We had such an amazing experience there with our son, who was part of their pre-k classroom! Incredible teachers, so much play time, and the co-op aspect of the whole thing was incredible! read more

This will be our 3rd year as a family at the Co-op and I can't recommend it more for not only your kiddo, but also the community that comes with it. It is so nice to get together with like-minded parents that just want a place where their kids can play and explore. You yourself get a chance to be in the classroom and help out, play and see all of your kids' friends interact. Soon you will be getting your feet in the sand yard, going to parent meetings where the teachers will give you tips on how to calm your child during a meltdown, and you will talk to other parents and see that you're not alone. Some examples of community that I can think of during our time are the parent meetings, potluck events, a camping trip, and events at school where everyone is welcome for Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. When we had our second child, and EECP knew we were finally home, we got a few gifts delivered for our new baby, but also a couple of big brother gifts and books from the school. When I'm at work and I get some photos sent to our parent group message board of what the kids are doing that day, it makes you wish you were at school that day instead of sitting behind a desk. Those are the times I know that we got lucky to find the EECP and other involved parents and teachers. One other thing I remembered that I enjoy is the stuff that our kiddo brings home. It is not just paintings that will soon be on your fridge or decorated shoe boxes, but also stories and music. Our 3-year-old would come home from school and teach me about Mardi Gras. He insisted on Mardi Gras songs being played in our home. He enjoyed dancing and marching and was explaining how parades worked, as if I had no idea what one was. It was so much fun to finally go to school and see all the kids parade around in fun costumes and carry around little decorated shoe boxes they made in class. This is just one of the events that we've loved as a family and now as a community. read more

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"In kindergarten they make you color inside the lines; at the co-op there were no lines." - my son (now 9 and thriving at PCDS). Kids learn through play, and those lessons are at the heart of the EECP program. If you've read the research that shows kids learn best through play, especially at this age, EECP should be on your list. This is the only truly play-based co-op in central Phoenix. We have also found a community of likeminded parent friends. This has been a great community for our family. read more

EECP is such a unique preschool. My wife and I were not completely sold on any one philosophy (Waldorf, Montessori, Regio) but definitely wanted to incorporate the best attributes of all of those styles into a play-based experience for our kids. We wanted a space that just gave children the opportunity to be outside as much as Phoenix weather would allow and continue to to explore their world and grow at their own speed. This is exactly how EECP functions and we've seen both our kids flourish in this environment. The other great part of EECP is the education for parents. Everyone including the teachers are bouncing ideas off each other, setting up playdates, and providing a ton of support as we all try to navigate toddlerhood. This school has truly been a blessing. read more

Best decision to send our four children here. The play-based learning and experienced teachers are world class. Lots of preschools say they encourage unstructured play, but then you dig deeper and realize half the day is spent listening to a teacher or lined up or waiting on friends. That's because unstructured play with 2-5 year old's is hard and messy. But EECP embraces it. I distinctly remember when my first child started. When I came to pick him up, he was lying in a mud puddle in the middle of the sand yard as classmates took turns spraying a garden hose. He looked sublimely happy and I knew we made the right choice. Since then, our kids have thrived at EECP, especially with social and emotional skills. They able to walk up to children on the playground, including children who don't speak English, and play for hours. I set up play dates while on vacation because my kids found besties! I attribute that to EEC's focus on teaching kids how to make friends, resolve conflict effectively, and take risks. Oh, and I haven't even mentioned how much our family has benefited from the community of exceptionally cool, fun-loving people. We feel lucky to have found such a gem. I think it's the best possible start to a child's education and invaluable resources for the whole family. read more

After spending 6 consecutive years at the preschool and planning to spend 2 more with our three children I am so grateful we found this amazing preschool family! Being involved with the school through co-oping has provided so many benefits. You get to know the kids and parents, you see how the teachers model behavior and you have hands-on access to knowledgeable teachers real-time. I also really appreciated the parent meetings to help navigate these tricky toddler/preschool years. The focus on play and social/emotional development was so important and I'm seeing the benefits in my older children as they grow. But more than anything I will remember these years so fondly as a place where my kids could just be kids - they are completely accepted for who they are and can live their best lives here! read more

After visiting, researching, and obsessing over where might be the best fit for our daughter, we were so thrilled to find the UU Co-Op. I feel like we have the best of all worlds sending our 3 year old here to learn and play. We get to be a part of her learning and growing at school; she has an awesome and caring set of teachers; the director knows her stuff regarding child development and the benefits of play-based program; and we're getting to be a part of an amazing community of families. My favorite part of the school is that it's child-centered and play-based. I had a lot to learn about the benefits of a play-based curriculum, but now I'm a huge fan. The kids get to learn and discover their world with the guidance of certified early childhood professionals who celebrate each kid and his/her individuality, creativity and spirit. I will say at first we felt overwhelmed by the co-op idea, but the school is built on the values of community and friendship, which co-oping fosters. We have gotten to know so many new families, and it's an amazing feeling to be a part of such a energetic, friendly and inspiring group. If you have any hesitation or questions, I suggest a visit. You'll see lots of learning and playing in every corner. read more

Kids have gone to and even been summer counselor at this summer camp. Awesome group of people run this caring and fun summer camp. Thanks to them all for providing this for our kids in the Arizona heat! read more

My first few visits to potential preschools for our daughter were disappointing. The spaces seemed institutional, and the teachers seemed to be just punching a time card. I worried that I wouldn't find a place that met my expectations. The minute I walked into the UU Co-Op Preschool I knew that I had found the right place for us. It's got a cool funky vibe, great teachers and welcoming co-opping parents. Because parents are co-opping (helping out at school each month) and helping out in other ways, there is a great sense of community that quickly gels. For example, our second daughter was born during the summer before our first daughter started preschool. Word got out that we had a new baby and they offered to bring us dinners. Eight families that had never even met us brought us dinners! It was a life saver, and an amazing welcome into the school and community. We felt supported before we even began. But I think the best thing about the school is that they meet you right where you are. Through parent education workshops and teacher meetings they will help you navigate through the challenges of parenting preschoolers. They will work with you through potty training, power struggles, and all the other ups and downs that you see in the preschool years. This is our second year at the school and we couldn't be happier. We have a daughter in the One's class for a Mommy Morning Out, and a daughter in the Three's class. read more

I am so happy that I found this preschool. I was a bit apprehensive about sending my 2yo off to school and wanted to make sure I was making the right choice. After visiting UUEEC, my decision was made. My daughter loved all the different activities: painting, sand play, puzzles, riding trikes, music, play dough, etc. However, what I was most impressed with was how the teachers interacted with the children. They have a special ability for communicating with the kids, promoting self confidence, socialization, and problem solving skills. UUEEC is not just a wonderful community for the children, but also for the parents. I have developed wonderful friendships and have learned so much that has helped me become a better mom. My daughter is enrolled in the pre-k class for next year and my son (who thinks he is currently in the 3's class) will be in the 2's class. read more

This is a boutique program serving an elite group of families with young children.

I agree with everything Nicole N. so beautifully stated. My son just completed the 2s class and will be starting the 3s class in the fall. Besides the fact that he loves school and talks about his friends and teachers all the time, I was surprised by how much support I felt as a "first time mom". The school provides ongoing parent education, and the experienced teachers are always available to answer questions and offer advice. I also chose this school because it is open and welcoming to ALL, and they embrace diversity and lead by example. read more

I could not be happier with this preschool. My first child is going to graduate to kindergarten this year and my second will be in the 3's class next year. The teachers are outstanding. After researching so many other preschools the thing about this preschool that makes it stand out is the community and the parent education. As a first time parent not only was I not ready to send my child off to school and not be part of it but there was so much I didn't know. Since this school is a co-op I was able to carry through with what my son learned at school and reinforce it at home. I learned so much from the expert teachers. In addition, I have formed close bonds to the other co-oping parents. I can't think of a better way to model a sense of community to my children than to actually live it. The school offers a developmentally appropriate curriculum and allows children to learn through play. I could go on and on about this school and it's community! read more