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FAQs



Q:

What is The Learning Connection?

A:

The Learning Connection is a Christ-centered homeschool support group ministering to families in Northwest Jersey.  We are here to encourage you on this journey of homeschooling through many facets.  Some of the family activities that you can take part in include:

Mom's breakfast

Family events

Field trips

Holiday parties

Mission projects

Graduation celebration

and much, much more.

TLC's Purpose

TLC desires to see parents rediscover their God-given role to educate their children ---"You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up." (Deuteronomy 6:7)

Our vision would be that through the practical application of God's word and prayer, we would heed His instruction in loving, educating, and equipping our children to the fullest extent of their ability --- "That our sons may be as plants grown up in their youth; That our daughters may be as pillars, sculptured in palace style." (Psalm 144:12)

The Learning Connection believes that God has given parents the primary responsibility to raise and educate their children. Since He has given His people all things we need for a godly life (2 Peter 1:3), parents need not feel inadequate or fear failure in the area of educating their children. Therefore, TLC seeks to encourage and assist parents in fulfilling this calling, knowing that He who began a good work in us will be faithful to complete it (Philippians 1:6).

In acknowledgment of the fact that God is in complete control, we must cast aside any form of pride, and in sincere humility, live out the convictions we have to home educate our children, not condemning those who have chosen to do otherwise (Philippians 2:1-4).

Click here to read our Statement of Faith.

Q:

 What is TLC Co-op (The Learning Connection Co-op)?

A:

TLC Co-op is a cooperative learning opportunity for children Pre-K through 12th grade which meets every Thursday from September - May with various weeks off. The mission of TLC Co-op is to support and assist parents in the training of their children by providing classes to supplement and enrich their education in a class environment. Because this is a cooperative effort, there will be a pooling of our resources and skills. Everyone must contribute so that this co-op can be a success. One parent must be present every hour that their children are attending classes.

This is a ministry cooperative by families to families. Prices of classes are determined by the costs of supplies alone; teachers are parents who willingly donate their time.  We count on the active involvement of every family member to make co-op day a success! We do, on occasion, hire an outside teacher to fill specific class needs and pay them for their time, but this is the exception, not the norm. Private music lessons are offered during the co-op day, and those professional instructors are paid directly for their time. 

Our role is to encourage homeschool parents through support, assistance, co-op classes, and relationship building. We do not function as a school, and we do not choose what parents will teach, so our class offerings change each year. Some parents teach using a curriculum, and some choose to create classes using their own creativity and various sources.        

Please Note: Although we offer pre-school classes, all TLC Co-op families must have at least one school age child participating in the classes who must be at least five years old by October 30th.

Q:

Do I have to stay for all class periods?

A:

No! You only need to stay and participate during the time your child is in class. We encourage you to sign up for at least 2 hours of classes so you can get the most benefit from our community, and so we have more opportunity to get to know you as well. If you are not attending 1st hour, please plan to arrive about 5 minutes prior to the beginning of your first class period. It's important for you to be on time for your assigned duty, but also for your children to arrive on time so they are not disruptive to their classes. 

Q:

What do I do with my child that is under 3 years old?

A:

We do offer some classes for 2 & 3 year olds, but we also have a toddler and infant nursery available all day for children 3 & under. When you register older children for a class period, you must also register your toddler or infant for the nursery that hour. All children must be signed up for a class or for nursery (or study hall for older students) so that we know where they are each hour that you are attending co-op. If you have a child in the nursery, you will most likely be assigned to help there for at least one class period, but you can request to be with them more often if you prefer that.  

Q:

How am I expected to help if I take part in the TLC Co-op?

A:

Since this is a true co-op and is meant to be a pooling of talents, we need everyone's help! When you register for classes, you will be asked to serve in some way. For example, if you do not feel led to teach, you will most likely be assigned as a teacher's helper, which would involve helping the teacher keep order, taking young children to the restrooms, helping with crafts, etc. Some other roles you may be assigned would be a hall monitor, study hall monitor, nursery worker, info table, or clean up crew.

Q:

Do I have to be present the whole time my children are at the co-op?

A:

Yes. In order for your child to participate, you must be present and helping the entire time your child is at co-op. You may not drop your child off or leave them in the care of another parent who is already at the co-op, except for admin approved extenuating circumstances. If you cannot be present for some reason, you may substitute someone in your place who will fulfill your responsibilities. You can ask a friend, grandparent, or adult sibling (over 18) to cover for you, and this person will take your place and follow your normal responsibility schedule for the day.

Q:

What should I do if we have to be absent from co-op?

A:

If you can't make it to co-op, you need to fill out the absentee form online before 8 am the day of co-op, or text Kirsten Megaro at 973-941-3781 if it is after 8 am on a Thursday. If you already have a scheduled vacation or other known absence, please fill out the absentee form as soon as you confirm your dates. We understand that sickness and other unexpected events occur last minute, but please fill out the form or text as soon as you know you will be out. Every person is important, and we need time to find replacement helpers if you will be missing, so please give us as much notice as possible.