Bonney Lake preschool has new name, new location

Published 12:50 am Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Bonney Lake Cooperative Preschool has a new name – and a new location.

The organization, which had been meeting in Finn Hall in the Bonney Lake/Buckley area, is now known as Plateau Kids Cooperative Preschool and will start the academic year in its new facility at Wickersham Elementary in Buckley, said Shannon Slish, a parent member.

Tina McCorkle will serve as head teacher and comes to the organization with 18 years’ experience in preschool education.

McCorkle said she is thrilled with the school’s new location.

“I have always loved the layout of the school and I am very excited to be a part of this year’s move to such a wonderful facility,” she said. “Parents and children will be thrilled with the spacious classroom and availability for outdoor activities, as well as a gymnasium for fun, gross motor activities – even on a rainy day.”

The preschool’s strength relies on the support of its members.

“There’s a board of volunteer parents who hold different positions that help the school function as it should,” she said. “It’s a team effort.”

With the help of parents working in classrooms and the guidance of a parent educator through Bates Technical College, the co-op can provide parents “a wonderful opportunity to participate in their child’s growth and development with a sense of community and support,” McCorkle said.

She said families who desire a quality pre-school education – but may be experiencing financial difficulties – can reap benefits from the school.

“They rotate time working in the classroom among other things and this keeps the expenses down,” McCorkle said. “Parents will find this is an affordable and educational experience for the whole family.”

Classes offered for the 2009-2010 school year include:

• preschool classes for 2- to 5-year-olds;

• two Bates-affiliated parent/child programs for infants – one for up to 12 months and the other, 12 to 24 months;

• toddlers’ class meets from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Tuesday and Thursday and children must be 2 by Aug. 31. Tuition is $43 per month;

• juniors’ class meets from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Monday and Wednesday and children must be 3 by Aug. 31. Tuition is $48 per month;

• pre-kindergarten class meets from 12:15 to 2:45 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Thursday and children must be 4 by Aug. 31. Tuition is $74 per month.

Registration is open and an open-house will be celebrated from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Aug. 13 at the new site, located at 250 W. Main St. in Buckley. Visitors will have the opportunity to tour classrooms, meet the teacher and enjoy refreshments.

For more information call 253-862-3833.

To comment on this story view it online at www.blscourierherald. Reach Judy Halone at jhalone@cmg-northwest2.go-vip.net/courierherald or 360-802-8210.