About the Program
For a quick overview of Bellevue College Crossroads Co-op Preschool, download our handy information sheet.
You can also learn more about the school's child-centered philosophy from our teacher Maura Donegan. And read articles about play-based childhood education on our links page.
The Bellevue College Crossroads Co-op Preschool is a non-profit organization governed by an elected board of parents. Our preschool welcomes students of any race, religion, nationality, and ethnic origin. Through music, rhythm, art, literature, and free play, we encourage each child to grow creatively and socially. Our atmosphere of security, acceptance, and caring enables intellectual, social, and physical growth to take place.
Our preschool provides the following benefits:
- High adult to child ratio (1:4 or better)
- Healthy and safe environment
- Low tuition rates
- Field trips once or twice a month
- Parental involvement
- Parenting classes and resources from early childhood professionals
- Environment for both parents and children to form new friendships with peers
- Opportunity to learn, observe, share, and practice techniques for working with young children
We are a multi-age Bellevue College Co-operative Preschool in Bellevue. Three, four, and five year-olds are together in one classroom. We offer families the flexibility to chose the days of the week their child will attend school.
By enrolling your child in our program, you become a college student, spending time each month assisting in the preschool. Parents support the program through committee assignments, facility maintenance, or serving on our board of directors. Parents also attend one Parent Education class each month, held at the preschool. This participation is fun, educational, rewarding, and helps keep costs to a minimum.
A Nurturing & Stimulating Environment!
About the Teachers
Maura Donegan
Maura Donegan began her extensive teaching career in 1983, focusing primarily on preschool and elementary-level students. This is her 14th 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.
Our Parent Education Instructor,
Gayne Phillips
Gayne began as an Instructor for Bellevue College's Parent Education Program in 1989. In addition, she was a children’s teacher in a variety of Bellevue College's preschool programs for 14 years. That experience enables her to effectively assist the teacher, the children, and the working parents when she attends our preschool class twice a week.
Gayne holds two degrees from Washington State University; a B.A. in Home Economics from the Child & Family Studies Department, and an M.A. in Child Development. She is the mother of two grown daughters, and first became associated with BC Parent Education as a parent herself, in 1981.
Gayne facilitates 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 normal child development, and effective discipline techniques. Parent conferences are offered in the spring. She is also available for private, informal consultation.
