Remember the days when you and your friends talked about your young children? You exchanged stories of toilet-training, first day of school and birthday parties. For some of you, that was many years ago. Now you talk about weddings, grandchildren and your children's careers. Or maybe this is what your parents talked about and you are just starting the glorious process of child rearing. You may have different stories now, but the same friends.

Many of you met some of your friends while your children were in preschool, a co-operative preschool, to be exact. Busy parents often find the concept of participating in their child's preschool to be overwhelming and don't even consider the option. However, before excluding the thought of being much involved in your little one's school, consider the benefits.

Parent Co-operative Preschools are run by the parents. In these schools there are various levels of participation available. You may choose to participate in the administration of the school by sitting on the board of directors or a committee. You can be in the class with your child once or twice a month. Or you can receive the newsletter and take advantage of evening social events with other parents. Research shows that parent involvement is a major factor in a child's success. The parents who start participating with their children at the preschool or daycare level, continue to do so through elementary and high school.

The children are engaged in a quality program with a qualified teacher. Teachers who choose a co-operative school bring an appreciation for the role of parents into the school situation. They are not only committed to quality early childhood education, they are committed to partnering with parents to make the experience for all parties the best it can be.

There are demands made on your time, but the level of participation can be geared to suit your schedule. So you can choose a school that will work for you. Being involved in your child's education benefits both you and the child. It's the very demands of participation which make the experience so worthwhile. You will meet other parents who share many of your values about the importance of quality parenting, learn more about child-raising and work with like-minded and usually nice people toward joint goals. And, you will make friends for life.

Some of the advantages are: You have direct input into the running and philosophy of the preschool, you can watch your child with others of the same age and see how he or she fits with his age group, it's less expensive than standard pre-schools, you'll meet other parents which reduces the isolation and loneliness often experienced by parents of preschoolers, you'll work with parents who share your basic philosophy of involvement with your child, the teacher is readily available for advice and information about your child and you'll make lifetime friendships.

Check your yellow-pages for co-op preschools near you!