Frequently Asked Questions
What does the "cooperative" in "Kids Cooperative" mean?
All member families contribute by taking on both a caregiving role & an administrative role. We have no staff.
Are you a preschool or a daycare?
We are neither of these things. We are more of an organized parent-run playgroup with a focus on early social development.
Where are you located?
Near Davis Square.
What time are you open?
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM, Monday – Friday.
Keep in mind that each kid attends 3 days a week, not all 5.
Are extended days / early drop-offs / late drop-offs available?
No, we are only available at the opening times above.
What schedule do you follow?
We generally follow the Cambridge Public Schools calendar.
We run from the beginning of September through the end of June.
Do you operate during the summer?
The families decide in June how summer (July & August) will work. In past years we’ve run a more dynamic format together.
How much is tuition?
Around $500 per semester (as of 2024).
Summer sessions, if held, typically follow a more pay-what-you-use structure.
When is enrollment open?
Enrollment is always open - everyone who applies goes onto our waiting list. We operate on a rolling basis - as member families leave, we offer open spots to the next family in the list, and attendance starts as soon as the previous family finishes.
Please see our Apply page for more details.
For how long do we have to commit?
We prefer families commit to attending for a semester at a time. This helps with stability for everyone, especially our children.
If you join part way through a semester, then we will prorate the cost accordingly.
When can we visit?
We usually have one open house in the fall and one in the spring.
If you’d like to visit at other times, please reach out to our recruiter with questions.
How many families / slots are available?
We host 15 families at a time. This works out to 3 caregivers a day for 9 children.
What ages do you accept?
Kids run from 18 months to 4 years old, both as of Sep 1st. Basically, until they start Preschool or Kindergarten.
Infants younger than 18 months may attend with caregivers on their caregiving days.
Do children have to be toilet trained?
No. We have changing tables for children in diapers, and child-sized toilet facilities to support those who are toilet training.
Do we have to live in Cambridge to join?
We do not require families to live in any particular location. Most of our families come from Cambridge & Somerville due to proximity, but sometimes they come from Medford or other nearby towns. Obviously the further away you live, the more difficult it is to arrive by the required times.
