Popular parenting-education preschool program in danger of disappearing: Here’s how you can help.

March 27, 2026 - 23:23

A cherished parenting-education preschool model that has served Washington state families for decades is now at risk of closure. The South Seattle College Cooperative Preschools, part of a statewide network, provides a dual benefit: early childhood education for children alongside college-level courses in child development and parenting for their caregivers.

This unique cooperative model allows parents to participate directly in the classroom, gaining hands-on experience while earning college credits. The program is celebrated for building strong community bonds, offering affordable early learning, and empowering parents with knowledge and skills. However, like many similar programs across the state, it is now confronting significant financial and structural challenges that threaten its continued operation.

The potential loss of these programs would represent a significant setback for accessible, family-centered early education. Advocates are urging local families, alumni, and community members to become vocal supporters. They emphasize that raising awareness with local legislators and educational administrators about the program's unique value is crucial for its survival. The call to action is clear: community engagement is needed to preserve this vital resource for future generations of parents and children.