Careers

Poe Cooperative Nursery School (Poe Co) is a child centered program that aims to foster the love of learning through nature and play. Since 1974, Poe Co has offered a play based learning environment designed to foster creativity, confidence and independence. This environment supports the developing child’s social, emotional, physical, and intellectual growth in a manner specific to the needs of each student. Trained teachers and assistants structure the school environment to support independent learning. Thoughtfully designed centers of concurrent activities provide children with a choice of learning opportunities and provide educators with ample teaching opportunities in our intimate classroom. Our curriculum is developmentally based and incorporates the principles of the Rice University School Literacy and Culture Project and the Arbor Day Nature Explore Outdoor Classroom. Children are encouraged to select their own activities, express themselves, and explore materials. As a parent run cooperative, the work of running the school is shared, giving parents a unique opportunity to be involved at a fundamental level in the early education of their child.

In 1991, Poe Co was the first parent cooperative in the country to receive accreditation by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (N.A.E.Y.C.). We have been re-accredited every year since. The Poe Co Director, Board of Directors and teaching staff work diligently to make sure the program meets state standards and N.A.E.Y.C.’s high standards for developmentally appropriate early childhood education.