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Abiyoyo has put all that's best about raising children in a mixed urban environment into an enduring, practical organization. A small group of parents works together to provide the best environment they can for their children. The parents are of different races and nationalities, widely ranging income levels and educational backgrounds, two- and one-parent families and mixed and same sex couples. All the children know and trust all of the parents. The families hire professional teachers, comply with all state regulations, and work together to keep non-staff costs as low as possible. What is A Cooperative Daycare? At the heart of Abiyoyo are the concepts of community and a commitment to child-centered learning. Unlike traditional daycare, the cooperative daycare offers parents the opportunity to shape their child's daily experiences. Abiyoyo parents actively participate as members of the board of directors and perform jobs vital to the functioning of the daycare. Together parents supervise all aspects of Abiyoyo's finances, curriculum, recruitment, fundraising, equipment maintenance, and staffing. Each parent takes on a job that matches skills and interests. These jobs take an average of 1 hour per week. Abiyoyo is fully staffed by teachers and professional early childcare providers, and parents can choose to work at the daycare on a regular basis in return for a reduction in fees. Of course, all parents are welcome to drop in at any time.  Staff Christina Matos has been Abiyoyo's head teacher for over 10 years. Cristina brings a special devotion, creativity and expertise to her role. Her loving, supportive, and energetic approach fosters meaningful and long lasting relay tionships with each of the children. Cristina earned a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Development from the University of Connecticut at Storrs. Before Abiyoyo, she worked in both preschool and after-school programs. Cristina works with an enthusiastic and committed team of teachers and aides. Parents select staff members in consultation with the head teacher. We look for a sincere commitment to our philosophy as well as qualifications and solid hands-on experience. Most staff members stay with us for many years. The Teacher/ Child ratio is 4:1 for all age groups. Unique Approach The children at Abiyoyo form their own community within the safe, family-style environment provided by staff and parents. Older and younger children play together and learn from one "I cannot imagine a more
another. The staff plan age-appropriate activities for all the children, but remain fully responsive to the children's own ideas. Sometimes, one child's idea or recent experience leads becomes the backdrop for a whole day's play and exploration.
sound basis for a successful school career than the foundation my kids received at Abiyoyo," one parent of now high-school-aged children told us. Teachers and parents at Abiyoyo are committed to providing the optimal environment for the healthy emotional and intellectual development of our children. An Abiyoyo day consists of both structured and unstructured activities that we design to encourage creativity. Avtivities center around a monthly theme (e.g. Springtime or Giving to Others). We plan the curriculum with the individual developmental needs of our children in mind. Our children read, count, sing, dance, draw, play outside, go on field trips, do arts and crafts, nap and snack in an environment that encourages cooperative, caring interaction and fosters optimal development of each individual. Commitment to Affordability Throughout its history Abiyoyo has remained committed to providing quality care at an affordable level. For this reason we operate a sliding fee scale. Families with incomes below $30,000 per year pay 23% less than those with incomes above $75,000 per year. We regularly review our budget and fee structure to ensure that we are keeping fees as low as possible. Enrollment Abiyoyo is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. It is open to all applicants (parent interviews are required) and serves children from 15 months to 5 years of age. We offer a limited sliding fee scale based on family income. Tuition includes snacks, meals, and diapers. Abiyoyo is open year round (8:15 to 5:15) except for all major holidays and 2 weeks vacation. There are 3 staff and 12 children at any one time. Children can participate full time (5 days a week) or part time (2 or 3 pre-assigned day per week). We cannot acommodate hourly or other week-to-week flexible schedules. We currently rent space from Beth El-Keser Israel (BEKI) synagogue on Whalley Avenue in New Haven. Our curriculum does not teach religion. We are accredited by the State of Connecticut. Parents seeking an NAEYC accredited daycare should note that this daycare is on a small scale and us such not eligible for NAEYC accreditation. |
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