What We Do:
The Early Learning Co-op is a multi-generational learning community located in Richland, Washington. Our program includes both children and parents / caregivers. The environment and activities are designed with children ages one, two, and three+ in mind. The co-op is both family-friendly and family-centered. While the activities are intended for children ages 12-36+ months, children in attendance might be older or younger than this age range. We welcome families to come and learn together. We empower parents and caregivers with opportunities to master child development, parenting strategies, and leadership skills for the classroom and beyond.
We are a caring, intentional, inclusive early learning community. We are committed to supporting the education of young children by working closely with families and caregivers. Parents are welcomed, valued, and appreciated as the children's first and most important teachers. Our classroom is a safe, creative learning laboratory that supports the children's cognitive, physical, social, and emotional growth. Our curriculum spirals and stretches to accommodate and strengthen children's rapidly growing minds and bodies.
Philosophy
Children are born ready to learn, love, and be loved. They are natural scientists who are driven to question, experiment and discover. Children need people who love and care for them as well as a safe environment that encourages thinking, play, and exploration.
Families are at the heart of young children's learning and development. In appreciation of the central role family members play in early childhood experiences and development, parents (and/or caregivers) and teachers work together to design learning experiences and contexts.
Parenting (and care-giving) is the hardest and most important job we will ever have. It's something we can't ever fully prepare for ahead of time, nor should we try to accomplish it alone. We are a supportive program that aims to foster the education and development of both children and the people who love and care for them.
Teachers
Classes are taught by Eileen Harbertson, Dani Clingman-Lenz, and Stephanie Dahl. Dani has many years of experience working with children and has a passion for supporting parents as they work through the various stages of parenthood. She brings a genuine respect for young children, deep knowledge of child development, and excellent strategies for child guidance. Stephanie is certified as an early childhood generalist and holds a MA in education as well as a BA in psychology. She is passionate about designing educational spaces and learning experiences that are accessible and beneficial to children at a wide variety of ages and stages.
Continuing Education
Our teachers are lifelong learners, too! Here is a snapshot of our ongoing learning:
Stephanie:
- Early Childhood Education Endorsement, Elementary School Endorsement, and Washington State Teaching Certification (2000-2005, 2005-2015, 2014-2019, 2019-2023)
- Executive Function Summit (2019)
- Early Childhood: Family-Centered Services (2019)
- Language Acquisition for ESL Students (2019)
- Early Childhood: Typical and Atypical Development (2014)
- National Board Certification (2005)
- Master's of Arts in Teaching, Pre-K - 8, University of Puget Sound (2000)
- Bachelor's in Psychology, University of Puget Sound (1999)
History
Parent Education programs began at Washington State Community and Technical Colleges in 1938. Our co-op traces its history back to 1973, when it was first held at Columbia Basin College. In 2011, a team of teachers from CBC brought the program to Richland. We have held classes through Richland Parks and Recreation since that time. Beginning in September 2018, we will have class at the Northwest United Protestant Church! We wanted a more private location with a safer outdoor play space and the church has a perfect classroom. We're not a religious education program, nor are we a a church preschool. Although the location of co-op has changed over the years, our mission is still elevating the quality of early education for our community's youngest children and their families.