Happy Tots Co-op consists of eight 2-year-olds, with preference given to children born between October 1, 2022 and September 30, 2023 (though children slightly older or younger than that window may apply).  

Happy Tots will run out of Pillar Church (1111 South Carolina Ave SE) in a room which is used for their Sunday children’s ministry program on the weekends. It will utilize a variety of outdoor spaces including: 9th and Independence Ave Playground, green space around the church, and a green space closer to the church. (The playgroup is not religiously affiliated.)   We will meet Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 9:15am to 12:15pm.  

The daily schedule includes free play, snack, story time, crafts and activities, outdoor play, music and movement, and lunch. Sessions are coordinated by a paid facilitator, who is in charge of the activities each day, and serves as a consistent face for the children. Each session is supervised by one rotating parent on duty each day. The duty parent is also responsible for bringing the snack for all the children. Parents will be expected to be on duty around 1-2 times a month. (Note that only parents — not nannies or other caregivers — may serve duty days due to DC regulations.)  Additionally, parents are expected to fulfill a membership role in the group with assigned duties.  

Cost for participation in the co-op has typically been around $30 per day, which covers space rental, facilitator payment, and a majority of supplies. Total cost is around $3,000 for the whole academic year.