Introduction

The parent-cooperative school ”Planet Kids” is a non-profit making pre-school in central Stockholm that opened in 1996. Planet Kids offers a supportive and developmental environment for a maximum of 28 children from 18 months to 6 years.  In the academic year 2008-2009 Planet Kids will have only 23 children, with the aim of building up to the full capacity of 25 children. The Educational Plan is based upon the Swedish Department for
Education’s Curriculum for Pre-School Children.
It is a parent cooperative, which means that families take an active part in the school.

Children
The school consists of  25 children, split into three groups; ages 18 months to 2 years, ages 3-4 and 5-6 years. For many activities, the groups are combined. Planet Kids employs at least four full-time teachers.

Language and objectives
The English language is the daily language used in the school. The child group is very international, with children from many different countries and cultures, including Sweden. We celebrate Swedish holidays and holidays from other cultures.
 
The teachers at Planet Kids always strive to:

Curriculum and daily activities
Our curriculum focuses on the caring elements of self-image, positive social relationships with others, development of multicultural understandings, sensitive and empathetic relationships, and creative problem-solving strategies. We are inspired by different pedagogies.
Daily outdoor activity is a priority in the school. Other activities are learning games, physical activity, music and movement, drama, introduction to letters, numbers, reading and writing, art, baking and excursions. The school also has a system of using monthly themes in its education programs. Such themes could be, for example, "Friendship,"  “My healthy body,” “Safety,” or “Around the World.

Child at the center
Each child is given the opportunity and encouragement to develop to his or her full potential, being seen as a total human being with physical and emotional needs. A full range of activities and experiences are provided to see to all aspects of a child’s development. Most importantly, our goal is to provide all children with a positive learning experience in a nurturing environment, and to foster learning in children for later educational development.
 
We strive to keep meals and snacks healthy, with fresh food avoiding preservatives, additives, salt and sugar. When possible, we provide ecological fruit, bread, cereals and dairy products.

Children are encouraged to respect, empathize and be courteous towards each other and their elders in day-to-day interaction. We strive to create an environment to nurture children to be happy and secure, emphasizing good self-esteem.

Opening hours
Planet Kids is open Monday through Friday, 08.00-17.30, except for Thursdays, when the school closes at 17.00 for staff meetings.

Parent involvement
Because we are a parent cooperative, parents assist in various ways, such as board duty, accompanying children and teachers on excursions, and substituting if possible. Parents also volunteer to substitute for those children who cannot be collected by 17.00. on Thursdays. In addition, we require families to help at the school at least one Saturday per term, doing chores and helping in any way needed. Parents are welcome to come in to the school and share a personal interest with the children.

Visiting Planet Kids
Parents may visit the school during open houses, which are held regularly. All parents with children on the waiting list are invited to open houses, normally held on a weekday in the late afternoon.

Eligibility
We only accept families who live in municipalities that will reimburse Planet Kids on a level comparable to Stockholm. To make sure you are eligible, please call your home municipality (kommun).

Admissions
All families are interviewed by the head teacher and/or the admissions coordinator. Before becoming a member of the association you must feel comfortable with the cooperative ideal and be prepared to become involved in the school. (more information under admissions)

Schooling in your child
When your child begins at Planet Kids, the head teacher will provide you with a schedule of the first 15 days during which time the staff will gradually introduce the child to being part of a nursery school. We ask that all parents adhere to the schooling-in schedule, found in the Parent Handbook. During this period, the parents must be available as a back-up support to make the introduction term as smooth as possible for both child and staff.

Fees
The monthly fee is SEK 1,260 for one child and SEK 2,100 for two children. We are following the "Swedish max-taxa" system.

Period of notice
The period of notice is one month. Please give notice of your intention to leave in writing to the head teacher. The parent fee is payable throughout the period of notice.