Columbia Christian Homeschool Co-op

Our mission is to establish a gathering of homeschool educators and their children for the purpose of enrichment and fellowship, and to be a reflection of Christ to the community. We understand that only by God’s grace and provision will this be attainable.

We hope to accomplish this by:

Assisting parents (who are ultimately accountable for training their children – Proverbs 22:6) by providing excellent instruction in a variety of academic, character, and creative pursuits from a Biblical Christian perspective.
Inspiring a love for learning in a safe and respectful environment.
Encouraging all that participate to be a reflection of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Opening Letter

Dear Parents and Teachers:

Thank you for considering Columbia Christian Homeschool Co-op. Since our first session of classes in September 2000 many families have been blessed by the opportunity to meet in one place on one day of the week to learn, socialize, and support one another. We encourage you to prayerfully read this Parent-Student-Teacher Handbook and consider whether CCHC would benefit your family.

Columbia Christian Homeschool Co-op is not a school, independent learning program, nor an extension of the public school. This is not a drop-off program. A parent must be on-site every hour their child(ren) attends. The families enrolled manage this organization and it is the combined efforts of all families that have made this Co-op a success. Parents must fulfill their assigned jobs during the day and are responsible for the behavior of the children in their charge. Failure to comply with the policies herein is grounds for dismissal from CCHC. We joyfully anticipate the beginning of another great year.

It is important that all families read this handbook thoroughly before considering becoming a part of CCHC. Upon understanding how we function and what your responsibilities will be can you then determine if this is a good fit for your family.

God bless you as you follow His will,

The Columbia Christian Homeschool Co-op Board

2007 – 2008 CCHC BOARD MEMBERS

Michele Townliand – Registrar michelet@tumwater.net 667-9754

Reggie Gross, Secretary/Treasurer 782-1571

April Burnett 662-8672

Holly Lehman 886-3247

Wren Gleason 884-9614

Chesiree Highfill 884-0479

Laura Thompson 293-5543

ABSENCES AND ILLNESSES

Illnesses

Parents who are ill must call the Substitute Contact (to be announced in the registration confirmation letter) and arrange for a substitute to fill all Co-op jobs. Children must be assigned to a Temporary Guardian.
Failure to provide a substitute for all jobs may be ground for disciplinary action.
Upon arriving on Wednesday, substitutes must check in with the Welcome Table hostess and be assigned the jobs they will be fulfilling.
Adults or children with a contagious illness do not belong at the Co-op. Healthy siblings can be assigned to a temporary guardian.
General guidelines for illness include green nasal discharge, fever, wet cough, stomachaches, etc.

Emergencies

In the event a personal emergency arises during the Co-op day, parents are expected to take their children with them or follow standard Temporary Guardianship procedures (see TEMPORARY GUARDIANSHIP FORMS).

Planned Absences

If a parent must be out of town and their children are under the care of a guardian, that adult may bring the children to Co-op and fulfill the parent’s duties.
A “Planned Absence Form” may be obtained from the Welcome Table hostess. It must be completed and returned at least one week before the absence.

BOARD

The CCHC Board consists of two officers – President and Vice-President – and five members. Seven total.
Board members will be currently teaching at the Columbia Christian Homeschool Co-op or have homeschooled children enrolled in the CCHC Co-op.
A two-year term of service is required, from July 1st to June 30th of the following year.
Board members are required to attend regular meetings.
Board members work as facilitators between homeschooling families and instructors in the community.
Board vacancies are filled by unanimous approval of current Board members.
Nominees must have actively participated in CCHC for at least three consecutive Co-op sessions.
Nominations to fill Board vacancies are made by the current Board members.

CLASS WITHDRAWAL OR CANCELLATION

If a family withdraws from CCHC before the second week of the session, the registration fee is refunded.
No refund of the registration fee will be paid after the second day of class.
In the case of a class withdrawal, class fees may be refunded at the discretion of the teacher.
If a class is canceled, all class fees collected at registration will be returned.
Teachers may cancel classes in which enrollment falls below their stated minimum.
Cancellation of low enrollment classes is at the discretion of the Board regardless of a teacher’s willingness to continue.

COMMUNICATION

Family mailboxes are in the lobby and used for communication to parents.
Teacher mailboxes are in the lobby and used for communication to teachers.
Posting of general fliers, announcements, etc. on the Welcome Table, in mailboxes or on the bulletin board must be approved by the Board. Items are approved on the basis of having a direct benefit to the homeschooling family. No solicitations.
A CCHC Board folder is located in the Welcome Table box containing Incident/Communication Forms. All suggestions and constructive criticisms are welcome. Board members discuss this input at weekly meetings.
A bi-weekly newsletter is published to inform CCHC families of upcoming events and remind them of Co-op policy.

DISCIPLINE PLAN

When a policy violation is brought to the Board’s attention, the Board determines whether the issue is a legitimate violation of expectations. A Board member consults with the parent in an effort to clarify CCHC policy and seek possible solutions.
Discipline Plan – If the Board determines that a pattern of policy violations is occurring they may vote to initiate the Discipline Plan. All steps taken are recorded in CCHC Board meeting minutes.

An official verbal warning issued by one or more Board member(s). Conversation would specify problem area(s) and inform parent that their Co-op membership is in jeopardy.
A warning letter [last chance] is hand delivered, when possible, by two Board members. The letter is delivered with a highlighted CCHC Parent-Student-Teacher Policy Handbook. The parent is asked to commit to CCHC policy and sign a copy of the letter. The Secretary will keep a copy of the warning letter on file.
If another violation of Co-op policy occurs the family is expelled. Two Board members will inform the parent in person.

The Board reserves the right to terminate participation of any student or parent for any single violation that they determine to be extreme or immoral.
Expulsion is for the rest of the school year. Class fees are non-refundable unless otherwise approved by each teacher.
Documentation of disciplinary action will be found in CCHC Board meeting minutes and kept on file with the secretary.

DRESS CODE

Visible piercing other than the ears cannot be worn on Co-op premises.
Modesty and discretion are the standards for our appearance. No visible tattoos, bare midriff or cleavage, or clothing offensive to Christian sensibilities is allowed.
So as to esteem others more highly than yourself, prefer modesty over making a “statement” with your clothing, makeup, and jewelry.

FACILITY GUIDELINES

“On-site” is defined as the south end of the First Presbyterian Church, but does not include the upper and lower halls that run behind the sanctuary. The parking lot and sanctuary are not considered “on-site”.
Enter and exit at the south end of the building only.
Co-op members and teachers need to remain in the south end of the church building.
Parking is prohibited in the spaces reserved for the handicapped (unless needed), spaces marked by “Visitor” signs, and the “15-minute Parking Spaces” reserved for the daycare parents.
Food is only allowed in designated areas. Beverages with lids are allowed outside the designated areas. (Designated areas are: the hallway in front of the Snack Bar and in the multi-purpose room [Room 170-Gym] during lunch.)
Eating snacks and food during class is prohibited unless the whole class participates in a party or special activity.

FIELD TRIPS

Teachers planning an off-site field trip must obtain a “Field Trip Packet” from the Welcome Table hostess.
Parents participating in the class field trip must sign a “Temporary Guardianship Form” for any children remaining on site.
Parents driving students on a class field trip must provide proof of insurance coverage.

FINANCIAL AID

Availability of financial aid funds and the distribution of those funds are at the discretion of the CCHC Board. A “Financial Aid Request Form” is available from any Board member.
Financial aid will not be made available from Registration Fees or Snack Bar receipts.
Sponsoring another family and/or making donations to the financial aid fund are always welcome.

GENERAL GUIDELINES

Nametags are required for all children and adults belonging to the Co-op. They are to be worn on the chest above the heart where they are clearly visible. Preschoolers may wear them on their backs.
No cell phone use by students except in the case of emergency.
Parent should use cell phones in areas that do not cause a distraction to classes and away from classroom doors.
No bikes, skateboards, scooters or rollerblades are allowed on the premises.
All toys are to be left at home unless required for class use. This includes electronics of any kind (i.e. CD or MP3 players, computers, gameboys, cell phones, etc.).
No laser pointers allowed on premises by students.
No pets allowed on the premises except working service dogs.
No weapons (guns, knives-real or play), illegal drugs, alcohol or cigarettes will be permitted on the premises.
If a student has violated these guidelines the item will be confiscated and returned to the parent or law enforcement if warranted.

INJURY POLICY

Based on the extent of the injury, an immediate determination will be made by an adult as to whether an immediate call should be placed to 9-1-1, and/or the parent needs to be found and brought to attend to the child.
Regardless, a student or adult in the class will go to the Welcome Table to locate the parent.

JOBS COMMITMENT

By registering your child(ren) in CCHC the parent agrees to attend every hour that their child(ren) attends and to be part of the workforce.
Parents should expect to help in some capacity every hour they attend CCHC.
Our Jobs Coordinator and Facilitator Coordinator spend many hours developing and maintaining parent assignments. To protect them from undue workload we cannot accommodate requests for changes to assigned schedules unless your schedule changes such that you are off-site.
If you are unable to fulfill your assigned job(s) due to an emergency absence or illness, you must contact the Substitute Contact (to be announced in the registration confirmation letter) and arrange for a substitute.

KITCHEN

The Co-op Snack Bar is a service for Co-op members and First Presbyterian Church staff and their guests only. It is not intended to serve the general public.
The proceeds from the Snack Bar go towards our facility fee.
All CCHC members must pay for their food and beverages. Cash, check or pre-paid cards may make purchases. Gift certificates are available.
Children 13 and over can be assigned to work in the kitchen with their parent if requested. Only one child per hour may be assigned.
Children are not allowed to handle money.
For sanitary reasons, only assigned helpers are allowed in the kitchen. No friends or family may enter while food is being served.
Other food handling policies are handed out to assigned kitchen staff.
The CCHC Board appoints a Kitchen Director each year.

PARENT RESPONSIBILITIES AND EXPECTATIONS

Dropping off your children is not acceptable. It is imperative that you plan to stay within Co-op boundaries with your children every week.
If a medical emergency comes up and you have to be away, please complete a "Temporary Guardianship Form". Be sure to let your children know to whom they will be accountable. These emergencies are limited to illness and injury, not personal scheduling conflicts.
By registering your child(ren) at CCHC you must agree to complete your assigned jobs weekly and also be available during your non-assigned hours as back-up if needed.
Co-op participation is contingent on the registration fee and class fees being paid on time.
As a cooperative organization all parents are responsible to enforce Co-op rules and expectations. Parental assistance is mandatory.
Children should arrive to class 5 minutes before class begins, but no more than 10 minutes early.
Children are expected to be prepared for class with completed assignments, sharpened pencils, notebooks, paper, and all required materials and books. By registering your child for a class you are agreeing to purchase any necessary books required by the teacher for your student.
Parents will be contacted if a disciplinary problem arises.
Please do not send your child to class during the contagious stages of an illness or with a fever.
Failure to comply with the policies stated in the CCHC Parent-Student-Teacher Handbook will jeopardize your privilege to participate in this Co-op.
The CCHC Board reserves the right to deny participation of any family or student.

PARENTS AS STUDENTS

Parents may enroll in classes as a student following these guidelines:

Priority goes to students. We will not accept parent enrollment until the first day of class.
Adult discussion should not deter student participation.
Concerns regarding class content should be taken to the teacher outside of co-op time.
Even if class fees have been paid parents MUST be available for job assignments and/or substitute positions at all times.

PRESCHOOL

Preschool enrollment will be offered first to those children whose older siblings are homeschooled and registered at the Co-op.
Any openings remaining on the first day will be offered to others.

PRESENTATION NIGHT

Toward the end of the year a Presentation Night will occur.
Presentation Night is planned and hosted by parents.
The Board may approve a budget for rent and refreshments if funds are available.
Presentation Night may include, but is not limited to, drama presentations, class performances, art exhibits, recitations, and displays of class work.

REGISTRATION

Classes are available to Columbia Christian Homeschooling families only due to our liability insurance requirements.
Classes are held once per week on Wednesdays at First Presbyterian Church, 1400 Miller Street, Wenatchee, Washington.
A mandatory orientation meeting will be held at least once per year.
All children on-site must be registered in a class for every hour they attend.
By registering your child(ren) in CCHC the parent agrees to attend every hour their child(ren) attends and to be part of the workforce.
Before registration is complete, a “CCHC Registration Form” must be filled out indicating every class your child(ren) intend to take, a “Participation, Release and Permission to Treat Form” and “Registration Contract” signed, and fees paid in full.

SNOW POLICY

Our snow policy corresponds to the Wenatchee School District. If Wenatchee schools are closed we WILL NOT meet for classes.
If Wenatchee schools are running late we WILL hold classes as usual. Listen to KPQ, AM560, for the school report.

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES AND EXPECTATIONS

Students will be courteous and respectful to teachers, parents, and other students at all times.
Students will remain within the designated Co-op boundaries of the church.
Students must be in assigned classes while at CCHC and are required to wear nametags.
Students may not loiter in the hallways or bathrooms.
Students may not run, play or talk loudly in the halls, bathrooms or gym/lunch area. Designated PE classes are scheduled for these activities.
Students are expected to be in class on time and prepared to learn by having all required books and materials with them. Students should arrive to class 5 minutes before class starts, but no more than 10 minutes early.
All assignments and homework must be completed as directed by the teacher.
Food is allowed only in the gym/lunchroom and snack bar area. Drinks with spill-proof lids are allowed in classrooms and hallways.
Study Hall is an assigned class. Students are expected to be prepared to work or read quietly and independently without disturbing others. No visiting or game playing will be allowed. Students are expected to treat Facilitators and parents with courtesy and respect.

TEACHERS

Teachers are under the employment of the parents and not of the Co-op.
Teachers must agree and sign a Statement Of Faith before their classes will be offered for registration.
Teachers set all tuition and materials fees for their classes. These are called the class fees.
Class discipline is between the teacher and the families. The Board may step in under certain circumstances.
Parental concerns regarding class content will be directed to the teacher first.
Teachers and Class Facilitators should be in their assigned classrooms 5 minutes before class begins and wait until two other adults arrive before leaving students in the classroom after class. Children should be supervised at all times and not allowed to loiter in the halls or classrooms.
If a teacher is going to be absent, they are responsible to contact the Teacher Coordinator and their Class Facilitator in advance to arrange for a substitute to teach the class. Substitute teachers must agree and sign a Statement Of Faith at the beginning of the session. If these arrangements are not made, the class will become a Study Hall during the class hour.
Classes with children too young for Study Hall will need an activity plan and a substitute teacher arranged in advance.
See FIELD TRIPS for field trip information.

TEMPORARY GUARDIANSHIP FORMS (TGF)

Parents are required to stay on-site within Co-op boundaries and serve in an assigned capacity(ies) while their children attend CCHC.
A TGF is used only in the case of illness or injury, not personal appointments and errands.
The TGF transfers the responsibility of your child(ren) to another adult for a temporary period of time.
If you are unable to fulfill your assigned job(s) due to an emergency absence or illness, you must contact the Substitute Volunteer (to be announced in registration confirmation letter) and arrange for a substitute.
“Temporary Guardianship Forms” signed by the parent, assigned guardian, and a Board Member are to be kept at the Welcome Table with the hostess and are not open to viewing by other parents.
Children should be informed of whom their temporary guardian is before the parent leaves the premises.
A Board Member will review the TGF file weekly to determine if abuse is occurring. Record of abuses will be reported to the Board for action.

TUITION AND FEES

The Columbia Christian Homeschool Co-op Board determines the registration fee for each session. The registration fee covers site rental and liability insurance.
Payment of the registration fee is due at registration. Checks are made payable to CCHC.
Checks for class fees (which include materials fees and tuition fees) are made payable to the teachers. All parents are required to pay teachers on time.
The schedule of payment for class fees will be determined by the Board and may change from session to session.
For classes where tuition if paid monthly, the Class Facilitator will collect the second month’s tuition on the 5th class day of the session.
See CLASS WITHDRAWAL OR CANCELLATION regarding refunds.

WELCOME TABLE

All visitors must wear a Co-op nametag.
Signed forms are kept at the Welcome Table with the Welcome Table hostess and are kept confidential.
Posting of general fliers, announcements, etc. on the Welcome Table, in family mailboxes or on the bulletin board must be approved by the CCHC Board. Items are approved on the basis of having a direct benefit to the homeschooling community.
Brochures and catalogs for businesses, home or otherwise, are not allowed (i.e. Tupperware, Avon, chiropractic, etc.). No solicitations.
The Co-op does not allow advertising for any fundraising other than Co-op related events.

CCHC Parent-Student-Teacher Handbook

Revised and Approved by CCHC Board

July, 2006

Page updated May 14, 2007