The Gift of One More Year
By Kristina Forney
When my older daughter was little, I remember feeling like childhood stretched out endlessly in front of us. There was always time for another game, another story, another slow morning at the playground. Now that I have two daughters, I see something very different. Childhood moves quickly—faster than I ever expected. With my second, I’m much more aware of how fleeting these early years really are.
When it came time to decide whether to enroll her in Transitional Kindergarten (TK), I thought carefully about what this next year could look like. There are many wonderful TK programs, and they are the right choice for many families. But for us, the decision came down to something simple: the gift of one more year.
One more year of childhood.
Our society tends to move children toward independence, structure, and achievement earlier and earlier. There is an understandable focus on readiness, growth, and preparing kids for what comes next. But childhood isn’t something we get back once it’s gone. This year, my daughter still delights in building elaborate imaginary worlds, digging in the sand, and running until she’s out of breath. Giving her one more year to live fully in that stage feels like a gift—one that doesn’t need to be rushed.
One more year of childhood.
One more year of play.
At Cupertino Co-op Nursery School, play isn’t just something children do between lessons. It is the heart of the learning experience. Our program offers long stretches of flexible, open-ended play both indoors and outdoors. The children follow their curiosity, explore materials, negotiate friendships, and build confidence through experiences they help shape themselves.
Many public school classrooms, simply by necessity, involve more time indoors and more structured routines. For energetic four-year-olds who learn best by moving, experimenting, and discovering, the environment at CCNS offers something special. Here, children aren’t confined to a desk or a tightly scheduled day. They explore based on their interests. In many ways, they are the experts in their own domain.
One more year of play.
One more year of a nurturing community.
One of the most unique parts of CCNS is that it is a cooperative preschool run by parents. As a result, the relationships that develop here are incredibly personal. I trust and appreciate my child’s teacher deeply—but I also know that there are twenty-three other families who know my child, cheer for her successes, and support her growth.
The connections extend far beyond the classroom. There are carpools, spontaneous playdates, and an afterschool lunchtime crew that has become a meaningful part of our daily rhythm. I respect the families in our cohort and feel genuinely lucky to be navigating these early parenting years alongside them.
One more year of a nurturing community.
Of course, I know that our local public schools are filled with wonderful educators and supportive families as well. But the scale is different. At CCNS, relationships feel intimate and personal. My child isn’t just part of a classroom roster. She is part of a community that feels a lot like family.
For our family, choosing Pre-K over TK wasn’t about delaying growth or avoiding the next step. It was about embracing the moment we’re in. Childhood will move forward soon enough.
For now, we’re choosing the gift of one more year—one more year of childhood, one more year of play, and one more year in a nurturing community. One more year of CCNS.
If you’re curious about what this kind of preschool experience looks like, come take a tour of CCNS. If the idea of a preschool where families truly know and support one another resonates with you, we’d love to welcome you and show you what makes our little corner of childhood so meaningful.
