Sarah Clay began her teaching journey as a gymnastics coach, working primarily with the preschool gymnastics program. Showing children not just how to walk on a balance beam and swing on the bars but also how to build confidence, teaching them to work with others and fostering a love of learning and exercise. Sarah has also had the good fortune to teach English to ELL college-aged students, and has provided art therapy to elementary- aged children. Sarah guided, cheered— and yes! even cartwheeled— with kids up until the day before her son was born. After his birth, she was lucky to be able spend her time at home with her son: getting to know the neighborhood earthworms, doing the messiest science projects they could find, and reading all the books they could get their hands on. Sarah fell in love with the play-based, co-op pre-school model when her own child became a part of one. She has been an active member of her son’s co-op community, serving in the classroom as a parent volunteer and as TA/substitute teacher. As her son heads off to kindergarten, Sarah feels excited to be able to continue to act as a vital member of the co-op community in a teaching capacity! She is excited to build upon her early childhood education background with trainings and conferences through Parent Child Preschools Organization (PCPO). She is excited to get to know your amazing children and to watch them grow as a part of our community. Sarah can usually be found with her nose in a book, biking with her husband and son, or playing with their very silly dog, Stevie.

Mission statement

Hancock Street Preschool (HSP) is dedicated to excellence in early childhood education, providing a developmentally appropriate, play-based curriculum with meaningful real-world experiences.  HSP promotes an environment which encourages creativity, curiosity and community, and embraces the role of life-long learner for children and adults.  HSP is committed to a strong home-school partnership, honoring the diversity of our families and welcoming the uniqueness of each individual.

Philosophy

No other span in a child's life holds so much wonder and joy and fantastic change as the preschool years. In joining a co-op, you have the unique experience of sharing your child's first steps out into the world.

We believe that children thrive in an atmosphere of trust, where they are provided with support in a safe and gentle environment. Children succeed when they have a strong sense of self, so we recognize the importance of fostering a sense of competency and independence in all aspects of the child's being.

At Hancock Street Preschool, our emphasis is on "Learning Through Play." Through play, many of the necessary skills for later life are developed. Learning through play comes about when the need for freedom and guidance is recognized. Our play-based curriculum supports the development of the whole child — socially, emotionally, physically, and intellectually; allowing for the recognition of each child's unique learning style, abilities, and developmental level.

In an effort to meet the needs of a variety of children in our community, Hancock Street Preschool is accredited by the Oregon Department of Education to accept children with special needs.

Anti-Bias Curriculum

Anti-bias curriculum is an approach to early childhood education that sets forth principles and methodology in support of respecting and embracing differences and acting against bias and unfairness.

At HSP, we are inspired by the following goals of anti-bias education:

• To foster in children a positive self-identity and social identity

• To give children tools for comfortable, empathetic interaction with people who are different from them

• To strengthen children’s ability to think critically about bias

• To grow a willingness in children to take action to address unfairness

At HSP, we believe that children are positive changemakers in the world.  We offer opportunities for children to practice empathetic problem-solving, using the following skills:

• Accepting differences

• Collaborating with others

• Paying attention to other people’s feelings, ideas, and needs

• Speaking out about fairness and unfairness

• Taking responsibility for solving problems

(These thoughts are drawn from the writings of Louise Derman-Sparks, Julie Olsen Edwards, Katie Kissenger, Maggie Carter, Deb Curtis, Anne Pelo, and Fran Davidson)

Hancock Street Preschool admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.

Sustainability

Hancock Street Preschool believes that the best way to teach is by example. By employing earth-friendly practices within our school, we demonstrate to our children that sustainability is a way of life. We are proud to say that we have been named as an Eco-Healthy Child Care Provider by the Oregon Environmental Council, which means that we adhere to guidelines designed to reduce children’s exposure to toxics and other environmental health hazards.

In addition to providing a safe environment for our students, families, and staff, we extend our sustainability efforts by composting organic materials, recycling items we are done with, and reusing items where possible. Household items that are ready for the recycle bins are first brought to our school for art projects, construction activities, and other exploratory experiences.

Immunization Rates

Oregon law requires Hancock Street Preschool post our school's immunization rates alongside those of Multnomah County.

• Hancock Street Preschool - 2021-2022 vaccination rates

• Multnomah County's 2022 vaccination rate (younger than school age)

What Is a Co-op?

Hancock Street Preschool is a co-op (or cooperative). A cooperative school is run by a parent community that helps in the classroom, is involved in decision-making and provides other support to ensure the school’s operations. We are a non-profit organization comprised of families who take an active interest in their children’s first educational experience. In a co-op preschool, the teachers are the only paid employee. At Hancock Street Preschool, our exceptional teachers provide intentional, relationship-based teaching and a learning environment which focuses on creativity, community and curiosity.

Is It For Me?

Here are some of the benefits of participating in a co-op preschool:

• You will have the chance to participate in your child’s educational experiences away from home.

• You will become part of a supportive community of families.

• You will get to know the other children in the class which makes it easier to understand and discuss your child’s preschool experiences and friendships.

• You will gain valuable parenting skills as you observe how a professional teacher and other parents deal with different scenarios.

• You will create lasting memories and friendships.

Here’s how one of our alumni moms described her experience:

Serving on a Committee

Each family at Hancock Street Preschool serves either on the Board of Directors or on one of the following committees:

Each committee position equals approximately 24 hours during the course of the year. This is excluding the volunteer hours in the classroom.

Helping In Class

Each family is required to teacher-help in their child's class. Family members help once every two or three weeks. On some days, you will be assigned to provide snack. There are three teacher helpers each day which enables us to maintain a nurturing environment and a low child to adult ratio.

Attending Parent Education Meetings

Parent education is an essential part of Hancock Street Preschool. We promote a strong home-school connection and believe that adults, as well as children, are life-long learners. The teachers hold regular ‘Parent Education’ nights. We discuss early childhood development and how parents can support their child’s growth at preschool and at home. Hancock Street Preschool also offers a beginning-of-year training for adults on their role in the classroom. There are approximately five evening meetings per year.

Going on Field Trips

We take a variety of field trips that enhance the children's experience in the classroom and expand their understanding of the world. Past trips have included a visit to a farm, to a grocery store, to a post office, to a state park, and a ride on a train. Parents are encouraged to attend these field trips if they are able.

Fundraising

Fundraising enables us to keep tuition affordable for our families and to offer partial financial aid for those in need. All families participate in raising funds to support the school.

The main fundraiser for the school is an annual Evergreen Sale.

Families have also been required to participate in our Scrip program, a dollar-for-dollar exchange using gift cards for local businesses. The retailers donate a percentage of the sale to our preschool.

The financial goal for fundraising is set each year by the Board of Directors.