About the School
Classes for Infants to Kindergarten
(birth to 5 years)
Benson Hill Co-op Preschool has been serving children and parents in our community for over forty years. Our preschool offers large daylight classrooms with a variety of materials including; free choice art area, children’s library, drama room, blocks, and large indoor/outdoor play areas, plus convenient parking. We are just a short drive from Renton, Kent, Auburn, and Tukwila.
Benson Hill Cooperative Preschool is a not-for-profit preschool.
Our philosophy
Our philosophy at Benson Hill Preschool is to encourage the child’s growth and self-esteem through preschool activities and direct parent involvement. We foster all aspects of the child’s development, including cognitive, social, emotional and physical development with full sensitivity to each child’s interests and needs. We work toward achieving these goals through discovery, exploration, and experimentation as well as manipulation of materials, decision-making, small group activities, and large group interaction. The goals of all of our classes are the same, but because the 3-5 year olds are more advanced physically and intellectually, the means of achieving these goals are sometimes different. More small motor activities, abstract materials and an appropriate balance between child-initiated and adult-directed activities are used to help prepare the 4-5 year olds for kindergarten, as well as to help them become more successful learners in all aspects of their life. The total environment, including physical setting, teacher, equipment, curriculum and time structure, is carefully designed to communicate a feeling of welcome, acceptance, safety and security to your children.
Benson Hill Cooperative Preschool teachers and parents work together to
- Encourage your child’s intellectual growth.
- Develop his/her positive self-esteem through self directed and/or teacher directed activities and parent participation.
- Foster all aspects of your child – including cognitive, social, emotional and physical development with sensitivity to your child’s individual interests and needs.
- We work toward achieving these goals through discovery, exploration, and experimentation as well as manipulation of materials, decision-making, small group activities, and large group interaction.
Benefits for children
- Small class-size, ratio of one adult to four children
- Creative, experienced teachers
- Art, music and science programs
- Gym and large muscle activities
- Listening and language development
- Unique and educational field trips
- Social interaction with peers and adults
- Kindergarten readiness
Benefits for parents
- Parent Education Classes. We are affiliated with Green River Community College and parents earn college credits as a part of their Parent Education Classes. These classes are taught by GRCC Early Childhood Education staff.
- Direct observation and participation with your child in their first learning experience
- Shared experiences with your child
- A network of support from teachers, college instructors and other co-op parents
- Resources, books and information on early childhood development
