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NEWPORT – On the last day of school at Newport Parent Co-op Preschool, the class celebrated the beginning of summer with their families and Ms. Jana, the Facilitator. Ms. Jana planned a day of songs, the beloved parachute, everyone’s favorite play dough, and ended the day with decorating donuts.
Newport Parent Co-op Preschool (NPCP) is a non-profit parent run preschool which offers classes for children ages 0-5 years. Co-op, as many call it, has served Pend Oreille and Bonner counties for almost 50 years; the majority of those years operating out of Newport’s United Church of Christ basement on Third Street. The co-op model invites parent participation in their child’s earliest education.
“We like to think of co-op as a cornerstone of our community. Many parents, and kids too, have met their best friends here”, said Family Day and Pre-K Facilitator, Erin Mack.
NPCP is beginning their search for a new location to serve families for years to come.
“Sadly we are not able to stay at our current location as rent continues to rise”, Chairperson Krystal Stahl said. “Our current setting feels safe and homey, but we are hopeful we will find another accommodating location for our little people and their families.”
The co-op is calling on the community for support. They welcome any leads on potential locations near Newport. The Board, made up of co-op parents, is determined to find a welcoming new home. They are reaching out to local government offices, churches, and property owners who might have available space that meets the coop’s needs.
“Co-op has been a long-standing supportive space for families of young children in our rural area,” Stahl said. “It is so important to the families we serve that we secure a new location in our community. Through our efforts and word of mouth we will find a new classroom.”
For more information or to offer support, community members can contact the Newport Parent Co-Op Preschool through their website or social media page.
