods. As a parent participation school, I thought the work and expectations required from each family was fair and reasonable. Parent education classes are required to be attended, however I learned a lot from the classes not only from the speakers but also from the parent interactions in the classes. The Explorer family will also accommodate for your needs. Early this year my husband was diagnosed with Stage 4 Lymphoma and was prescribed to at least 6 months of chemotherapy.  Our family was given time off from required workdays until things settle down. We were given so much support for this time of family crisis that I feel so much that we are a big part of the the Explorer family.

This was my family's first year at Explorer. Our oldest, 3.5 years old, attends on Tuesdays and Thursdays. He loves the outdoor equipment and playhouse, the mailbox in the literacy room, the water feature in the sandpit, and all the instruments and books in circle time. He had attended another preschool, but once he moved in to their 3 year old classroom, he wasn't happy. Watching him thriving at Explorer thrills me. Our youngest, 18 months, does Together Time with me on Tuesdays. He loves the outdoor kitchen and the sensory play area. Both kids are so happy here and it is wonderful to watch their confidence grow. I think that the biggest difference for our family though has been the sense of community and the parent education offerings. My husband enjoys going to the evening workshops and I love having so many opportunities to learn from and connect with other parents. I couldn't be happier with our experience here.

Searching for a preschool for your child is quite a process. I researched approximately 20 different local preschools - reading reviews online, attending open houses, talking to staff/parents. I knew I was looking for a co-op preschool since my daughter was just 2 years old and I wanted to remain a strong influence in her education, growth and development. As a parent it is amazing at the choices available when searching for the right preschool. After considering the necessities of a safe, clean, stable, educational environment, I really wanted a school where she could learn from her peers, teacher and yes, still a little from mom.

I stumbled across an Explorer booth at the Las Madres School Faire and instantly I knew this was the top contender. I immediately applied and noted the open house on my calendar. My eggs were all in one basket. I was ecstatic when we were accepted into the Friday 2's class. The school, lesson plans, teachers, moms and students have all surpassed any expectations I had entering the preschool world.

There is a lot of strength behind the community unity when all parents choose to be invested in their children's education. My daughter and I have truly thrived attending Explorer.

We started our daughter at Explorer last Fall when she was 15 months. Another mommy who I really trust recommended this fine school, and I also did extensive research. We wanted a program to engage her and encourage her. She wasn't yet walking when school started in September but she still was able to engage. When she started walking, we liked the environment and Teacher Annie so much that they found a way to add us to a second day. She goes twice a week with me for 90 minutes which is a perfect amount of time.

She loves Circle Time at the end of class which is different each time but has enough predictability and repetition that she gets excited.

The mothers you meet in this class will be long time friends. Everybody is incredibly nurturing and helpful, I never worry about anything.

She will continue this summer with their one month summer program which incorporates more water play and outdoor activities, and then she will continue into the 2s class in the fall.

We are very grateful to Explorer, especially Teacher Annie. My daughter has prospered here and I've learned so much about her and developed great friendships with wonderful moms to boot!

Wife: "Honey, we've decided that Karissa will be attending Explorer Preschool this year."

Me: "Yes Dear"

Wife: "It's a Co-op Parent Participation School, which offers kids the wonderful opportunity to be introduced to a school classroom  and outdoor setting that fosters healthy learning and social skills through play and exploration of nature!"

Me: "That's really great Honey"

Wife: "You'll be the Working Parent, so you'll be required to work in the classroom, preparing meals, cleaning restrooms, vacuuming, sterilizing toys, supervising play outdoors, knee-deep inside a creek, and so on "

Me: "That's sounds like fun Honey...wait, what?"

"Clueless Dad", that was my official self-imposed title during our first 2 wonderful years at Explorer Preschool.  Our daughter Karissa began her first day at Explorer as a 3 yr old, me as a 43 yr old.  On the first day of school I signed Karissa in and began putting on a blue apron with a number 2 on it.  It was my first time donning an apron and as I struggled with the rear ties, I looked around and noticed something different about the other working parents and teachers.  Apparently I was the only one that needed to shave north of the neckline before coming in.  No problem, I could handle being in a room with 7 or 8 women and 20 preschoolers.  Then I wondered what they would think of me being there.  Would it be uncomfortable for them, the teachers or the kids?  From the jump, many of my fears and discomfort were alleviated by Teacher Jackie's pat on the back and in her soft English accent, "You'll do just fine Nick."  The moms in the class also made me feel like one of the family and never out of place.  As a new dad I had a lot to learn in all areas of parenting and it was at this point that I told myself that I was going to allow myself to learn from every one of these parents and teachers to help me become the best possible dad.  Wednesdays were my days to work in the classroom, as that was my day off in my "other job".  I completed my daily tasks as outlined in the little laminated card which I carried in my front apron pocket like a kangaroo carries it's young.  I cleaned restrooms and vacuumed and took out trash...but I also helped kids make rockets, paint Valentines, create ornaments, build haunted houses, fly kites, explore the creek, play football, soccer, rehearse musicals, make burritos, quesadillas, BBQ hot dogs, and so many other enjoyable activities that I could write for days about them.  I also watched in amazement as Teachers Konne and Jackie always had the right response to each and every child's behavior- each remark, action, or conflict..always keeping calm and maintaining the peace while acknowledging every child and never letting them feel ignored or hurt.  When they would catch me trying to do too much for a student, like putting on a shoe, or cleaning up a mess, Jackie or Konne would whisper "Let them solve it on their own Nick, they can do it, let them show you."  I was in awe. 
Karissa's last day at Explorer was an emotional one for us.  We said goodbye, wishing it didn't have to end and Karissa was an only child..until she wasn't and her baby "bother" Evan came along...then we got to do it all over again with Evan! 

When I think of the alternatives that some families opt for, such as drop off day care/preschools for example, I think of how fortunate we were to find Explorer (OK my wife found).  I'm sure there are some top notch programs out there, but I treasure each and every memory from every moment I was able to spend at Explorer.  Our kids are only kids once and for a very short time that just flies by in the blink of an eye.  I am so very grateful to Explorer Preschool, both teachers and parents, for allowing us the opportunity to share in the rich experience of being at school where we both played, learned and grew