Frequently Asked Questions
When and where are classes held?
We have been greatly blessed with permission to use Colonial Baptist Church's children's ministry wing for our classes. This is a wonderful facility and we are incredibly appreciative that we are able to use it! We meet here each Friday morning during our scheduled semesters, see the 2014-2015 schedule link for actual dates.
What time does co-op start and what time do we need to arrive?
Co-op starts with opening assembly at 9:00 am. First hour facilitators need to arrive at 8:30 am to set-up their room with the expectation of being finished with set-up by 9:00 am in order to participate in opening assembly. We strongly encourage all other families to arrive by 8:45 so that they have enough time to get settled and into assembly by 9:00 am.
When do I set-up for my class?
It is the expectation that each class is ready by the scheduled start time. Prep should take place the period prior to your class start time or prior to opening assembly; depending on when your class is scheduled.
Can I leave the campus once I have facilitated my class for the day?
No, all participating parents must remain on campus while classes are in progress. If you are not facilitating during a particular class period it is expected that you are either prepping your class, volunteering in a class as an assistant, or observing in one of your children's classrooms.
How does the co-op support my homeschool?
Although concepts are reinforced and curriculum is supported at the co-op, it is the parent's responsibility to utilize the material at home. We are a support to your individual homeschool not a replacement.
Do I have any other responsibilities other than facilitating a class?
While on campus on Fridays we operate as one big team. In addition to facilitating a class, we also have scheduled times of service where you will be asked to assist in one of our classes. This is balanced with a class prep time where you can set-up your class and discuss planning with your partner. Once completed you have the opportunity to sit in on one of your student's classes or gather in our "break area" for fellowship.
Our coordinator roles present another opportunity to serve and have a stake in the success of the co-op. We break up the operational needs of the co-op into coordinator roles where you have an opportunity to use your background and talents to aid in the operation of the co-op. Roles will be identified after registration is complete and you will have an opportunity to review the "job descriptions" of each role and prayerfully select where you would like to serve. Examples of some of the roles include: finance team, social committee, web team, logistics team, administrative team, etc.
Who creates the lesson plans and when are they created?
Once our registration period is complete, we will assign facilitator teams for each class based on your preferences. Teams will be asked to create plans for their class for the school year over the summer. These plans will be due to your level coordinator prior to starting. We do this in an effort to protect your time once the school year starts, as well as the co-op, by allowing the class to continue uninterrupted in the event that a team member is unable to fulfill their duties.
How do I decide which class I would like to facilitate?
As you look over the classes prayerfully ask yourself which class could I put my gifts, talents, and interests to best use. Take into consideration the format of each class, for instance in science you will be conducting experiments, in history you will be reading the material and planning crafts and activities, in writing you will be providing instruction and giving feedback, in the foundations class you will work on a team to implement a morning program with fun stations, crafts, and centers. Once you have an idea of which class best suits you and your interests then think about what age range of children do I want to work with. Do you have a heart for our Foundations students? Do you have a preference to teach older students or younger students or ones in between? Once you have prayerfully considered these options, select your first, second, and third choices on the application. If you would like us to walk you through this process, please contact us and we would be happy to assist you.
How often do I facilitate?
Teams are given ownership of their classes from the standpoint that team members can decide their facilitation schedule (ie. every other week, unit by unit, semester by semester, etc.). It is also up to the team members to cover for each other during both planned and unplanned absences. We ask that you work out with your partner ahead of time any known absences in an effort that both partners wouldn't be absent in the same week.
How many absences am I allowed per semester?
Due to our team concept, we count on our moms each week not for facilitation support but assistant help as well. In light of this, absences due to illness, death in the family, or care due to illness of an immediate family members is considered an excused absences. All other absences are considered unexcused. You are allowed two unexcused absences per semester.
Do you have classes for my younger children?
For the 2014_2015 school year we will offer a Foundations class for 5 & 6 year old siblings of our students; 7 year old siblings not ready for level 1 classes and mature 4 year old students may be considered for this class. Please note as of right now we do not have childcare for children younger than 5 for the 2014_2015 school year, however, if you are interested in applying and have children under the age of 5 please contact us so we can assess childcare needs.
What if my family is not interested in all of the classes?
As previously stated, it is our desire to create not just a co-op but a family. With that in mind, we are looking for families to partner with who are interested in our entire program. However, there is room for some exceptions to this policy for high school students. Please feel free to contact us is you need to discuss this further.
How do I decide which level is most appropriate for my student(s)?
We have listed approximate grade suggestions next to each level both on the "class offerings" page and on the application (please read over the special considerations for some of the classes on the application). Please use this as a guide as you know your student best, however, please also consider factors that affect placement beyond just the academics. If you have any questions about placement for your student please contact us and we would be happy to discuss this with you.
Please note the following policy in regard to level placement: It is our desire to place students in classes based on skill level not necessarily grade or age level. However, we also recognize that academic ability is not the only factor in making a successful placement. Other factors need to be considered such as the grade/age demographic of the class, maturity level needed for the class, class size, expectations of students in the class including behavior, homework, the ability to work independently, etc. For this reason, although we will strive to work with parents to honor placement requests, the leadership of PCC reserves the right to respectfully deny requests if it is determined that the desired placement does not meet the factors necessary for the class.
Are the fees refundable?
No, once you have filled out our application and have been offered a spot, all fees collected from that point, including registration fees, seed money, class fees, etc. are non-refundable. If you leave the co-op for any reason prior to the start of the school year or during the school year, you will not be refunded any money or supplies purchased on behalf of your family. In addition, due to "classroom use only" copyright laws we are not able to pass along copyrighted material or lesson plans if your child is no longer participating in a class.
We have been greatly blessed with permission to use Colonial Baptist Church's children's ministry wing for our classes. This is a wonderful facility and we are incredibly appreciative that we are able to use it! We meet here each Friday morning during our scheduled semesters, see the 2014-2015 schedule link for actual dates.
What time does co-op start and what time do we need to arrive?
Co-op starts with opening assembly at 9:00 am. First hour facilitators need to arrive at 8:30 am to set-up their room with the expectation of being finished with set-up by 9:00 am in order to participate in opening assembly. We strongly encourage all other families to arrive by 8:45 so that they have enough time to get settled and into assembly by 9:00 am.
When do I set-up for my class?
It is the expectation that each class is ready by the scheduled start time. Prep should take place the period prior to your class start time or prior to opening assembly; depending on when your class is scheduled.
Can I leave the campus once I have facilitated my class for the day?
No, all participating parents must remain on campus while classes are in progress. If you are not facilitating during a particular class period it is expected that you are either prepping your class, volunteering in a class as an assistant, or observing in one of your children's classrooms.
How does the co-op support my homeschool?
Although concepts are reinforced and curriculum is supported at the co-op, it is the parent's responsibility to utilize the material at home. We are a support to your individual homeschool not a replacement.
Do I have any other responsibilities other than facilitating a class?
While on campus on Fridays we operate as one big team. In addition to facilitating a class, we also have scheduled times of service where you will be asked to assist in one of our classes. This is balanced with a class prep time where you can set-up your class and discuss planning with your partner. Once completed you have the opportunity to sit in on one of your student's classes or gather in our "break area" for fellowship.
Our coordinator roles present another opportunity to serve and have a stake in the success of the co-op. We break up the operational needs of the co-op into coordinator roles where you have an opportunity to use your background and talents to aid in the operation of the co-op. Roles will be identified after registration is complete and you will have an opportunity to review the "job descriptions" of each role and prayerfully select where you would like to serve. Examples of some of the roles include: finance team, social committee, web team, logistics team, administrative team, etc.
Who creates the lesson plans and when are they created?
Once our registration period is complete, we will assign facilitator teams for each class based on your preferences. Teams will be asked to create plans for their class for the school year over the summer. These plans will be due to your level coordinator prior to starting. We do this in an effort to protect your time once the school year starts, as well as the co-op, by allowing the class to continue uninterrupted in the event that a team member is unable to fulfill their duties.
How do I decide which class I would like to facilitate?
As you look over the classes prayerfully ask yourself which class could I put my gifts, talents, and interests to best use. Take into consideration the format of each class, for instance in science you will be conducting experiments, in history you will be reading the material and planning crafts and activities, in writing you will be providing instruction and giving feedback, in the foundations class you will work on a team to implement a morning program with fun stations, crafts, and centers. Once you have an idea of which class best suits you and your interests then think about what age range of children do I want to work with. Do you have a heart for our Foundations students? Do you have a preference to teach older students or younger students or ones in between? Once you have prayerfully considered these options, select your first, second, and third choices on the application. If you would like us to walk you through this process, please contact us and we would be happy to assist you.
How often do I facilitate?
Teams are given ownership of their classes from the standpoint that team members can decide their facilitation schedule (ie. every other week, unit by unit, semester by semester, etc.). It is also up to the team members to cover for each other during both planned and unplanned absences. We ask that you work out with your partner ahead of time any known absences in an effort that both partners wouldn't be absent in the same week.
How many absences am I allowed per semester?
Due to our team concept, we count on our moms each week not for facilitation support but assistant help as well. In light of this, absences due to illness, death in the family, or care due to illness of an immediate family members is considered an excused absences. All other absences are considered unexcused. You are allowed two unexcused absences per semester.
Do you have classes for my younger children?
For the 2014_2015 school year we will offer a Foundations class for 5 & 6 year old siblings of our students; 7 year old siblings not ready for level 1 classes and mature 4 year old students may be considered for this class. Please note as of right now we do not have childcare for children younger than 5 for the 2014_2015 school year, however, if you are interested in applying and have children under the age of 5 please contact us so we can assess childcare needs.
What if my family is not interested in all of the classes?
As previously stated, it is our desire to create not just a co-op but a family. With that in mind, we are looking for families to partner with who are interested in our entire program. However, there is room for some exceptions to this policy for high school students. Please feel free to contact us is you need to discuss this further.
How do I decide which level is most appropriate for my student(s)?
We have listed approximate grade suggestions next to each level both on the "class offerings" page and on the application (please read over the special considerations for some of the classes on the application). Please use this as a guide as you know your student best, however, please also consider factors that affect placement beyond just the academics. If you have any questions about placement for your student please contact us and we would be happy to discuss this with you.
Please note the following policy in regard to level placement: It is our desire to place students in classes based on skill level not necessarily grade or age level. However, we also recognize that academic ability is not the only factor in making a successful placement. Other factors need to be considered such as the grade/age demographic of the class, maturity level needed for the class, class size, expectations of students in the class including behavior, homework, the ability to work independently, etc. For this reason, although we will strive to work with parents to honor placement requests, the leadership of PCC reserves the right to respectfully deny requests if it is determined that the desired placement does not meet the factors necessary for the class.
Are the fees refundable?
No, once you have filled out our application and have been offered a spot, all fees collected from that point, including registration fees, seed money, class fees, etc. are non-refundable. If you leave the co-op for any reason prior to the start of the school year or during the school year, you will not be refunded any money or supplies purchased on behalf of your family. In addition, due to "classroom use only" copyright laws we are not able to pass along copyrighted material or lesson plans if your child is no longer participating in a class.