What is the educational philosophy of your school?
Our philosophy is based on the concept of an emergent, child-centered, developmentally appropriate practice, inspired by the Reggio Emilia early childhood centers. We work toward fostering the social, emotional, physical, and cognitive needs of children by taking the time to develop a unique relationship with each family and each child that comes to our center. It is important to us to create a nurturing, safe environment that serves as an extension of the home. Each piece of the child’s life, family, environment, school, peers, and teachers, engage in powerful conversations with each other, creating a coherent, integrated learning model throughout the life of the child.  The Family Cooperative has a particular vision of the child as a competent, creative thinker who actively engages in the process of making meaning about the world.  Each aspect of the curriculum relates to this child and emerges out of the interests and pursuits of the children themselves.
how many classrooms do you have?
We currently have three classrooms (Sequoia, Maple and Chestnut Room). We will either have three or four classrooms next year depending on our enrollment needs and state guidelines. The children in each classroom remain there with their cohort for the duration of the school year from August to June. 

how many children are in each classroom?
We can enroll up to seven children in an Infant classroom, nine children in a Toddler classroom and sixteen children in a Preschool classroom. We have chosen to keep our ratios slightly lower this year due to the restrictions that COVID-19 places on our staffing capabilities.
How many teachers are in each classroom?
We have three full time teachers in each classroom, as well as two supporting teachers.

what are your hours and when are you open?
TFC is a school year program that is open from mid-August to mid-June. We are open daily from 7:30-4 and are currently following a staggered and assigned drop-off and pick-up schedule due to COVID-19 restrictions. We have been unable to operate our Extended Day program this year due to COVID-19 restrictions and are unsure about our capability to operate this program for the 2021-2022 school year. We will have more information closer to our start date in Fall 2021.
is snack and lunch provided?
The children bring lunch from home each day. This year, all snack food is also packed and sent in individually from home. We are hoping in the future to be able to go back to a "family style" snack, in which our co-op parents help supply snack (a carb or dairy item, and a fruit or vegetable) served by the teachers for the children to share family style twice a day in each classroom.

what is your affiliation with bb&n?
TFC was founded in collaboration with BB&N, and is operational through the generosity of present and former BB&N teachers, staff, leadership and community. TFC is housed in the BB&N Administrative Building at 46 Belmont Street. We offer admissions priority to BB&N faculty and staff and exist to support these families, as well as members of the surrounding community when space allows. Admission at TFC does not relate to admission to BB&N as they are separate institutions.