Preschool Info
Philosophy
In our preschool, we believe that hands are key to learning, so we create a classroom where children can explore and grow. Kids choose from a range of thoughtfully prepared materials in areas like Math & Science, Language & Alphabetic Principles, Sensory & Motor Skills, Arts & Crafts, and Practical Life Skills.
Program Detail
Our 3/4’s or PreSCHOOL program is designed to meet this younger group where they are. Some children may have attended our Toddler Time program as 2 year olds. For other children, this may be their first experience spending time with adults other than family caregivers. We want this transition to be calm, consistent and comforting. Our Monday, Wednesday and Friday morning-only classes will focus on classroom routine such as washing hands when we enter the classroom, putting water bottles away, pushing in chairs, completing an activity cycle (meaning taking out one activity at a time, starting and finishing that activity, and putting the activity back on the shelf where it was found) as well as building relationships with peers and teachers. Students will have longer “work” periods with access to building materials, drawing/coloring, playdough/putty, and manipulatives designed to improve hand strength for writing in the PreK 4/5’s classroom the following year.
Enrollment
Children ages 3-4 can attend as few as one day or as many as 3 days a week. Enrollment is limited to 16 children per session, and children must be 3 years old by August 1st and potty-trained to join our Preschool classes.
Our program runs for 32 weeks during the school year from September to May, with breaks for Fall, Winter, and Spring holidays, aligning with the Delaware City Schools calendar. We do not offer wraparound or summer care. Because DCP does not have rolling enrollment, we do not accept new registrations after early October to keep our classes consistent and cohesive. DCP does not have a provider agreement with Publicly Funded Child Care (PFCC).
Take a peek into our play based activities in the classroom
Preschool Staff
Sarah Cooper | Teacher
Ms. Sarah completed her Bachelors of Education in Early Childhood Education with a Reading Endorsement from Ohio University. Since then, she has taught Kindergarten in Onslow County Schools in North Carolina, and first and third grade in Prince William County, Virginia. She moved to Ohio with her baby daughter and husband, then had her son soon after. She was a parent of Delaware Cooperative Preschool as well as a board member. She loves reading with children as well as reading for her own leisure. She loves singing and music of all genres.
Mindy Bodenhorn | Teacher
Ms. Mindy graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Child and Family Studies from Ohio University. She taught young children at the Goddard School in Dublin before working with families and older adults in Union County. Mindy stayed home with her daughter, who attended DCP for both toddler time and preschool, while also working as a caregiver for the family. She served on the board and continued as a substitute for DCP before joining as a classroom teacher. Mindy also enjoys volunteering in the community and has worked with Girl Scouts since 2013.
Abby Kumpf | Administrator
Ms. Abby is a former Delaware Cooperative Preschool parent and board member. She is committed to providing high quality educational experiences for children in the Delaware community. As a certified PK–8 teacher, she brings over 20 years of experience working with children from 18 months old to 8th grade as a public school teacher, coach, and Girl Scout leader. She is passionate about the vital role DCP plays in the Delaware community and is committed to supporting its mission of nurturing young learners and families. Abby and her husband moved to Delaware in 2010 with their three children—proud DCP graduates!