Frequently Asked Questions
When and where are classes held?
We have been greatly blessed with permission to use Colonial Baptist Church 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 2015-2016 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. All other families are asked 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. Therefore, it is still expected that the mom is the primary teacher and that you are actively involved in knowing the curriculum/assignments of your students and are actively involved at home with your students as they complete their work.
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 lesson plans for their class and a fall semester budget by August 1, 2015. All team members are expected to participate in lesson plan creation in an equitable manner...meaning depending on the number of members on a team all members should participate equally in lesson plan creation. These plans will be submitted to your level coordinator. 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 the nature of the co-op, we count on our moms each week for not only facilitation support, but for assistance support as well. Therefore, we ask that if you commit to co-op that you keep our operating schedule on Fridays free from other obligations or activities. We do have a list of excused absences that include illness, care of an immediate family member due to illness, funeral/memorial attendance, and competitive sport/activity attendance (for the competition not practice) in moderation and with consideration of other absences during the semester. We ask that vacations and retreat attendance be planned at all possible around our operating schedule, but they are an excused absence in moderation and with consideration of other absences. We monitor absences whether for a full or partial day and abuses of the absence policy will be taken up by leadership which may result in probation or dismissal.
Do you have classes for my younger children?
For the 2015_2016 school year we hope to offer a Foundations class for potentially mature 3 year old, 4 year old, and young 5 year old students. We will not be able to confirm that this class will continue until we can assess interest upon receiving applications. If you are interested in enrolling a child in this level please let us know by filling out the Foundations Interest Form under the PCC Information link above. Please note we will not have any classes or childcare for children under the age of 3.
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.
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 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 2015-2016 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. All other families are asked 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. Therefore, it is still expected that the mom is the primary teacher and that you are actively involved in knowing the curriculum/assignments of your students and are actively involved at home with your students as they complete their work.
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 lesson plans for their class and a fall semester budget by August 1, 2015. All team members are expected to participate in lesson plan creation in an equitable manner...meaning depending on the number of members on a team all members should participate equally in lesson plan creation. These plans will be submitted to your level coordinator. 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 the nature of the co-op, we count on our moms each week for not only facilitation support, but for assistance support as well. Therefore, we ask that if you commit to co-op that you keep our operating schedule on Fridays free from other obligations or activities. We do have a list of excused absences that include illness, care of an immediate family member due to illness, funeral/memorial attendance, and competitive sport/activity attendance (for the competition not practice) in moderation and with consideration of other absences during the semester. We ask that vacations and retreat attendance be planned at all possible around our operating schedule, but they are an excused absence in moderation and with consideration of other absences. We monitor absences whether for a full or partial day and abuses of the absence policy will be taken up by leadership which may result in probation or dismissal.
Do you have classes for my younger children?
For the 2015_2016 school year we hope to offer a Foundations class for potentially mature 3 year old, 4 year old, and young 5 year old students. We will not be able to confirm that this class will continue until we can assess interest upon receiving applications. If you are interested in enrolling a child in this level please let us know by filling out the Foundations Interest Form under the PCC Information link above. Please note we will not have any classes or childcare for children under the age of 3.
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.
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.