Grace Co-Op Policies & Procedures

Grace Homeschool Co-Op Policies & Procedures

Spring 2026

Fees

The cost for co-op is $100 per family per semester. There are also additional costs for certain classes. These costs will be determined by what class is being taught, and what class you pick for the child(ren).
Tuition will cover participation in co-op for 10 Fridays.
Tuition may change per semester to ensure the costs of our building, insurance, and supplies are fully covered.
There is a $15 fee per adult (18 years old or older) who will be regularly on campus, in order to cover the cost of the background check. This fee is due upon registration and is non-refundable. Background checks will be required to be renewed every five years, at which time the $15 fee will be charged again. Please make sure to submit the required fee for each adult who will be present regularly during co-op hours. This is part of the overall registration process.
A $50 non-refundable fee must be paid to hold your spot for the semester.
The remaining $50 is due approximately 60 days prior to the start of the semester.
There will be NO refunds after class schedules have been made. This means, once teachers have signed up to teach and the schedules emailed out, we will not be able to issue a refund.

Right to Refusal of Continued Enrollment

Grace Co-op reserves the right to discontinue a family’s enrollment for any reason deemed necessary by the leadership team. Refunds for unused tuition will be issued at the discretion of the board.

Calendar

Grace Co-op will meet on 10 Fridays throughout the semester. We will provide a calendar with our scheduled meetings and breaks.
There will also be scheduled “make-up” days in case of bad weather.

Homeschooling Community Policy

Grace Homeschool Co-Op is designed specifically for families who are homeschooling their children, including those who are learning at home through online schooling. In order to maintain the integrity of our community, we have a policy that limits enrollment to children who are being homeschooled full-time, whether through traditional homeschooling or online education.
As such, children enrolled in private, public, or charter schools (even if they are off on Fridays) are not eligible to participate in our co-op. We believe that our co-op’s primary purpose is to build and support a community of homeschooling families, and we want to encourage children to form connections and friendships within that community.

Statement of Faith

While it is not required to sign that you fully believe as follows, the requirement that you are signing is that you understand that these foundations WILL be taught and you agree to not teach or discuss anything counter to these beliefs.
While there are truths other than these that are taught in the Bible (and all Scripture is equally important), this brief Statement of Faith delineates truths that are the biblical basis for our Association.
- The Bible alone is the inspired and infallible Word of God and constitutes completed and final revelation. The Bible is without error in whole or in part, including theological concepts as well as geographical and historical details. (II Tim 3:16; II Peter 1:20-21).
- In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth, and everything that God created was good. Yet, his perfect creation was marred by sin. Through Adam’s sin, death and decay entered this world. (Gen. 1:1, 31; Gen. 2:16-17; Gen. 3:6-10,23; Rom. 8:20-21; Rom 5:12).
- Every man, by their inherent nature and actions, falls short of God’s righteous standards and His holy nature, resulting in being subject to His wrath and rightful condemnation. However, due to God’s boundless love and mercy, He sent His Son to endure the punishment for our sins. The primary objective of Jesus Christ’s arrival was to provide redemption for sins by sacrificially dying on the cross, and His triumphant resurrection serves as undeniable proof of the fulfillment of this mission (Rom. 5:6-8; Eph. 2:1, 4-5; II Cor. 5:21; Rom3:25-26; I Cor. 15:3-6).
- We believe that gender is a fixed attribute established by God, who created humanity in His image, both male and female. We affirm that marriage, as defined by God, is a sacred covenant between one woman and one man, designed to reflect the divine union between Christ and His church. (Gen. 1:27; Gen. 2:24; Matt. 19:4-6).
- Salvation is offered as a gift of God brought to man by grace and received by personal faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, whose substitutionary death on the cross paid the penalty for man’s sin. (Rom. 6:23; John 3:16; Eph. 2:8; Rom. 3:21-24; Rom 10:9).
- We believe that children are given by God as stewardship to the parent and that parents have the God-given authority and ability to teach and educate their own children or delegate that to others as the parents deem best. (Psalms 127:3, Eph. 6:4, Deut. 6:6- 7, Prov 4:1, Prov 1:8, Prov 6:20-23, Galatians 4:2).

Communications Policy

Board members can be reached via email at texomagracecoop@gmail.com or through the GroupMe app.

Any discussion or complaint regarding co-op-related matters must include at least two board members to ensure transparency and accountability.
Leadership will communicate with members through email, GroupMe, or the private Facebook group.

Members are welcome to share updates or encouragement in the private Facebook group. However, photos of other students must not be shared without explicit permission from their parents, as some families prefer to keep their children's images private.

Absenteeism

Our co-op meets only one day a week for ten weeks, making each session a valuable opportunity for both learning and community building. Because we are a parent-led group, we rely heavily on the full commitment and involvement of every parent and family to ensure a successful experience for all.
By registering for co-op, you are committing to prioritize attendance as seriously as any other part of your child's education.
When you miss, you not only risk your own child's ability to stay on track, but you also disrupt classes, group activities, and the efforts of other parents and students.
We understand that unforeseen circumstances and illness may arise, and exceptions will be made in these cases. However, to facilitate effective planning and maintain the quality of the program, we ask that you do not schedule appointments or other commitments on co-op days whenever possible. Emergencies happen, but minimizing absences shows respect for the co-op community.

Reporting Absences:

Report any expected absences (even partial-day absences) well in advance.
Report unexpected absences as soon as possible.

Post in the co-op's GroupMe messaging app as soon as you are aware of any absence.

Accountability:

If your family has more than three absences in a semester, you may be placed on probation for the following semester, at the discretion of the board.
Excessive late arrivals or absences may also affect your family's ability to re-enroll.

We ask that you COMMIT fully. Your dedication benefits your child, supports your fellow families, and strengthens the entire co-op community. We appreciate your serious commitment to making this co-op experience the best it can be.

Cell Phone Policy

Adults should have their cell phones set to silent or vibrate during the co-op class times, so as not to interrupt the classes.
Using a phone while in class is not acceptable and sets a poor example for our students.
- The exception to this is in taking photos.
- If you must take a call, please have a floater come into the class while you step out.
Students may bring cell phones to the co-op, but they must be silent and out of sight throughout the day. Let’s encourage our children to participate in face-to-face interactions.
If a student’s phone becomes a distraction, the teacher may request to hold on to the phone for the duration of the class period.
- If this becomes a problem, the parents will be asked to come and take possession of the phone.

Illness & Medical Issues

To maintain a healthy and productive learning environment, we kindly request that members prioritize attendance at co-op unless they are experiencing severe illness.
Minor symptoms such as occasional coughing or runny noses are common, especially during certain seasons. Leadership will use reasonable judgment to determine if a child is too ill to attend. We expect all families to approach these situations with kindness, patience, and trust in the process, rather than assuming a child is seriously ill based on minor symptoms.
We ask that children and parents who have had fever, vomiting, or diarrhea within the last 24 hours refrain from attending co-op to prevent the potential spread of contagious illnesses.
Children or parents that have any contagious skin disorders, pink eye, lice, including nits, or other conditions that are contagious need to refrain from attending any co-op activities. All skin conditions, pink eye, lice, contagious diseases/disorders must be treated and no longer contagious prior to returning to co-op.
To ensure the health and safety of all members, leadership reserves the right to request a health check in specific circumstances where there is reasonable concern about a potential health issue that could affect the group. This may include, but is not limited to, checking for lice or other contagious conditions. Such requests will be handled with discretion and sensitivity to protect the privacy and dignity of all members. Our goal is to maintain a safe and welcoming environment for everyone.
Any accidents should be reported to the leadership immediately. Parents must also be notified.
Only adults will deal with bodily fluids and gloves will be used when doing so. First aid kits are available.
All open wounds must be covered before the student can return to class.
No medicine will be administered by someone other than a parent.

Dress Code

Casual dress is acceptable for both teachers and students as long as it is within the following guidelines.
Everyone should dress in such a way as to be a positive representation of the co-op and the facilities that we use.
Clothing should not reveal undergarments, intimate body parts, or be excessively tight, sheer, or low-cut. Clothing should adequately support and cover the body to maintain a standard of modesty consistent with our community values and to avoid unnecessary exposure or distractions.
Do not wear clothing with foul language, or inappropriate sayings or pictures.
We fully support and encourage nursing moms and welcome them to do so at co-op! We also recognize that there are many curious children and teens in our community, so in line with our value of modesty and creating a comfortable environment for all, we kindly ask nursing moms to use a cover or private space whenever possible. Please just use discretion.
Board members have the final say on what is considered inappropriate, and may ask you to change or leave for the day if deemed unacceptable.

Safety & Security

Background Checks

For the safety and security of all children and families in our co-op, any adult (18 years old and older) who will be regularly on campus during co-op days is required to undergo a background check. This includes parents, teachers, and helpers who will be present regularly during co-op sessions.
The background check process helps ensure a safe environment for all our children and upholds the integrity of our community.
Occasional visitors who will not be on campus regularly are not required to complete a background check.
Background checks will be required once every five years. If your background check is older than five years, you will need to renew it to continue having regular access to co-op.

General Safety

While at co-op, parents are responsible for the well-being and behavior of their own children. Please set clear expectations with your children about where they are to be throughout the day, including where you will meet them during lunch and dismissal times.
Parents and children must keep their name badges on all day. Badges should be worn at chest level so they are easily seen. Badges help identify our members and assist in tracking class schedules. Everyone must wear their OWN badge — switching badges is not permitted.
Adult visitors are welcome on-site provided they have prior approval from the board, wear a name tag for identification, and avoid causing major distractions. Please inform leadership ahead of time if you plan to have an adult visitor accompany your family, so we know who they are and that they are with you for the day.
Child visitors are only permitted on a case-by-case basis with prior approval by emailing texomagracecoop@gmail.com. Our classes are not designed to accommodate visitors, and additional children may disrupt classroom activities.
Please report any unsafe equipment or facilities immediately to co-op leadership.
If an unidentified person is in the building, they may be seeking church staff. Please direct them to the office. If anyone is belligerent or seems suspicious, report immediately to leadership or call the police if needed.

Supervision Expectations:

Students may walk alone to and from locations such as the restroom, provided they go directly to their destination and do not linger in hallways, foyers, or other areas.
Children should not be wandering the church grounds or inside hallways during class time. If a child is consistently found lingering, their parent will be notified.
Adults may escort a child to a needed location without requiring a second adult, provided they remain in an open area or visible to others at all times.
Classroom supervision still requires at least two adults present with children (unless the adult is the parent or guardian of the child). If you are one of only two adults in a room and must step away, you must either move the class to a room with more adults or find another adult to cover you.
Persons who are 18 years old but enrolled as students do not count as an adult for supervision purposes.

Additional Safety Policies:

If you see children without supervision or with only one adult, please offer yourself as the second adult or flag down a floater for assistance.
Office rooms are off-limits to students. Please make sure your children know these boundaries.
During lunch or recess, children must remain in designated areas. Children may not leave the lunch or recess area without being accompanied by a parent or the assigned adult recess monitors. If indoor recess is held, children must not be inside the open classroom without two adults present.

Building Conduct:

Running in the building is not permitted.
The use of Heelys, skateboards, or sports equipment indoors is not permitted.
Horseplay such as tackling, pushing, kicking, punching, and taking others’ belongings is not permitted. All friendly touch must be consensual.

Weapons Policy:

Weapons of any kind — including firearms, knives, or any other potentially harmful objects — are strictly prohibited on co-op property or at co-op activities.
Exception: Teachers may bring knives or tools needed for class projects but these items must be supervised carefully at all times.

Emergency Protocols

If Denison ISD closes schools due to extreme weather, the co-op will also be canceled. Announcements will be made as soon as possible. A make-up day is scheduled at the end of the semester if needed.
In case of a tornado while at co-op, nursery children will move to the closet and bathroom located in their class. Fellowship Hall and Sanctuary classes will proceed to the storage room at the back of FH. All other classes will proceed to the bathrooms in an orderly manner.

Teachers must take their attendance clipboard and keep their class together in the same bathroom, ensuring all students are accounted for.

In case of a fire, classes should exit through the nearest safe exit.
- Teachers will ensure students form a line outside and take their attendance clipboard to verify all students are present.

Interpersonal Communication

Positive and respectful attitudes are expected in all interactions
Bullying will not be tolerated.
- Bullying is an ongoing and deliberate misuse of power in relationships through repeated verbal, physical, and/or social behavior that intends to cause physical, social, and/or psychological harm
Gossip will not be tolerated
- Gossip is idle talk or rumors, especially about the private or personal affairs of others
Class time conversations should be focused on the subject being taught. Teachers and helpers should go to the class ready to teach and help the students in the class topic.
- We ask that all children and adults refrain from engaging in or promoting discussions, jokes, or comments related to sensitive topics, including but not limited to drugs, sex, explicit language, and explicit references to body parts. It is essential that we maintain a space where all participants can feel comfortable and respected.
- We encourage open communication and age-appropriate discussions that promote a healthy learning environment. If any concerns or questions arise regarding this policy, please feel free to reach out to the co-op administration for guidance and support.
- Teachers are the authority in their classroom. If you feel that the discussions are inappropriate, please correct this. If you feel the parent needs to be informed, feel free to reach out to the parent. If you are uncomfortable with that, reach out to leadership and we can facilitate the discussions.
PDA (public displays of affection) is not permitted on campus. Congratulatory displays such as handshakes, high-fives, hugs, and pats on the back are acceptable as long as these are consensual.
- Parents are the ruling matter when it comes to the topic of dating between students. If dating occurs, please remind them of the PDA rule.

Conflict Resolution

Direct Communication Encouraged
- Whenever possible, individuals are encouraged to address concerns directly and respectfully with each other in private.
Mediation by Leadership
- If direct communication does not resolve the issue or if the concern directly impacts the co-op, the involved parties should request mediation. Two members of leadership will facilitate the discussion to help both parties reach a resolution.
Leadership Board Review
- If mediation is unsuccessful, the concern will be brought to the full leadership board. The board will review the situation, speak with all involved parties, and decide on an appropriate resolution.
Final Decision
- The leadership board’s decision is final. If a resolution cannot be reached, the board may provide further guidance or determine whether continued participation in the co-op is feasible for all parties involved.

Curriculum

It is not required to teach a specific curriculum. Parents will sign up to teach classes they are interested in.
The curriculum shall NOT teach against the beliefs set forth in our Statement of Faith and shall not teach against Biblical standards.
Before the start of the semester, each teacher will set a cost per student for their class, based on the materials they would need to buy. We strive to have the classes as low cost and affordable as possible.
- Once the materials have been purchased, the teacher will submit the receipt to the leadership. No later than the last day of the semester.
- Failure to turn in receipts may result in the inability to receive funds upfront in the future.
Every teacher is responsible for preparing and providing a backup lesson in advance to be kept on-site at the co-op. These lessons should be relevant to the subject matter the teacher is responsible for during the semester.
- Each backup lesson should include detailed instructions for its implementation and all necessary materials such as worksheets, handouts, or any specific items needed for the lesson. The instructions should be clear and easy to follow, allowing another co-op member or a substitute teacher to facilitate the lesson effectively.
- All backup lessons should be stored securely on-site at the co-op in a designated location.
- In the event of an unexpected teacher absence, the co-op administration will promptly notify the teacher responsible for the class to facilitate the use of backup lessons. Substitute teachers or other co-op members can use these lessons to continue the educational activities without disruption.
- If a teacher is absent and the backup lesson is used, the teacher must bring an alternate back-up lesson the next class day to replace the one used.
- Failure to submit a backup lesson may result in delay or withholding of teaching funds, and/or affect eligibility to teach in future semesters, at the board’s discretion. Backup lessons are a critical part of maintaining a smooth and successful co-op day for all students and families.
The Co-Op board reserves the right to reject a class idea based on the idea that it violates the rules set forth in this document.
Leadership will provide some ideas for classes, should you get stuck trying to decide.
Classes will mostly be enrichment classes, either teaching life skills or classes that are extracurricular-type classes such as art, music, science experiments, geography/cultures, literature-based learning, etc.
While this is mostly an enrichment co-op, there are times we might include the option for an academic class (ie: math/language). Since we have multiple choices for each age group, your child will have the opportunity to choose these academic classes at the cost set forth by the hired teacher.
Class schedules will be set by the co-op board.
We will try to honor as many requests as possible, including the requests of those not wanting to teach; however, if we need you to teach a class in order to fill out the schedule, please be willing to do so.

Classroom Readiness

Students enter class ready to hear what the teacher has planned for the day. Cell phones are put away, games/toys/cards and other items not related to the class also need to be put away.
Students need to have their backpacks with all supplies for the day. General supplies should be brought each week, including something to write with, scissors, glue sticks, and any other supplies that are listed required by their teachers.
Teachers need to come in ready with their lessons. This includes having materials and activities that can cover the entire class period.
Helpers need to come in ready to assist teachers in tasks related to the lessons. They should be available to lend a hand and to keep the students on task.
We understand that some children, especially younger ones, may occasionally need extra support. Our goal is to encourage students to stay engaged in their assigned classes as much as possible, while still providing grace when needed.
- If a child needs to step out of class, we ask parents to encourage a return to class when the child is ready, rather than moving them into a different class.
- If you are a classroom helper and your child needs you, please swap with a floater and sit with your child in the hallway or another designated space until they are ready to rejoin.
- If you are the lead teacher and your child needs to stay with you, they must be able to sit quietly without disrupting the class.
- If you, as the teacher, need to step out briefly with your child, please ensure you return before the end of the class period to properly close down and clean up your room.
- If a child frequently struggles to remain in class, leadership may reach out to partner with the family to find a supportive solution.

Service Policy

This co-op will run with a service-minded mentality. We ask for everyone to participate in keeping things running smoothly and to keep the facility looking better than it did when we started the day.
Jobs that will need to be filled are, but not limited to, teaching, assistant teacher, clean-up crew, recess/morning monitor.
It is encouraged that not only the parents are helping, but even the children. There will be ample time to have the children help clean the rooms, take out the trash, wipe down tables, etc.

Discipline Policy

Following the guidelines set forth in this document are required, and failure to do so can lead to the removal of the student/family from future co-op enrollment.
Any student who writes on or otherwise defaces walls or tables, breaks church property, etc., will be required to replace or repair said item.
If a discipline issue arises in class, the teacher or helper can flag down a floater to take their place and then can accompany the child to a member of leadership, who will locate that child’s parent.
- At the teacher’s discretion the student can rejoin the class after discussions with the parent.
- If the same child continues to have discipline issues, we will schedule teacher/parent/leadership conferences. If this does not help, the family may not be able to re enroll in the following semester. This is up to the board discretion.

Policy Updates Clause

Leadership reserves the right to update policies as needed to ensure the co-op runs effectively and safely. Families will receive express notice of any policy updates.
- Updates are most likely to occur between semesters, but in urgent cases, mid-semester changes may be made.

If, after thorough investigation by the board, any member - child or adult - is found to disregard the rules, guidelines, and policies set forth in this document the following steps will be taken:

1st offense: 1st warning, can be in the form of a face-to-face, text, or group message
2nd offense: Written warning, email that requires a response, or typed letter requiring a signature
3rd offense: Suspended for the following week of co-op.
4th offense: Asked to not return to co-op, and not allowed to register for the following semester.

* All disciplinary action will be by board discretion and all decisions made by the board are final.

* If an offense is deemed a safety concern, immediate removal from co-op may occur.