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Policy & Procedures

 NAVIGATORS HOMESCHOOL COOPERATIVE POLICIES & PROCEDURES

PURPOSE

The Navigators Homeschool Cooperative is a Christ-centered co-op which exists to disciple our children, encourage parents, serve our community and reach out to other homeschooling families.

"So that their hearts may be encouraged, having been knit together in love, and attaining to all the wealth that comes from the full assurance of understanding, resulting in a true knowledge of God's mystery, that is Christ Himself in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge."Colossians 2:2-3

INTRODUCTION

Our families come from diverse backgrounds, beliefs, church school coverings, and homeschool styles. However, as a Christian ministry, we base our guidelines on precepts from the Bible, all classes are taught from a Christian worldview, and each class day begins with prayer. (See STATEMENT OF FAITH.)

The guidelines within this packet will help everyone understand expectations, prepare us situations in advance, ensure our safety, and help us manage the use of the facilities that the Lord has provided. The Leadership Team reserves the right to change policies and procedures without notice.

All families should read the guidelines thoroughly before joining Navigators Homeschool Cooperative and before starting each subsequent semester. Upon understanding how we function and what your responsibilities will be you can then determine if Navigators is a good fit for your family. Your signature on the enrollment form indicates that you and your family have recently read, understand and will abide by these policies and procedures. Your enrollment indicates your commitment to participate for a full semester.

STATEMENT OF FAITH

God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe. He has eternally existed as the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three are one God. Jesus Christ is the Son of God. Jesus offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all people by dying on a cross. He arose from the dead after three days and ascended to heaven as King of Kings and Lord of Lords, and he will return again to take us to heaven with Him. Salvation is found in no one else.

The Holy Spirit is one with the Father and the Son of God. He is present in the world to make men aware of their need for Jesus Christ. He lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation and provides the Christian with power for living, understanding spiritual truths, and guidance in doing what is right.

The Bible is God’s Word to us. It was written by human authors, under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is the supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs and living. Because it is inspired by God, it is the truth without any form of error. The Bible is our sole authority.

References: Genesis 1:1, 26,27; 3:22; Psalm 12:6; Psalm 119:105,160; Proverbs 30:5; Isaiah 9:6; Matthew 1:22-23; Matthew 28:19, John 1:1-5, 14:10—30; John 16:7-13, 14:16-17; Acts 1:8-11, 4:8-12’ Romans 1:3—4; I Corinthians 2:12, 3:16,12:4-6, 12-13, 15:3-4; 2 Corinthians 3:17, 13:14; Galatians 5:25; Ephesians 1:13, 5:18; I Timothy 6:14-15; 2 Timothy 1:13, 16; 3:16; Titus 2:13; Hebrews 4:14-15; I Peter 1:2; 2 Peter 1:20-21

Your signature on the enrollment form indicates that you and your family have read, understand and will abide by this Statement of Faith and neither you nor your family will contradict, hinder, or oppose these teachings in any way during any activity or via any media affiliated with this group.

LIABILITY

Faith Family Fellowship, First Baptist Fairhope, Destiny Church, Bay Minette First Baptist Church, and Navigators Homeschool Co-op, their members and administrators assume no liability and make no assumptions of risk for anyone attending any Navigators function. Parents are directly responsible for their children's education and actions. Any damages or injuries incurred by a student or family member is the responsibility of the parent whether it is an accident or not. Immediately notify a member of the Leadership Team if something belonging to the church facility is broken. Compensation for injury or damages, deliberate or accidental, shall be borne entirely by the responsible family. Your signature notes your agreement to this effect.

COVID-19: In regard to current guidelines at the inclusion of this section, Navigators Homeschool Cooperative is unable to realistically provide six foot distancing. As participation in our group is purely voluntary, you, the parent, take full responsibility for all risks should you opt to participate in classes and/or social events. You will NOT hold Navigators Homeschool Cooperative nor Destiny Church, nor First Baptist Fairhope, nor Faith Family Fellowship, nor Bay Minette First Baptist Church, its leaders, staff and/or members liable should you contract the virus. You may use all recommended precautions as your family chooses. 

There is also an update to our SiCK POLICY: If one member of your family is sick, ALL members of your family must stay home. You should not participate nor will you be permitted to send your well children with another adult. This will help reduce the spread of all illnesses (Covid-19, stomach bugs, flu, lice, etc).

COMMUNICATION

Navigators Homeschool Co-op is independent of the church’s operation, so we ask that you do not contact Faith Family Fellowship, First Baptist Fairhope, Destiny Church, or Bay Minette First Baptist Church regarding co-op matters. Please direct inquiries to our Leadership Team.

Our Website (thenavigators.info) page is our primary form of communicating for academic and social schedule, so please check it regularly. We also use a private Facebook page to stay in touch, as well as reminders, support, prayer requests, etc. If you are not on this Facebook page, please see a member of Leadership.

COSTS 

We aim to keep co-op affordable. Navigators Leadership does not receive compensation. Family registration fees cover facility tithes, cleaning supplies, holiday party supplies, outreach materials, administration expenses, discipleship materials, partial expenses for our annual moms’ retreat, and other general expenses. Class fees pay for supplies only and go directly to each teacher.

Registration Fee per semester effective June 2023 is:

  • $50 per family per semester for social members
  • $75 per family per semester for academic members

Class fees to be determined by each teacher, per semester, to pay for specific supplies for his/her class. This may include specialty items, paints, tools, kits, and equipment. There are NO REFUNDS on registration fees, website fees, or class fees unless there is an unforeseen relocation or medical emergency that prevents your family from participating before classes begin.

Social events fees to be determined by the hostess and company. Your payment is your registration. Each event will have it’s specific guidelines and deadlines.There are NO REFUNDS for social events unless the event is cancelled. If you pay for an event and cannot attend, you may offer your spot to another member. The member will need to pay you directly for any costs and the host(ess) must be notified of the change.

ACTIVITIES

  • We are a cooperative, therefore everyone is encouraged to plan and/host any activities. It is not strictly leadership’s job. It can be a field trip, get together for teens, moms, preteens, playdates, park get-togethers, etc. Please remember, while we are separated by campuses, we are one group. Plan with the entire group in mind.

  • If you do plan a FT or event, you are responsible for keeping track of those who signed up, those who paid, and making arrangements with leadership to make payments to the vendor (do you need a check, pay with CC?). You should be able to print out a roster and take attendance at the venue as the coordinator. Make notes on any changes and/or discrepancies in the number of attendees, fees, etc. The roster, with notes and receipt from the venue, will need to be turned in to the bookkeeper, Janna Brown. 

    • A reminder that Navigators does not refund absences or family cancellations (especially if a minimum number is required). If a family fails to show up, their fee is still paid to the vendor as a donation. (If 20 people sign up and 16 show up, you will pay the vendor for the 20).

  • You can post info on the facebook page, but events with signup and payment requirements must be on the website. You can do that yourself, or there’s a form to fill out if you’re not so tech savvy. Under MEMBERSHIP FORMS - Event Form.

    • To Create an Event: Sign-in. Go to Calendar, Click on DATE of the event, fill out the information. Once you SAVE the first time you’ll be able to add sign up information (restrictions, payment, etc). Admin is notified when an event is post to be approved. If we have any questions, we’ll make contact.

  • If you would like help with planning or any part of the process, please feel free to reach out to any member of leadership at any campus. 

REFUNDS

In 2022 we switched to a new payment system that had a lower service fee (3% instead of the 7%-10% by PayPal). We add that percentage to fees to cover that expense. Unlike PP, which refunded the service fee on refunds, the new payment system does not. Starting Sept 1st 2023, any fees paid will be refunded less than the 3% fee. For example, if you paid $10.35 for an event, you will only be refunded the $10.

We do not refund field trips or other events, especially those that require a minimum number of attendees, unless canceled by Navigators or the venue. Your fee will be donated to the vendor. Navigators does not keep the money from canceled registrations.

STANDARDS OF CONDUCT

Students and parents should conduct themselves to reflect the virtues of Christ while at any Navigators function. Good behavior, respect for authority, and respect for any building or location we utilize is expected. Parents are responsible for their children at all times, so it is your responsibility to handle any misbehavior.

Some basic guidelines for behavior include:

  • Be punctual.
  • Honor your commitments. You and your children should be at all classes each week.
  • Be respectful of all facilities or locations we utilize.
  • Be respectful of all teachers, tour guides, or other persons in charge.
  • Treat others with honor, respect, and courtesy.
  • Bullying, sexual, physical or any other type of harassment will not be tolerated.
  • Swearing and the use of other inappropriate language is prohibited. If you wouldn't say it in front of Jesus you shouldn't say it at a Navigators event.
  • All clothing choices should be according to the guidelines set forth in DRESS CODE.
  • Boy-girl relationships among students are to be kept platonic in nature while attending Navigators activities.

Parents are responsible for their own children at all Navigator sponsored events - classes, field trips, etc. In the event that a behavior offense occurs during a Navigators function, the host(ess) or other adult member should notify the student’s parent so they may work it out according to their family’s rules.

CONFLICT RESOLUTION POLICY

“If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that 'every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.' If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector” (Matthew 18:15-17).

Please help us deal with inevitable personality conflicts and misunderstandings in a proactive, Christian way. If a conflict arises between any combination of parents and children, parents should pray first and then try to resolve the issue together following Matthew 18:15-17 (see above).

Try to resolve the issue between the students and/or parent with one another. Seek a resolution to the issue that is Christ-like.

If an one-on-one approach is unsuccessful, please involve another adult - one who may have witnessed the incident, or an adult whom you both trust.

If a parent or child will not cooperate to resolve the situation, or if a resolution cannot be met, the parties may then need to seek the Leadership Team's assistance for mediation.

In cases of inappropriate behavior by a student of any age, these steps will be taken:

  • For the first offense, the teacher, aide or adult in charge will give the student a verbal warning.
  • For the second offense, the student will be escorted to his/her parent and allow the parent and child to work it out alone according to their family's rules. The teacher will inform a member of the Leadership Team by that afternoon of the circumstances involved. The student may return to class after proper apology, restitution, and resolution to reform are made.
  • If the inappropriate behavior continues for a third time, the teacher will repeat the second step, and the student will remain with their parent and not be permitted to return to class. The teacher must notify the Leadership Team before the end of co-op that day. Leadership will communicate with the parents and student in an effort to address the issue.

If behavior problems persist, the student may not be allowed to return for classes (expelled). It is not the responsibility of the teacher, Leadership Team, or co-op to make accommodations for the suspended or expelled student, or the parent’s responsibilities during the co-op day.

The Leadership Team reserves the right to refuse future enrollment in classes or co-op entirely to a student who has been suspended or expelled, created disruptions, or exhibited inappropriate behavior (physical violence, the threat of physical violence, sexual harassment, destruction of property, or other major violation of Navigators policy).

Navigators reserves the right to deny or terminate membership for any cause deemed to be in disagreement with the purpose of the association or for irresolvable breaches in the Standards of Conduct.

DRESS CODE

“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).

Parents and students should wear appropriate modest clothing. As in every area of our lives, we desire the way we dress to honor the Lord, so please choose clothing from a spiritual point of view. If in doubt, choose something else.

To standardize what is considered appropriate, both parents and students need to adhere to the following dress code:

  • Clothing should not have graphics which are contrary to the Bible.
  • Underwear and bras should not be exposed (no sagging or see-through clothing).
  • Skirts and shorts should be no shorter than fingertip length.
  • Shirts should not show cleavage or midriff.
  • For water events, men and boys should wear swim trunks (no Speedos). Women and girls should wear conservative bathing suits which cover their entire torso (no bikinis).

SICK POLICY

“Do to others as you would have them do to you” (Luke 6:31).

If you or your children are sick or recovering from an illness, or other issues that is contagious, please do not attend Navigators classes or events until completely cured. We do not want to be a source of illness for any family, so please use good judgment. If in doubt, err on the side of caution, stay home and inform the Substitute Coordinator or Event Hostess.

If one member of your family is sick, ALL members of your family must stay home. You should not participate nor will you be permitted to send your well children with another adult. This will help reduce the spread of all illnesses (Covid-19, stomach bugs, flu, etc).

If you or your children exhibit any the following, then do not attend Navigators classes or events:

  • Fever of 99 degrees or greater within 24 hours prior to co-op.
  • Fever that needs medication to control (such as Tylenol, Advil or Motrin).
  • Vomiting or nausea within 48 hours prior to co-op.
  • Diarrhea within 24 hours prior to co-op.
  • Nasal congestion, or yellow or green nasal discharge, or excessive clear nasal discharge that is heavy enough to require frequent wiping.
  • Cold symptoms with sore throat or persistent coughing or sneezing.
  • Streptococcal infection, until 48 hours after medication has been initiated.
  • Infected skin or eyes or undiagnosed rash, including but not limited to conjunctivitis, poison ivy, Fifth Disease, chickenpox, etc., until the prescribed drops, cream or treatment are complete or incubation period recommended by doctor has passed.
  • Cold sores (fever blisters) on children kindergarten and below, until lesions are scabbed.
  • Acting lethargic, listless, or irritable.
  • Other contagious symptoms, including but not limited to lice, ringworm, etc.
  • If your child has a clear runny nose, then use your best judgment as to whether it's sickness or allergy.

ALLERGY POLICY

Notify the Leadership Team and you child’s teachers if your child has any allergies. We will release a general notification of all reported allergies but it is ultimately the responsibility of parents and children to monitor their own allergies and sensitivities.

GENDER IDENTIFICATION

Navigators is a Christ-centered cooperative that seeks to operate with convictions that reflect Biblical truth regardless of cultural circumstances. We believe that God created men and women, both in His image (Gen 1:27), but with distinctly different biological and physicals traits. We feel that these differences should be celebrated because we are fearfully and wonderfully made (Ps 139:14) in our Creator's image. To this end, all members of Navigators will be identified only by their God given gender.

SOLICITATION POLICY

Usage of the co-op directory for the purpose of solicitation is a violation of privacy and is strictly prohibited. Navigators does have a secret Buy/Sell/Giveaway Facebook page for member use. Please refer to guidelines on that page prior to making posts.

SOCIAL PARTICIPATION ONLY

Social membership is opened after Academic membership closes for the semester. It remains open up to 1-2 months before the beginning of the next academic semester, at which time it is closed.

Privileges of social track members include social events, field trips, service opportunities, playdates and all other Navigators events aside from classes and events specifically created for the Academic Track. Social members are encouraged to help plan events and be actively involved with the group.

ACADEMIC & SOCIAL PARTICIPATION

To join as an Academic Member, you must have at least one child that is at least 6 years old, in 1st grade by October 1st of Fall semester. As an Academic member you are entitled to participate in all activities hosted by Navigators both Friday classes and any social event - parties, field trips, etc.

CAMPUSES: Currently Navigators meets in Bay Minette, Spanish Fort, Fairhope, and Daphne. The campuses work independently while also acting as one large group for social events. As an academic member, you are entitled to attend all social events irrelevant of which campus you attend classes (as long as you meet any criteria for the activities such as age).

ORIENTATION is held once a semester. It is a mandatory, parents-only meeting for NEW Academic families. This Orientation is necessary to help new families understand how the day works and their responsibilities to the group. In the event that you are unable to attend Orientation, you must make contact with a member of Leadership to set up a meeting.

CLASS REGISTRATION is done online at thenavigators.info. You must be a registered academic member and logged-in to your account in order to sign-up for classes. Please only register your children for classes that reflect their grade (age) effective the beginning of the Fall semester. For example, if your child will be in 4th grade starting in fall, then they should register for 4th grade level classes. This will remain their level for the entire year - Aug to April. The schedule has been created to accommodate students by this standard. By registering your child for classes outside of their age bracket, you will be potentially taking that course spot from another student. All members are required to attend a full co-op day (3/4 classes). If you have special circumstances, please speak with a member of the leadership team to discuss your options.

Registration takes place over a 2 day period. However, we recommend you not delay as classes fill up quickly.

Classes are registered on a first come, first serve system. If a class you wish to register for is full, select a different class for that block (period). Some classes are capped at a specific number (we generally aim for no more than 12-15 students depending on age and subject, and teacher’s discretion).

Please read each course description in its entirety before registering your students for that class. Students are expected to fulfill the expectations set forth in the course descriptions including necessary materials, class participation, and homework (if applicable). By registering for the class you are agreeing that your student will abide by those expectations. Failure to fully participate in their registered classes may restrict your student's ability to register for future classes.

If you register for any sport classes, you will not hold Navigators Homeschool Cooperative, nor Faith Family Fellowship, nor First Baptist Fairhope, nor Bay Minette Baptist Church, nor the teacher for any injuries incurred while participating in a class. The same liability waiver includes, but not limited to, classes that involve tools, cooking, electricity, hands on involvement, such as car repair, science experiments, etc.

If you find that your child has a major, irreconcilable issue with a class and needs to make a change after final registration, speak with someone from Leadership and the receiving teacher.Course changes will only be permitted in the case of a major conflict and at the availability of the receiving class. A refund will not be given for the first class, and fees for the new class will be due and payable before attending.

CLASSES are 10-12 classes over a 10-14 week duration, taking place on Fridays from 9am-1:30pm. The semester schedule will be announced in advance and placed on the website calendar so that families may plan accordingly.

Classes vary each semester based on the availability of teachers and student interest. Schedules are subject to change and classes without a minimum number of students (5) may be cancelled. Students in any cancelled class will be moved at the discretion of the Leadership Team to another class for the same period, however, the team will consult parents.

The Leadership Team has the right to monitor, cancel or censure any class, but neither the Leadership Team nor the Church will be held responsible for content taught. Members of the Leadership Team may sit in on classes at any time without notice. Parents may also sit in on their children’s class if they are on break that block, as long as space permits and they do not disrupt the class. If you have any questions or concerns about a class, please talk with the teacher. As a courtesy, please keep the Leadership Team informed.

Each child will need to bring basic supplies based on their specific classes. This may include pencils, notebooks, crayons, markers, colored pencils, scissors.

TEACHING CLASSES

We ask all academic members to consider teaching a class. You can teach any age group, and propose any topic. We take into consideration the needs of the groups when making the classes. You may also be asked to teach.

When submitting a Course Proposal, please consider the time within the class (40 mins for younger, 60 mins for older group) and semester length. Please clearly communicate your expectations and adhere to your description. If you must change your lessons, you must notify Leadership and students’ parents.

Teacher Fees

Member Teachers should only charge fees that cover actual costs of material and supplies.

Member Teachers should not be making a profit on any class. We understand that your cost may be an estimate but please be as fair as possible

Member Teacher may be asked to validate their fees and may be asked to explain why they are charging a specific fee.

Guest Teachers

A teacher is considered a Guest Teacher if they meet the following criteria:

  • They have no child(ren) that are members of the academic track.
  • They may not have child(ren) on campus during classes.
  • They may charge fees that provide a profit.

As with other classes, if the enrollment minimum is not met the class is subject to cancellation and any fees paid will be refunded in full.

IN THE CLASS ROOM

Teachers should be prepared and ready to teach.

Aides should actively participate in class: help gather supplies, implement lessons, handle discipline, assist students, keep track of time, and escort young children to the bathroom.

Teachers and aides should avoid side conversations, cell phones, etc.

If the teacher is aware of an upcoming absence, after notifying the Substitute Coordinator, please provide the aide with the necessary information/material to teach.

For the last class of the day, the teacher, aide and students are responsible for cleaning the room and returning it to its original state. You will be given Clean Up Procedures as necessary.

If you experience any discipline issues in your class, please communicate issues directly with the parent no later than after the second incident. (See BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS). By informing the parent directly, you are giving them the opportunity to parent/discipline their child.
 

THE ACADEMIC DAY

“Each of you should look not only to your own interests but also to the interests of others” (Phil 2:4).

Set-up Team should arrive by 8:30am to perform their assigned duties.

Arrive at co-op with name tags and be seated in the appropriate assembly room at or before 8:55am.

Name tags should be worn during co-op hours.

All parents and students will participate in Assembly. Assembly is one of the most important parts of the day! It’s a wonderful time to come together as an entire group, take a few minutes to study God’s Word, make announcements, and encourage parents and students. Please attend assembly and encourage children to be attentive and respectful to the speaker(s).

By registering. parents agree to serve at co-op for the entire semester.

The Substitute Coordinator reserves the right to use any parent as substitutes as needed.

You may not leave the premises.

Remove all co-op teaching materials from the classrooms.

All rooms should be returned to their original order at the conclusion of the co-op day. (See END OF DAY)

Respect church property as a house of worship and use only items and areas sanctioned for our use.

Label personal possessions. Neither the church nor Navigators co-op will be held responsible for lost, stolen, damaged, or forgotten belongings.

We do not believe in banning cell phones, however set a good example and be considerate by muting sound, activating voice mail, and returning calls or texts between classes.

To prevent spills and pest infestation, food is confined to the kitchenette, and parents' lounge, unless part of a class function.

All parents are responsible to enforce co-op rules, monitor hallways and correct any child in a loving manner.

Attend all classes for which you are registered. Student should not skip class or attending a class they are not registered for.

Students should not use distracting objects (cell phones, electronics, toys, etc.) during class.

Help keep the campus clean and free of trash.

Immediately notify the appropriate person if something is damaged in the facility (teacher, parent, leadership).

Keep the restroom neat.

See BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS

ATTENDANCE AND TARDY POLICY

“Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others” (Romans 12:4-5).

By enrolling in the academic track, you are committing to co-op for the entire semester. We ask that you consider your current schedule and prayerfully consider whether classes fit well into it before joining.

Your attendance and punctuality are crucial for the success of this co-op. When even one parent is late, absent, or drops out then another member loses their break period in order to cover the void. In order to prevent putting a heavier burden on other members, please attend co-op for all scheduled classes unless there is a legitimate illness or emergency. If you know in advance that your family will be missing a day due to a foreknown issue (labor/delivery, surgery, family obligation, etc) please speak to a member of leadership before registration.

Our academic schedule is made available well in advance (usually months in advance) so that families may plan accordingly. Please refrain from scheduling appointments and vacations during times that will conflict with co-op. If you must miss class for any reason, please inform the Substitute Coordinator immediately. Be punctual each week (8:30am for setup members/ 8:50am for all others).

If a family member, such as a Dad or grandparent, brings your children to co-op they are required to take your place in all classes and duties (set-up/clean-up). If you are a teacher, your stand-in may act as the aide to the class and your normal aide may serve as the teacher. In the case where dads or grandparents are uncomfortable teaching, the aide will act as the teacher. Please inform the Substitute Coordinator.

Any member who is absent or tardy 3 or more times in a semester with or without legitimate cause may be restricted from registration in future semesters. (Examples of legitimate causes are sickness, surgery, or a death in the family. Examples of illegitimate causes are vacations, other social plans, or being tired/ busy.) The Leadership Team reserves the right to refuse enrollment to a family with a record of excessive absences or tardies in the previous semester(s).

Due to safety and church requirements, students are not permitted to attend co-op without a parent or guardian present unless previous arrangements have been made and approved by Leadership. Exceptions may be made for students who are licensed drivers (see UNACCOMPANIED STUDENTS). Only registered students and parents, grandparents (regardless of teaching status) are allowed on campus during class time. Family members may be permitted to visit if they receive advance approval from Leadership. Prospective Navigator members may also be permitted to visit with advance approval from Leadership. All members and approved visitors must wear a Navigators name tag while on campus. In the event that a prospective new member is attending, you will be able to identify them by a Guest Tag. Be sure to make them feel welcomed!

Friends, children you are babysitting, other children whom are not enrolled in Navigators (including your own), and others are not permitted on campus during class unless advance approval from leadership has been given.

SUBSTITUTE POLICY

** As soon as you know that you will be absent, immediately contact the Substitute Coordinator directly via Text (to be provided). A Facebook post is not acceptable.**

All parents on break will be available to substitute and will be assigned substitute assignments as needed by the Substitute Coordinator. Floaters and non-teachers will be utilized first and then teachers as necessary.

Teachers should inform their aides they will be absent and provide them with necessary material so they can teach the class in their absence.

If you are ever the only adult in a class, please notify a member of leadership immediately so that an aide may be assigned. You can do this by notifying a member of leadership or the assigned security person. An aide will be sent to you promptly.

If you must leave co-op in an emergency, you may ask another parent to be responsible for your children. If so, please tell a member of Leadership and your children who will be responsible for them.

LUNCH PROCEDURES

We will have a campus-wide lunch break. Teachers will escort all students to the designated lunch area.

Parents will be solely responsible for their own children, including supervision, providing the meal and cleaning up any mess. Lunch will be eaten outside, weather permitting. In the case of bad weather, lunch will be eaten inside in their respective Assembly rooms. Please make every effort to clean up after eating in the building. Making sure to vacuum up an major messes. Many families bring blankets to eat on, which helps contain bread crumbs and spills.

In order to be good stewards of the facility and to avoid broken and misplaced items, we cannot have children playing inside, especially unsupervised. Therefore, the inside of the building is off limits to students during lunch time unless it's raining, they're using the bathroom, or they are with their parent (diaper changes, naps, quiet time, etc). Any students found inside the building during lunch will be ushered back outside.

Please advise your children of this policy prior to the start of co-op, it will be strictly enforced.

We understand this is an opportune time for your children to interact with their friends. Remembering that the parent is still responsible for all children, we would love for them to eat together, and time and space allowing, play.

There will be a 10 minute designated clean up time included in the lunch break to allow for any clearing of trash and/or messes and gathering belongings to move on to the last class.

PARENT’S LOUNGE

Our Parents' Lounge is strictly for parents, with rare exceptions. This is the one area intended to be a place of refreshment (literally and figuratively) for our hard working moms and dads during the co-op day. Please do not give your child permission to be in the room. If you need them to retrieve something for you from the room, they can ask one of the adults present to hand it to them. It’s the all-mysterious “teacher’s lounge”, let’s keep it a mystery.

DADS

We are a family oriented co-op and welcome both parents to attend Navigators classes and events. Students benefit the most when we have a wide variety of talents and gifts utilized in our class offerings. Dads may teach their own classes, assist their wives, or substitute for their wives. If Dad will be on campus during the day, he should register for aide spots.
 

UNACCOMPANIED STUDENTS

For students aged 15 and younger, a parent or guardian must be on campus at all times. Under certain circumstances registered students may be permitted to attend classes without a parent if Leadership approval has been granted. In rare situations exceptions may be made to allow another registered member to be the “on-site guardian” for a child aged 15 or under who is not their own. Both the family of the student and the guardian must be registered members and a separate agreement will be signed by both parties.

Students who are 16 years of age or older may be permitted to attend co-op without a parent, as long as the family has attended classes at least one semester. Families desiring this option should receive permission from leadership prior to enrollment. In addition to the behavior policies listed for all students, teens should understand that they are their family ambassador while on campus and are also subject to the following behavior requirements.

** Teens and their parents will both be required to sign separate Policy and Procedure agreements and attend Orientation.**

Each family is required to serve as either a teacher or on the setup/cleanup team. Students may fulfill this requirement or families may opt to pay an additional fee of $35 per semester.

Arrive on time and be prepared for each class.

Students driving themselves must drive responsibly on and near church grounds and should be respectful of their surroundings: no loud music, no vulgar music, obey slow speeds, and park only in member designated parking, etc.

Behavior should reflect the virtues of Christ. While the student is on campus unaccompanied, they should act in a way that is honorable.

Boy-girl relationships among students are to be kept platonic in nature while attending co-op classes or other Navigators activities.

Students may only be on campus for classes and official co-op functions. There is to be no loitering in vehicles, the parking lot or other areas of the property either before, during, or after co-op.

Unaccompanied students may not serve as the guardian for another student. Ie- A 16 year old student may not bring his/her younger siblings to co-op.

Unaccompanied students who fail to comply with Navigators policies may be subjected to disciplinary action and required to be accompanied by a parent on campus for the remainder of the semester.   

BATHROOM POLICY

For the protection of both parents and children, no adult should be alone with a child not his or her own. Bathroom procedures are as follows:

Preschool through 5 years old teachers should schedule a regular bathroom break during class, or send a small group at a time with a helper.&a