Rustic Canyon Parents Nursery School, Santa Monica

Rustic Canyon Parents Nursery School was first organized in 1950 and was given use of the facility before it became a park. The school was organized by a group of local parents to provide a participation experience for themselves and their children. Now, in collaboration with Los Angeles City Parks and Recreation, Rustic Canyon Park provides the facilities for the school. This school was incorporated in 1956 as a nonprofit educational corporation that is licensed by the State of California. Now, more than sixty years later, that tradition still lies at the heart of all we do. By choosing a cooperative preschool, parents make a commitment to participate in their child's preschool program. This involvement will prove invaluable to our children as it is carried on throughout the elementary levels of education and beyond. We are a parent participation school. A parent, step-parent, legal guardian or grandparent must participate. Currently, one parent of each child must work approximately one day per month at school during school hours. Tasks are at the periphery of the two teachers conducting the class. However, interaction with the children is very much part of the parent’s role while a “stay parent” for the day. Parents must attend all parent meetings held approximately once a month during the school year, and they must accept a committee position or hold a position on the Board of Directors. There are clean-up days during the year, one of which parents must partake in. And, of course, school fundraisers should be supported in some manner.