Hello,I am interested in starting something similar to a homeschool co op only I am not sure if it actually qualifies as a homeschool co op. My idea is that there are many children who have learning disabilities, medical conditions and others whose parents would like to homeschool but cannot because of economic reasons.Therefore, I decided to set up a homeschool program where teachers, non-teachers, parents etc join together and teach groups of students that range from distinct ages and grades. I was also considering paying these parents instead of having them work voluntarily because some of them do have financial needs.I have been a teacher for over ten years and have a masters degree in administration and supervision and I would like to help these students and parents.I would be charging an annual and monthly fee in order to economically sustain the homeschool.I would greatly appreciate your input.Thank you,Angela
Angela,
Thank you for contacting me. What you’re describing sounds more like a homeschool supplement program.
I have several blog posts advising people like you who want to offer services to homeschool parents.
https://homeschoolcpa.com/is-it-a-homeschool-co-op-or-mary-poppins/
https://homeschoolcpa.com/can-i-hire-a-homeschool-governess/
https://homeschoolcpa.com/homeschooling-other-peoples-children-is-it-legal/
1) The first thing to do is to find out if what you want to do is legal under the homeschool laws of your state. Some states limit how much or how often a non-parent can instruct the student and still be considered homeschooling.
2) Then you need to determine if your idea is economically viable. You mentioned offering to pay parent/teachers, but also wanting to offer services to economically disadvantaged families. So who will come and pay the fee? Sounds like you need a detailed business plan with financial projections.
3) Next you need to determine if this is a nonprofit educational program or a for-profit business. A nonprofit requires assembling a board, creating bylaws, filing for nonprofit incorporation in your state and tax exempt status with IRS.
Forming a for-profit business is easier, but then you are not eligible for donations, grants, etc. that you may need to be financially viable. And a for-profit business cannot use volunteers. You must pay everyone who works for your business.
That’s a lot to think about. There’s still a lot to be decided including how often your plan to meet and where.
