FAQ

What is a cooperative preschool?

At Kiddie Kampus, families contribute a combination of tuition and volunteer time to meet the needs of the school. We are able to provide so many fun, enriching experiences for the kids thanks to the support and hard work from our community. Parents work with the teachers to do everything from coordinating field trips and fundraisers to stocking the library. Participating in a co-op preschool can be very rewarding for students and parents alike. Learn more about why families choose our co-op preschool here.  

What is the adult-to-student ratio?

Roughly 1:3. On a typical day there are 2 teachers, 4-5 parents, and at most 21-22 students in the classroom.

Is food provided?

Kiddie Kampus does not provide meals -- students bring their own snacks and lunches from home.  We will advise all families of any existing food allergies prior to the beginning of the school year.

What does the co-op time commitment look like?

Kiddie Kampus parents spend one day per week supporting the teachers in the classroom during the Morning Program. On a parent's designated work day, they arrive by 8:45 am to help set up and stay until around 12:30 pm to clean up and debrief. Additionally, families take on a Helper Position (event planner, art docent, gardener, etc.), participate at Kiddie Kampus events, assist with school maintenance, contribute one Parent Participation Project of their choice, and attend a monthly school-wide meeting. Please visit Tuition & Participation for more information.

Can more than one parent /caregiver share a family's classroom volunteering responsibilities?

Yes! We love to have the whole family involved.  Caregivers are all welcome to participate towards a family's participation requirements as long as they have attended a Kiddie Kampus orientation session and submitted the immunizations and TB clearance required by the State of California, as well as proof of vaccination against COVID-19.

Does Kiddie Kampus run through the summer?

Kiddie Kampus runs August-June, closely following the Alameda Unified School District's school calendar for start, end, and holiday dates. We do not offer summer programs at this time. 

How many days per week will my child attend the Morning Program?

At Kiddie Kampus, children who are 2 years 9 months old by August 1 attend 3 days per week, and children who are 3 years 9 months old by August 1 have the option to attend 4 days per week. Sometimes we are able to offer 5 attending days per week to older students but it varies year to year and is not guaranteed.

If I have siblings or twins/multiples attending concurrently, will I need to do double or triple the commitments?

Kiddie Kampus relies on a certain number of participating families to ensure there are enough people to fill all of the necessary positions to keep the school running smoothly.  If you are parents to multiples or concurrent siblings, you may be asked to fulfill two working days.  You will only participate in one maintenance day and contribute one family helper position.

Is there an option to attend full-time? 

We do not currently offer a full-time option. Learn more about our weekly schedule here

Is my child eligible to attend Kiddie Kampus?

Children must turn 2 years 9 months old by August 1 of the school year that they will attend, and be potty-trained and immunized by the first day of school. Kiddie Kampus families must also be able to fulfill the tuition & participation requirements.  

When can I apply?

The earliest that families can apply is during the application period preceding the first school year their child is eligible for. All families (including alumni who have missed more than one full school year) must attend a tour before applying.  The application period begins in January following the year's first tour, and closes in early March. After the application period, families are welcome to apply to join the Wait Pool. We are often able to offer spots to people in the Wait Pool over the summer and even during the school year. 

If your child is too young to apply but you are interested in the school you are welcome to join us on a tour.

Sounds great! How do I apply?

The first step is to attend a tour. Once you've taken a tour you are eligible to apply. Please visit our Enrollment page for more information about our admissions process.

How can I learn more about Kiddie Kampus?

If you are interested in learning more about our school, please sign up for a tour or send us an email. We look forward to meeting you!