<p>Both my kids attended co-op preschools that were administered by the city community college system.</p>
<p>I was not interested in academics at all- but in socialization, & the ability to play in ways that she couldn’t at home ( because of space issues)</p>
<p>Looked at Montessori, but didn’t really appeal- also looked at Waldorf which was more our speed & beautiful materials- but both seemed restrictive in content.</p>
<p>We didn’t choose the one that was closest ( they were usually housed in churches or community centers), but the one that had the best snacks on the day we visited ( which is also kinda how we decided on college) 
& the playground that seemed the most appropriate.</p>
<p>The disadvantage with co-ops however, is that for kids who really need a lot of continuity, they can be challenging as the mix of parents is really a toss up.
So while as a parent I learned some things from the other parents & the childhood educator, I also think it was harder for my D to bond with the other parents, although they also freed up the teacher from doing the grunt work.</p>
<p>( I also agree with the NAEYC accreditation, the co-op my oldest was in from 2 & 1/2, wasn’t affilated with the college, but it had the accreditation and she was able to stay there until we found another co-op program for K.)</p>