Our School
The Denver Cooperative Preschool (DCP) is a play-based, parent cooperative preschool. The joy, instinctive sense of wonder, and delight that play brings validates it as the most central, natural and important aspect of childhood. Operating under a play-based philosophy is simply accepting that children naturally engage in and enjoy play as a means of learning on their terms and at their own pace. Our job as educators and parents is to provide a safe, nurturing environment with developmentally appropriate activities and opportunities for children to creatively explore and learn through play.
History Past & Present
Denver Cooperative Preschool has a long and interesting history. We were founded in 1960 by a group of parents from the discontinued Colorado Women’s College Nursery School. The head teacher of that school, Mrs. Kim Randolph, helped us to get started in a space at Montview Presbyterian Church. By 1962, the preschool had grown and a group of parents from south Denver branched off to establish the University Park Cooperative Nursery School near Denver University. In 1964 the preschool split again: Montview Community Preschool remained at the church and our preschool moved to 8th and Cherry. It was then named the Medical Center Cooperative Nursery School. The name “Denver Cooperative Preschool” was adopted in 1966. We moved to our current location in 1983. As we celebrate over 60 years of excellence in early childhood education in Denver, we are reminded of and thankful for the families who began DCP.
Vision & Mission
Denver Cooperative Preschool envisions an active society where children and adults join in the exploration of life, the quest for understanding and the journey to wisdom. We believe:
A child’s early experience is the foundation for adult potential
Parents are a key to a child’s unique development
Play is essential in the learning process of a child
Our mission is to guide young children on the adventure of self-discovery through play.
Cooperative Model
The structure of the cooperative model is one that serves both the families and children through experiential educational opportunities. DCP families are an integral part of the cooperative, serving on the board, volunteering on committees, and supporting the classroom communities.