Please see our Handbook for more information:
- What is Collage Inclusive Cooperative?
We are a homeschool co-op – a group of caregivers who get together to divide kids by age and take turns teaching classes.
- Do I still have to homeschool my kids with our own curriculum?
YES. CIC provides purely supplemental classes. We don’t focus on core subjects, and most classes won’t have homework.
- Who is CIC for?
All homeschool families, regardless of…..well, anything. See our home page for our Mission Statement.
- What ages is CIC for?
We have classes for ages 5-18 and their younger siblings (2-4). If you are homeschooling a preschooler (without older siblings), you may be placed on a waiting list until registration closes, and added if there are still preschool slots available. First priority goes to the younger siblings of school-age children.
- Can I drop my kids off?
No. A parent must remain at the building all day, and when not teaching their own class(es), will be assigned to assist other teachers.
- Where does CIC meet?
We meet at Grace United Church of Christ in Uniontown, Ohio.
- How often and when does CIC meet?
CIC meets for classes every Thursday, from 9:45-3:00. We meet September-April (taking December off). We have 4 (55 minute) class periods and a 1 hour lunch, plus cleaning after the last class and set up before the first.
- Do I have to teach? What if I help in other ways?
Yes, everyone needs to teach as well as help keep things running smoothly. We are a cooperative, meaning we all work together. The only way to keep things running is for everyone to carry their share of the load. The only way our kids get classes is for everyone to teach. Effective January 2023, new families will not be required to teach their first semester but will be expected to thereafter.
That said, teaching is not as scary as it sounds. And you may be surprised by how rewarding it is! We are happy to provide support to new or less comfortable teachers – this could come in the form of co-teaching classes with a more experienced teacher, having someone guide you through planning your classes or just someone to bounce ideas off of. If coming up with your own ideas is difficult, people can brainstorm with you.
Everyone has their own teaching style. “Teaching a class” doesn’t mean you have to lecture on Physics for an hour every week. One person might lecture well, another might bring great experiences to share. There are so many ways to impart knowledge and/or provide a rich learning environment. Diversity in teaching style is welcome. We just want to create a rich learning environment, which can look a lot of different ways.
On my (Brianna’s) personal journey, I was terrified of teaching at first. It was the scariest part of joining a co-op for the first time, many years ago. My very first class was just bringing building supplies (duplo, Lego, trains, magnatiles, etc.) for the kids to free play with. Kids loved it, parents loved it, and there was a lot of great learning, even though I was just down, playing on the floor with the kids, and there was zero front-of-the-class speaking. From there, I taught toddler classes that were just an art or craft opportunity and reading some books. I’ve done a few writing classes, some of which involved instruction (poetry forms) and some of which didn’t (bringing papers, pencils, and stickers for making comics). I’ve taught a cooking class. I did a literature art class where we read a book and took something from the illustrations to springboard off. I’ve taught geography to a couple different levels – and I have a basic format of finding on a map, talking about a few facts, reading aloud a fiction that takes place in that country, watching a short youtube video about the country, and then either learning a dance/playing a game from the culture/doing an art or craft project and maybe eating something from the country. It’s been really fun for everyone, provides a lot of different ways to learn, and doesn’t even require me being an expert.
- Can I get paid to teach?
No, teachers are not to be financially compensated for their time. Teachers may charge a small fee to cover their supplies, however.
- What is the cost?
The cost is $75 per child over the age of one. The fee is non-refundable except where the board may choose to make an exception. Persons are not considered members until this is paid in full, and may not register for classes. If financial assistance is needed, please contact the Treasurer to discuss options.
Additionally, teachers may choose to charge a small fee to cover their classes.
- I don’t think my child will be comfortable away from me. How does that work?
We try to be as accommodating as possible when placing assistants in classes. You can choose to teach a class(es) at your child’s age level, and we can do our best to place you as an assistant in their class for at least most periods. This can help ease your child into the new environment comfortably.
- How is CIC run?
We have a 7-member board, elected by the members, each with 2 year renewable terms expiring in April. There will always be offices of Director (officially “President” in bylaws), Secretary, and Treasurer. Other offices may be created and duties reshuffled to best suit the strengths of the current board and members. Officers may always delegate tasks to members or ask for assistance.
Voting for board members will occur in the spring of each year (as described in the bylaws), and the transition will take place immediately following the end of the school year.
Bylaws may be amended by a ⅔ majority vote of the members.
Board members are expected to put good faith effort into attending all board and member meetings. Members are expected to put good faith effort into attending all member meetings and are welcome to attend all board meetings as well.
- Can we try out the co-op first?
Contact us for information about coming to visit and observe our cooperative.