For a list of Cincinnati area homeschool co-ops click here.
Homeschool Co-ops: How to Start Them, Run Them and Not Burn Out
Have you ever thought about starting a homeschool co-op? Are you afraid it will be too much work? Do you think you’ll have to do it all by yourself? Starting a homeschool co-op can be easy! This book Homeschool Co-ops: How to Start Them, Run Them and Not Burn Out will give you ideas, inspiration, tips, wisdom and the tools you need to start a homeschool co-op, run it and not burn out!
Print version Retail price $12.50
Ebook version Read more about the ebook here. Price $10.00.
Table of Contents
Sample Chapter: Chapter 4 Planning
About the Author
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“Carol Topp is wonderful, buy her book, it’s worth 4 times the price, subscribe to her blog, download her ebooks”
-Janet Hellerman, www.CHAMPSHomeschool.com
Homeschool Co-ops is bound to make the process of starting a co-op less confusing. Mrs. Topp’s advice and checklists for applying for non-profit status are valuable for new and existing co-ops and even for homeschooling support groups.The book is particularly helpful in the chapters of Mrs. Topp’s area of expertise, financial management. The author shares much insight into organizing the co-op’s accounting, budgeting, and becoming a non profit, 501(c)3 corporation. Read the entire review here.
-Martha Robinson, HomeschoolChristian.com
Carol’s expertise in accounting, coupled with her long-time acquaintance with the home-schooling movement, has proven invaluable to our organization. I only wish I had the information presented in this book years ago when we were first starting out on this adventure!
I first knew Carol Topp as a fellow homeschool mom in our local support group. I knew then that she was sharp, but my respect for her grew to a whole new level when years later she became my CPA! Carol comes with wisdom and understanding of the homeschool movement as well as expertise in the field of accounting. I’m glad to see Carol share her talents and experience.
-Linda Lacour Hobar, author of The Mystery of History
This insightful and practical book is a must-read for every leader (and member) of a homeschool co-op or support group. The Biblically-based guide is packed with helpful advice from experienced homeschool leaders who, like good friends, warmly share their wisdom and knowledge. It is a comprehensive resource that you will surely find yourself referring to again and again over the years.
This book is a fantastic resource for every co-op. There is some wonderful advice for situations that your group may encounter. A must read for new groups or those that have been around for quite awhile!
Carol, I am halfway through our book and had to stop and tell you how much I love it!
You have done such a great job of giving information without being judgmental. I am going to tell everyone I know that homeschools to read it. We have several families at our church with young children just starting to homeschool and I know they will benefit greatly from your description of different types of co-ops.
This book is a must have for any one wishing to start, maintain, or save a dying co-op.
I would have loved to have had this book years ago when I joined my first co-op. Being brand new to home schooling, the other moms and I knew nothing on how to get a co-op off the ground. We forged a path through uncharted territory, figuring it out as we went. Though we gained friendships, fellowship, and a shared learning experience, we weren’t without our struggles, personality conflicts, and growing pains. That’s when a book like this is invaluable.
Anything you want to know about cooperation of families working together – small co-ops, large ones, mission statement and purpose, leadership and volunteer roles, handling conflict, potential class topic ideas, location, and even tax-exempt issues are explained. It’s all there in this well written 170-page book.
There is no stone left unturned! No matter what your need or group size, this book is a great help to start and keep your Co-op healthy.
While I have never been a member of a co-op, I was thinking about getting together with one or two other families to have either an art class or science class– the two subjects that have sadly fallen by the wayside in our homeschool. Carol’s book came at the perfect time! Let me tell you some of my favorite things about her book:
* Included in her book are real life stories and situations. Not only does it make things more interesting, but you can tell the book contains her personal experience with co-op’s along with the experience of other homeschoolers.
* As you would expect from a CPA, the book is very well organized. Nothing irks me more than a book with no flow and no sense in the order of chapters.
* Examples of various forms, mission statements, etc. are included. She also has very pointed questions to ask yourself in each chapter. Not one to just convince you that a co-op is for everyone, Carol helps you to see the many benefits of a co-op as well as to count the cost.
I highly recommend this book to anyone that has even thought about starting a co-op! This has encouraged me greatly and I plan to pass this useful resource on to others.
The opening chapters of Homeschool Co-ops provide a levelheaded assessment of both advantages and disadvantages of participating in a co-op. Topp addresses general issues including the double-edged nature of co-op distinctives, as well as specific matters including how to evaluate space and facilities. Valuable checklists, surveys, and links support the author’s recommendations. Quick references sprinkled throughout the text direct readers who seek more in-depth coverage of a topic discussed. Sometimes readers are directed to another chapter within the text, other times they are referred to an outside source, website, or book. Detailed suggestions for co-op offerings are provided, including classes and activities based upon students’ ages, topics, clubs, or curriculum. As a fellow writer, I particularly appreciate her admonishment for homeschoolers to purchase curriculum whenever photocopying violates copyright restrictions.
Although insights from others who have led or participated in co-ops are valuable, one of this book’s greatest strengths comes from Carol’s insight as a CPA with personal experience in home school co-op business matters. Carol presents clear explanations regarding the various non-profit organizational structures and by-laws. She explains how to prepare a budget, bookkeeping basics, and the benefits and disadvantages of the coveted 501(c)(3) status. A more detailed treatment of these matters as well as guidelines regarding hiring teachers and other employees may be found in her eBook titled, Money Management for Homeschool Organizations (see her website for ordering details).
In the last section of her manuscript, she underscores an obvious but too often neglected reality: a co-op is not a solo venture! Fortunately, she provides concise instructions on how to avoid burn out: “Strive for a co-op that lives up to its name…” Carol closes her counsel with the ABC’s of successful homeschool co-ops: “A Board” (establish one), “Bylaws” (write them, and include a clear mission statement), and “Create a Budget.”
In summary, this title brims with wise counsel and practical resources for those who lead or attend or are simply considering participating in a homeschool co-op.
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Order Homeschool Co-ops
Print Retail price $12.50
Borders Books A Million Rainbow Resource
Electronic version $10.00
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For a list of Cincinnati area homeschool co-ops click here.