Brevard Homeschool Fellowship Community Guidelines

This document addresses both the parents/legal guardians and their child/children simultaneously.

At least one parent/legal guardian as well as each student aged 12 by September 1st of the current school year and older who is participating in the co-op must sign this document. By signing this document you affirm that you have read it in its entirety and will abide by it.  By typing your name(s) below, you understand and agree that this form of electronic signature has the same legal force and effect as a manual signature.

If you have any questions, please click here to contact the Board members.

Welcome!

We are so happy your family is a part of Brevard Homeschool Fellowship! Our heart's desire is to build a Christ-centered, supportive, and close-knit community of friends who can be a blessing to one another as we walk through the unique homeschool journey each of us are on. Far too many families are homeschooling without support, but we know we're better off together!

Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor; if either of them falls down, one can help the other up, but pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. 

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

Who We Are

Brevard Homeschool Fellowship Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization run by volunteers.  We are a social and academic enrichment community for homeschool families who want to link arms as we grow relationships and educate our children – all for the glory of God.  We strive to honor God, build community, and support one another in our homeschooling journey.  Please let us know how we can pray for you.

Statement of Faith

Brevard Homeschool Fellowship has been established and is operated by Biblical principles. We believe “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (Timothy 3:16-17)   All Board members and instructors believe and have signed the Statement of Faith, and though Brevard Homeschool Fellowship families are not required to sign the Statement of Faith, please note that class content aligns with the Bible and is tied back to a Biblical worldview.

Click here to read our Statement of Faith.

Structure

Co-op

Brevard Homeschool Fellowship welcomes school-age children in Kindergarten through 12th grade who are actively educated at home.  Children who have been expelled/dismissed from public/private schools or other homeschool co-ops are not eligible to participate in Brevard Homeschool Fellowship at this time.

We understand that as homeschoolers grade levels can be flexible, however, when registering for classes, we ask that you assign your child(ren)'s grade based on their age as of September 1st of the current school year.  (For example: Kindergarteners should be age 5, 1st graders age 6, 2nd graders age 7, etc.)  One year can have a big impact on a child's maturity and attention span, and we want to set the students and teachers up for success.

The parent or legal guardian is ultimately responsible for the child’s education and ensuring he/she receives all instruction required beyond what is taught at Brevard Homeschool Fellowship.

You must also remain present at all times during co-op day, field trips, etc., as this is not a drop-off program, unless your high school student has been accepted into our drop-off program.  (A high school student is defined as 14 years of age or older by September 1st of the current school year.)  Ultimately, your child/children is/are your responsibility.

Instructors

God has given our instructors unique gifts and abilities, and we are so grateful they are sharing them with our families.  All of our instructors have passed a background check, completed child safety training, and have signed the Statement of Faith.

Please reach out to your child’s instructor for the particulars regarding their class, such as cost, preferred method of payment and contact, absence policy, grading procedure, child expectations/classroom policy, syllabus, supply list, etc.  Much of this information can also be found in the class description. Ultimately, instructors determine if your child is ready/able to participate in their class.

Click here to read our Instructor Biographies.

Board Members

Click here to read the biographies of Brevard Homeschool Fellowship's current Board members.

We aim to foster open communication and transparency, so please do not hesitate to contact us here.

Fees

The non-refundable registration fee for Brevard Homeschool Fellowship is $150 per program year, which must be paid in full before registering for classes.

Field trips, dances, special events, etc., may require additional fees, which are to be paid prior to the day of the event.

In lieu of volunteering, you may pay an opt-out fee of $150 per semester for one required volunteer hour or $180 per semester for two required volunteer hours. Please note, there are a limited number of these spots, and the opt-out fee must be paid in full before registering your child/children for classes.

If your high school student has been accepted into our drop-off program, you may pay an opt-out fee of $75 per semester for one required volunteer hour or $90 per semester for two required volunteer hours IF you plan one special event for our teens per semester.

Families pay the instructors directly using the payment method of their choice.  For some classes, payment will be due to Brevard Homeschool Fellowship directly, and payment can be accepted through the Step Up For Students portal for those students who are scholarship recipients.

You are responsible to pay a $35 fee should your check be returned.

Click here for our Registration Application.

Click here for Class Registration.

Meeting Information

First Baptist Church Merritt Island has graciously allowed us to utilize their Kids Central building located at 140 Magnolia Ave, Merritt Island, FL 32952.

It is expected that all Brevard Homeschool Fellowship families exhibit the utmost respect in all actions, comments, and attitudes regarding the church, its upkeep, and its members/employees.

Please refrain from running, yelling/speaking loudly, or rough-housing in the hallways/classrooms. In general, please be considerate of others and mindful of the classes and work going on throughout the day.

No food or drinks (with the exception of water) are permitted in any areas other than those clearly designated as well as the hallways.

No one is permitted to enter areas of the church that are off-limits, and children should NEVER be in an area where classes are not being held and adults are not present.

Anyone found defacing church property will face disciplinary action, possibly including expulsion from Brevard Homeschool Fellowship, and will be required to pay reparations and/or repair the item(s) defaced.

Classes are held on Mondays from 8:45 a.m. until 12:35 p.m., with an optional morning meeting from 8:30 a.m. to 8:40 a.m., and an hour for fellowship starting at 12:40 p.m.

Click here for our Class Catalog.

Click here for our Calendar. 

Communication

Our primary method of communication is email.  Band is used for last minute or urgent communication and photo sharing.

To ensure you receive all communication from Brevard Homeschool Fellowship, please email  the Board members if your personal information changes, such as your email, telephone number, and/or address.

As it pertains to canceling classes, field trips, special events, etc., due to severe weather, we follow the lead of the Brevard County public school system.  If they close their schools, all Brevard Homeschool Fellowship activities will also be canceled.

Additionally, should, for any reason, First Baptist Church Merritt Island request co-op not be held on a particular Monday, we will comply.

The website address for Brevard Homeschool Fellowship is https://www.homeschool-life.com/FL/BrevardHomeschool.  Please take a few minutes to look around our website.

Click here to contact the Board.

Click here for the Brevard Homeschool Fellowship website. 

Check-In/Out Procedure

Everyone is required to sign-in upon entering the building and sign-out upon departing from the building.  Families are permitted to enter the building no earlier than 8:20 a.m. and are required to vacate the building no later than 2:00 p.m.

All instructors are required to wear a co-op issued lanyard clearly displaying their name, which will be distributed during Orientation. If a name tag is lost/damaged beyond repair, you will be charged a $5 replacement fee.

Volunteering

Many hands make light work; therefore, each adult is required to volunteer 1 hour each week during each period you have a child attending class (for a maximum of 2 required hours/week).

In addition to volunteering to be a teacher’s assistant, hallway monitor, floater, etc., please consider joining a committee to help foster fellowship among our families.

In lieu of volunteering, you may pay an opt-out fee of $150 per semester for one required volunteer hour or $180 per semester for two required volunteer hours. Please note, there are a limited number of these spots, and the opt-out fee must be paid in full before registering your child/children for classes.

If your high school student has been accepted into our drop-off program, you may pay an opt-out fee of $75 per semester for one required volunteer hour or $90 per semester for two required volunteer hours IF you plan one special event for our teens per semester. 

You will be assessed a $10 fee for every volunteer hour missed up to two hours; thereafter, you will be required to pay the entire opt-out fee.  Failure to do so will result in your student being ineligible to register for classes the following semester.  Please do not hesitate to speak to the Board members if you have special circumstances you would like taken into consideration.

Additionally, instructors with children who are attending co-op classes are required to fulfill the volunteer requirements either by volunteering to teach a class unpaid or paying the opt-out fee.

Click here for our Volunteer Sign-Up.

Click here for descriptions of the volunteer positions.

Click here to email the Special Events Coordinator about joining a committee.

Safety

As an added layer of protection for our children, all adult members of Brevard Homeschool Fellowship have passed a background check and completed child safety training.

If you will be bringing a visitor to the co-op, please notify the Board members in advance via email to obtain pre-approval.  If the intention is for someone to visit more than once per semester (i.e. grandparent, adult sitting in a car, etc.), then they are required to pass a background check.  The $20 fee for the background check is due prior to the background check being authorized.

There will be one adult helper in each classroom, along with the instructor, and at least one adult will monitor each hallway.  Two unrelated adults must be present any time a child is present.

A minimum of one adult will monitor the entrance to the building, which can only be accessed via swiping an electronic card key.

Emergency procedures will be reviewed once per semester at Orientation (fall and spring). In the event of a fire or other emergency that would necessitate us vacating the building, please go to the basketball court outside of the Firehouse Youth Building. In the event of a severe weather event or other emergency that would necessitate us remaining in the building, please go to the Island Room.

Health

As a general rule, if any adult or child has been sick (i.e. fever, diarrhea, vomiting, flu or Covid symptoms, coughing, sneezing, etc.) within the 24-hour period prior to co-op classes and/or scheduled co-op activity, please do NOT attend any co-op classes and/or any scheduled co-op activity.

If you are unable to attend co-op for any reason, please email the Volunteer Coordinator so a replacement can be secured for your volunteer shifts, and if your child is unable to attend co-op for any reason, please contact your child’s instructor via the contact methods outlined by the instructor.

Please note, there is a First Aid kit located at the sign-in desk and an AED located on the wall behind the counter in Main Street (the main worship area foyer). 

Click here for our detailed Health Policy.

Click here for our Volunteer Sign-Up.

Attire

We encourage modesty in attire that reflects our respect for ourselves and others. Revolting/graphic pictures, profanity, or visible undergarments are not permitted. As a general guideline, please keep shoulders to mid-thigh covered while at Brevard Homeschool Fellowship co-op classes and/or scheduled co-op activities. Sleeveless shirts are acceptable, but wheeled footwear is prohibited.  If you are in doubt about the appropriateness of your outfit, please do not wear it on co-op days or to co-op activities.

We understand there are times we may have events where swimsuits are the obvious attire and some of these guidelines would not apply; please be reasonable and respectful of others. 

Should further discipline be necessary after an adult has already provided correction, the following steps will be taken when addressing an attire infraction:

1. For the first offense, you will be given a verbal warning and required to change into appropriate clothing in order to attend classes.
2. For the second offense, you will not be permitted to attend classes that day.
3. For the third offense, you will be expelled from the co-op.

Adult Expectations

The expectation is that all adults behave in a manner that enhances the children’s studies in a Christian environment and fosters respect, trust, and community.  Adults are to be good examples, modeling Christ-like behavior for the glory of God.  There is no room for gossip and/or slander in the Brevard Homeschool Fellowship community. As well, alcohol and/or drug use is prohibited by adults who are participating in a Brevard Homeschool Fellowship activity.

Student Expectations

Our hope is that every student will look forward to coming to Brevard Homeschool Fellowship each week, and will, in turn, put forth their best effort to ensure a positive experience for all involved.

The expectation is that no student will engage in bullying of any kind (i.e. hitting, slapping, biting, taunting, name calling, etc.) or intentional exclusion of others and will instead strive to treat everyone with respect and kindness.

Disruptive behavior (i.e. running, yelling, talking disrespectfully, etc.) inside or outside of the classroom is not acceptable.  Instead, seek to be attentive, involved, and helpful.

Items that can be deemed a distraction (i.e. cell phones, smartwatches, earbuds, stuffed animals, etc.) are not welcome in the classroom and should be put away prior to the start of your class.

Inappropriate touching, unwholesome talk, and public displays of affection are unacceptable.  It is our hope that you will begin to cultivate Godly relationships during your time at Brevard Homeschool Fellowship.

Respecting the property is essential, and it is expected you will be good stewards by doing whatever is needed to keep the building clean and orderly (i.e. picking up trash, sweeping floors, tidying bathrooms, etc.).

This is not an all-inclusive list; rather, it is a general guideline.  Endeavor to glorify God in both actions and words.

Discipline

Should further discipline be necessary after an adult has already provided correction, the following steps will be taken when addressing undesirable behavior:

1. For the first offense, your parent or legal guardian will be required to remain with you at all times for the remainder of the day the offense occurred.
2. For the second offense, your parent or legal guardian will be required to remain with you at all times for the remainder of the day the offense occurred as well as for the four consecutive co-op days following the offense.
3. For the third offense, you will be expelled from the co-op.

Conflict Resolution

Our prayer is that peace prevail among the members of Brevard Homeschool Fellowship.  Should a conflict arise, it is important to handle it in a Christ-like manner.  Our conflict resolution guidelines are based on Matthew 18:15-35. We ask you to endeavor to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15) and be forgiving (Ephesians 4:32), quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry (James 1:19-20).

The expectation is if you have a concern about the behavior of any adult member, you will address this concern directly with the adult with the goal of reaching a resolution.

The expectation is if you have a concern about the behavior of any child, you will address this concern directly with the parent of that child with the goal of reaching a resolution.  

The expectation is if you have a concern with an instructor, you will address this concern directly with the instructor with the goal of reaching a resolution.

If, after having followed the above procedure, a resolution was not reached, as a last resort, send an email to the Brevard Homeschool Fellowship Board members detailing all concerns as well as all steps taken to reach a resolution. The Board will then prayerfully consider how to proceed.  Once the Board agrees upon a resolution, the decision is final.  If you are unwilling to abide by the Board’s decision or are unwilling to follow these guidelines, this will be grounds for termination of membership.

Click here to contact the Board.

No Tolerance

Brevard Homeschool Fellowship has a NO tolerance policy for smoking, vaping, the use of drugs/alcohol, physical violence, or extreme behavior resulting in safety concerns. Any child found engaging in aforementioned on a co-op day or during a co-op function will be immediately and permanently expelled from the co-op and will forfeit all monies paid. Expelled children are not permitted to attend any Brevard Homeschool Fellowship functions (i.e. field trips, dances, etc.).

No Weapons

Weapons (i.e. guns, knives, etc.) are NOT allowed on the premises of First Baptist Church Merritt Island or at any Brevard Homeschool Fellowship function.  Should there be concern a child may be in possession of a weapon, a search of the child’s personal property will be conducted in the presence of the child’s parent.  If the child in question is a part of our high school drop-off program, a search of the child's personal property will be conducted in the presence of three Board members.  Any child found bringing a weapon onto the church property or to a co-op function will be immediately and permanently expelled from the co-op and will forfeit all monies paid. Expelled children are not permitted to attend any Brevard Homeschool Fellowship functions (i.e. field trips, dances, etc.).  Notification of law enforcement is at the discretion of the Board.

Photo/Video Release

We encourage you to document through photos and videos memories made at co-op.  All pictures may be posted in Albums on Band.  Please refrain from posting to any social media platform, etc., photos and/or videos that contain children other than your own until you have confirmed whether the child/children have provided written consent to have photos/videos of themselves released.  You can find this information in the family directory when you are logged into the Brevard Homeschool Fellowship website.  If you do not know who a child in your photo/video is, do not post it.

Holidays

Christmas and Easter are exclusively celebrated as Christian religious holidays, and, as such, Santa, bunnies, eggs, etc., will not be promoted in the classrooms during these holidays.  Halloween will not be observed, nor will any witches, jack-o-lanterns, etc., be promoted in the classrooms during this holiday.

No Soliciting

If you own a business, we encourage you to promote it via the directory feature on the Brevard Homeschool Fellowship website.  Please refrain from soliciting Brevard Homeschool Fellowship members privately using email addresses, telephone numbers, etc., obtained from Brevard Homeschool Fellowship’s website.

Using Brevard Homeschool Fellowship’s forum and/or Facebook group to advertise classes, events, etc., you are personally hosting and not affiliated with Brevard Homeschool Fellowship is prohibited.

Fundraising

We are committed to being good stewards of the finances, but there may be times when fundraising is necessary to bolster the operational budget or help fund a particular service project or field trip, for example.  Your participation in fundraising events is vital and very much appreciated.

Termination of Membership

Unbiblical actions of members of Brevard Homeschool Fellowship or non-compliance with the by-laws, Community Guidelines, Statement of Faith, etc., can be grounds for termination of membership as determined by the Board and effective immediately with all monies already paid forfeited.

In Conclusion

As the title suggests, this document is a guideline rather than a tedious list of do’s and don’ts, and it is subject to revision as determined by the Board.

Again, we are so happy your family is a part of Brevard Homeschool Fellowship, and we are looking forward to building a community that brings glory to God.

In Christ,

The Brevard Homeschool Fellowship Board