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.
Multnomah County's 2022 vaccination rate (younger than school age)
“Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.”