The Paso Robles Cooperative Preschool is a non-profit cooperative preschool, administered by the parents. It is your input and energy that make our school possible. The professional head of PRCP is the Executive Director. We require the Director to hold a Bachelor’s or Associates Degree from an accredited or approved college or university with an emphasis in Early Childhood Education or Child Development and have at least two years teaching and/ or director’s experience. The Director is responsible for overseeing all programs, staffing, operation of school, registration, and investigates all matters of controversies between pupils, parents, patrons, or preschool employees when controversies relate to preschool professional affairs. Our teachers are a very talented collection of trained professionals, diversified in background and interest, with a minimum of 12 ECE units.
Faculty
Johna’ DeBellis, Executive Director
Ms. DeBellis was born in Carmel, CA and moved to Paso Robles in 1967. From 1971-1976 she studied & traveled throughout Europe. After returning to the U.S., she continued her education & travels, moving back to Paso Robles in 1985 to start her own family. In 1990 she began working in education for Paso Robles Public Schools in a variety of positions; her favorite was teaching P.E.
Her relationship with PRCP began in 1988 when her daughter SierraRose first attended. In 2008 Ms. DeBellis was “filling-in” at the Co-op, as a 2-4s Teacher, while the school looked for a hire. She fell in love with the position & accepted the job herself. In addition to teaching she was also the Assistant Director. Since 2012 she has been the Executive Director.
“My favorite part of the day is hearing the children get excited while they are learning!”
Peggy Smith, Teacher 2-4s
Ms. Peggy was born in San Pedro, CA and was raised in Hawthorne, CA. She moved to Paso Robles in 1989.
She has been working in education for 13 years and began her relationship with our Co-op in the Parent and Me class with her son Zach in 2002. She became a teacher for the 2-4s class in 2003.
Her favorite part of the preschool day is, “when the children share at morning circle about their weekend or something special they did with their family.”
Melissa Zack, Teacher Pre-K
Ms. Zack was born in Palo Alto, California. She spent her youth in northern California and her young adulthood exploring the great state before settling down in Saratoga, with her husband, and their first child Trenton. She moved to the Central Coast after second child Deegan was born, and put down roots in Paso Robles in 2018.
Both of her children attended PRCP where she first served as a working parent in their classrooms and supported other classes as needed. The wonderful enriching culture inspired her to become a permanent member of the cooperative.
Her favorite part of the day is “singing, dancing, and acting silly with the children.”
Ashley Hughes, Teacher Pre-K/ transition to Pre-K
Ms. Ashley grew up in Templeton, and then moved to the Bay Area where she advanced her career in Early Childhood Education. She has been working in the field since 2007 and has experience with infants through Kindergarten.
Her background in ECE sparked her interest in a co-op mib watch replica setting for her youngest child. She ended up loving the PRCP environment and people, and decided to become a permanent teacher.
“My favorite part of the day is listening to the children’s stories at group time and seeing their smiling faces each morning.”
2023-2024 Parent Board of Directors
Because we are a cooperative preschool, the financial responsibilities of the school belong to the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors is responsible for managing the finances, advocating for PRCP, ensuring compliance of by-laws, and making decisions to further the purpose of PRCP.
Board of Directors meetings are held once a month. Board meetings are open to the general membership until the closed session begins. Minutes of all open Board meetings shall be recorded by the Recording Secretary and shall be posted for the general membership after approval by the Board of Directors.
President-Caroline Shepherd
Vice-President-Roseann Koerber
Fundraiser-Collective Board
Secretary-Melissa Haupt
Treasurer-Nicole Hermosillo
Parliamentarian-Karlee Wetzel