Co-Op FAQ's

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How long is a semester?

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Each semester is 12 weeks long with a week-long break. Ideally, there will be two 6 week sessions with a break between them and additional field trips throughout the semester. Our Fall semester will end before Thanksgiving, and our Spring Semester will end before Summer break.

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What type of classes do you offer?

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We aim to have supplemental classes with activities and lessons that children might not get at home. While most kids learn the basics like reading, writing, and math skills at their own pace at home, we offer them experiences that they wouldn't otherwise be exposed to. Each class is planned and taught by a parent volunteer, so a class can be anything from classics like Art, Music, foreign languages, science, and history to more eclectic topics like juggling, baking, martial arts, computer programming, and first aid. The best part is, anyone can teach a class! If you have an area of expertise, a fun hobby, something that you're passionate about, an interesting job, or a particular set of skills, you can share that with the children by volunteering to teach a class! It can be one day, the whole twelve weeks, or whatever works best for you.

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What is a Secular Co-Op?

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We welcome all families of all faiths. In order to respect the religious beliefs of all members, we do not teach from or promote a specific religious point of view.

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Will I be required to teach a class?

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We are very thankful for our parents who volunteer to teach classes.  It allows us to offer unique classes while keeping the costs low. While parents are encouraged to teach, it is not required to participate in classes.  Please see our FAQs about teaching at our co-op.

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Are there any other costs besides the registration fee?

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Since each class is being offered by a parent volunteer, there may be a small fee so that the parent doesn't have to pay too much out of pocket. Other parents may offer to donate or loan supplies to the class to keep costs low.

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My child is working above grade level for his age.  Can I put him in co-op classes above his grade level?

 

We recommend enrolling your child in classes according to their age.  As a parent, you know your child best.  If your child is able to interact appropriately in a higher-level class, he/she is welcome to try it out.  However, a space will not be held in the correct age group if a higher-level class is not a good fit.

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What do I do if I have to miss a week of co-op?

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Since every parent has a role in co-op, it is important that you let us know if you need to miss co-op.  Please let us know via Facebook if you will be absent. If you know in advance that you will be missing a week, please be sure to let the teacher know not to plan for your student that week.

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How do I register?

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A registration form will be posted to the home page of this website and the Facebook group page while there are positions open for each semester. You can submit it via Google Docs and our director, secretary, or treasurer will email you with information on how to send your registration check by mail, or you can turn it in at the Open house that we have before each semester begins.

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Do I get a refund if our family decides not to attend classes?

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As per the consent on the registration form, once a child is registered for classes, fees will not be reimbursed.  All surplus monies will be added to the general co-op fund.

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Facility FAQ's
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Parent Enriched Academy of Cooperative Education meets at the Unitarian Universalist Congreagtion of Columbus. We are honored to be guests of UUCC. In order to maintain our excellent relationship with the church members and leaders, as well as to continue receiving a generous reduction in rent, we are committed to treating the facility with respect, which includes:

• leaving the facility cleaner than we find it each week,

• always cleaning up our own messes,

• emptying trash cans in classrooms and taking trash to dumpster,

• putting tables and chairs back where they were,

• sweeping and vacuuming floors as needed,

• wiping down tables as needed,

• walking not running in the building,

• using our indoor voices out of respect for church personnel who may be present

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How accessible is the facility?

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There are ramps and sidewalks for members with limited mobility. There is a gender neutral bathroom by the nursery with a diaper changing station. There are also first aid kits available in the event of an emergency.