Building a strong future together

From public relations to classroom assistance, Park West relies on the service and commitment of parents to help make it one of Chicago’s leading preschools.

Park West offers children and parents a cooperative experience. First and foremost, this means parents are in the classroom, taking part in the education process and experiencing with their children – including everything from playing in the gym to preparing snacks to helping teachers. This level of involvement provides you, as parents, with an inside look at our education process as a whole, as well as some insight into the development of your own child’s knowledge and capabilities throughout the year.

Parents serve on either the Board of Directors or one of seven committees and participate in fundraising efforts, including the Annual Gala and Mind the Gap. Each committee is responsible for a separate function vital to either day-to-day or long-term preschool operations. Participation in these roles gives parents a chance to see the other, non-classroom side of Park West and contribute new ideas, and helps instill a greater sense of community.

Using committees also helps keep our staff small and costs down. Typically, each committee has two co-chairs (appointed by the president each spring) and is made up exclusively of member parents. Families are asked to fulfill five hours of volunteer committee time over the school year.

Board of Directors

The cooperative is managed by the board of directors, which is comprised of parent volunteers serving as executive officers (including president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, administrator and personnel manager), managers (alumni relations and legal) or committee chairpersons (see below). During its monthly meetings – typically on the second Tuesday evening of the month – the board discusses and votes on topics ranging from social media strategies and annual gala plans to tuition and salaries.

Each year, the current president and school director work together to identify potential candidates for board positions based on their professional background, stated skills and interest. Once all spots have been filled, that year’s current board elects the “new” board for the upcoming school year. Upon election, the names are presented to the entire school membership for ratification.

All members of the cooperative are welcome at every board meeting. If you are interested in serving on the board, please contact either the school director or president.

Admissions Committee

The Admissions Committee oversees all of the tasks related to keeping our ranks comfortably full. This includes:

  • Running the annual admissions lottery

  • Notifying families of their acceptance or wait-list status

  • Organizing and staffing prospective parent open houses

  • Representing Park West at school fairs

Alumni relations committee

The Alumni Relations Committee organizes and maintains records on and connections with Park West Alumni.

  • Organizes and maintains a database of information on Park West Alumni

  • Periodically communicates with Alumni about Park West news and events

Education Committee

The Education Committee helps both the children and parents at Park West expand their horizons. Throughout the year, they are responsible for:

  • Library upkeep

  • Organizing the annual book fair and pajama party

  • Scheduling the Grade School Fair

Gala Committee

The Gala Committee oversees all of our fundraising efforts, including our Spring Gala. Efforts for these events include:

  • Preparing the fall general meeting presentation, which outlines the goals for the year’s special events

  • Organizing and planning the Spring Gala

  • Organizing class auction captains

  • Soliciting high-ticket items, trips, and experiences to be auctioned at the Spring Gala

House Committee

Our first priority at Park West is your child’s safety. To help ensure we’re doing everything possible, the House Committee is responsible for making sure everything found and used in the school is in safe, working order. Over the course of the year, this may include:

  • Repairing items and toys in the gym

  • Supplying and repairing items used by the children

  • Purchasing supplies necessary for upkeep

  • Taping rugs at the start of the school year

Marketing Committee

As you might expect, the Marketing Committee helps create a good public image for and awareness of Park West Co-op. In the past, the committee’s efforts have included:

  • Organizing and soliciting speaking engagements for the director and staff

  • Facilitating appearances in articles, school presentations, public events, etc.

  • Supporting the efforts of other committees to ensure their events receive the necessary attention

  • Managing the school’s social media presence

  • Putting flyers and marketing materials up around the neighborhood

Partnerships Committee

The Partnerships Committee facilitates opportunities for families at Park West to connect with the people and businesses within the broader Lincoln Park neighborhood. The committee does this by:

  • Partnering with local businesses to raise funds for school

  • Organizing the Fall Adult Social

Social Committee

The Social Committee cultivates ideas for and organizes events that allow for school-wide interaction. This gives parents and kids alike the opportunity to meet and befriend those they may not see on a weekly basis (e.g., 2-Day and 3-Day families). The committee hosts and/or coordinates a number of events, including:

  • Fall block party (Park West Fest)

  • Spring Carnival

  • Plate Making

  • Supports school in community-building efforts