Cooperative (co-op) parent–child programs bring together caregiver support and developmentally appropriate experiences for young children. Caregivers participate alongside their child, creating a shared experience that keeps costs lower while offering a meaningful window into their child’s growth and development. Children learn through play and purposeful work in a supportive, relationship-centered environment.

Yes, the Early Learning Co-op is over 50 years old!! Parent Education programs began at Washington State Community and Technical Colleges in 1938. Our Co-op traces its history back to 1973, when it was first held in Pasco at Columbia Basin College (CBC). In 2011, a team of teachers from CBC brought the program to Richland. We offered programs through Richland Parks and Recreation until 2018. We officially became a 501 (c)3 non-profit the same year.

Beginning in September 2018, we began renting space from Northwest United Protestant Church (NWUP). We were seeking a more private location with a safe outdoor play area, and the space offered a wonderful environment for our growing community. During our time at NWUP, we expanded to serve families with children from infancy through age three. We are grateful for the hundreds of families who have been part of our Richland community over the years.

In the fall of 2022, we learned that a long-standing early childhood space, formerly home to Little Treasurers Preschool at First Lutheran Church on Highway 395, would soon be available. In June 2025, we will transition to this new Kennewick location at 418 N. Yelm Street.

While we gather in church education buildings, we are not affiliated with any religious organization or programming. The Co-op remains rooted in our mission to support families with young children through connection, parent education, and a nurturing, play-based environment.

Caregivers grow through connection, shared experience, and active participation alongside their child. Together, they build understanding, confidence, and community while learning to support development with intention and respect.

Children learn through movement, exploration, and purposeful work in a thoughtfully prepared environment. They practice independence through care of self, care of the environment, and care of others, while building relationships and following their natural curiosity.

We share simple group roles among caregivers, such as bringing snack, preparing an art experience, helping with clean-up, or observing children at play. These shared responsibilities help keep costs down, build community, and give families a chance to contribute their strengths and ideas. You’ll receive guidance during your first week and will always know your role ahead of time.

We offer a variety of art materials at Co-op, and you’re welcome to explore the art cabinet when planning your contribution.

During your time together, you’ll have the opportunity to observe your child in a new environment, engage in meaningful activities, and connect with other caregivers. Children benefit from this shared experience as they participate in caring for themselves, their environment, and one another.

Young children thrive in loving, responsive relationships. Caregivers are a child’s first and most important guide, and their presence is central to everything we do.

Rather than structured lessons, we offer a thoughtfully prepared environment where children learn through play and purposeful work. They explore, move, and engage at their own pace, building skills across many areas at once.

We support development through experiences that encourage independence, including care of self, care of the environment, and care of others. By observing each child closely, we are able to respond to their interests and support their natural growth.

Our environment offers flexible opportunities for exploration, including open-ended play, stories, music, creative art, and time outdoors. Children are free to move, choose, and engage at their own pace.

Because each child develops differently, we thoughtfully prepare a range of activities that support a variety of ages, stages, and interests—allowing every child to find meaningful ways to explore and learn.

We come together after exploration and before snack for a shared time of connection. Through songs, movement, finger plays, stories, and simple sign language, children build language, rhythm, and a sense of belonging within the group.

Children gather at child-sized tables for a family-style snack, where they practice independence and connection. They pour from small pitchers, serve themselves, and pass bowls to one another. After eating, they participate in cleaning their space by clearing plates and placing dishes in the dishwasher.

These simple, purposeful tasks build confidence, coordination, and a sense of responsibility. The snack role rotates among caregivers, giving children the opportunity to enjoy a variety of foods and shared experiences.

Art is a space for exploration, not perfection. Children engage in open-ended, process-based experiences where they can experiment, create, and follow their curiosity.

Through art, children refine movement, strengthen coordination, and engage in rich sensory exploration. They mix, pour, squeeze, and discover—building concentration and confidence along the way.

It can get delightfully messy, so we encourage families to dress for the experience and enjoy the process together.

Outdoor time offers space for movement, creativity, and connection. Children develop large motor skills, practice social problem-solving, and engage their imaginations in a more open environment.

We go outside every day unless temperatures are extreme, so we encourage families to dress for the weather and be ready for outdoor play.