FAQ AND ANSWERS

What is required of me before I begin homeschooling?

In Colorado, there are several options for home schooling. Probably the most popular option includes filing a "Notice of Intent" with your local superintendent 14 days prior to the start of your home school instruction - and then annually thereafter. For more information, please see the Colorado requirements at CHEC (Christian Home Educators of Colorado) or at HSLDA (Home School Legal Defense Association)

Q:	What is expected of me, as a parent, in order to have my children involved in the enrichment program?
A:	We are not a drop-off site, so parents are expected to stay at the facility during the time in which their children are present. You are not required to teach classes or help in them, but many mothers do. Mothers who are not teaching or helping in classes can go to many different areas to read a book, scrapbook, knit, crochet, visit with other mothers, or they can enjoy a snack in the cafe'.

How is the program structured?

We meet on Tuesday mornings from 8:30 - 12:40. We have two 12-week sessions per year. We are in session from August - November, and from January - April.

Classes are taught by mothers (sometimes fathers too!) of the participating co-op families.

Payment for teaching comes in the form of an exchange for free class registrations. For each class taught, one free class registration is received. Teachers receive their free classes during the semester in which they are teaching.

Parent helpers in the class receive a voucher at the end of the semester, which can then be redeemed for one free class registration during the next 12 months.

Classes are one hour in length - with a 10-minute snack break halfway through the morning. We begin classes at 8:30 a.m. with pledges to the American flag and the Christian flag taking place in each classroom. The last class ends at 12:40 p.m.

Q:	What kind of support does this group offer?
A:	There is a monthly "Mom's Night Out" with different activities planned. Just being with the other mothers on Tuesdays provides support too. The leadership team is there to provide you support and encouragement as well.

Q:	Do I have to teach in the co-op in order to be a part of it?
A:	No. In fact, during the first semester that you are a part of the program, you will not be able to teach. This gives you an opportunity to get to know SFHE better, and for us to get to know you too! However, you will be allowed to help in classes.

What expenses can I expect in order to be involved?

The expenses for participating in the enrichment program are minimal.

There is a $10 family fee each semester.
Registering for classes costs $12.00 - $18.00 per class, per child. That works out to a minimum of $1 per week for each class, each child! (Our semesters run for 12 weeks).
There is often a supply fee for classes too - but we do work hard to keep this fee minimal.

The average cost for a child participating all four hours would be $61.00 for the semester, not including the family fee.

Am I able to count the time involved in the co-op towards my homeschool requirements?

Most definitely! Many of our families do not work on their regular course of study on Tuesdays. Their children participate all four hours - so the Colorado homeschool law is satisfied on co-op days.

If you choose to participate in fewer then 4 hours, then you will need to be sure you meet the Colorado requirement in regards to attendance.

Q:	Are there many other children there the same ages as my kids?
A:	Yes. This past year, we averaged 86 children participating in our enrichment program - ranging in age from preschool to high school.