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Homeschool Co-ops: How to Start Them, Run Them and Not Burn Out [Paperback]

Carol Topp
4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)

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Book Description

April 8, 2008
Homeschool Co-op: A group of homeschooling parents that voluntarily unite together to educate their children. Come in all shapes and sizes. As homeschooling grows so do homeschooling organizations such as homeschool co-ops. Now homeschool leaders have a book to guide them through starting a co-op, running it and not burning out! In this book you'll find: Pros and cons of being in a homeschool co-op. How to start a co-op including running your first planning meeting Ideas for classes and activities for all ages Helpful advice on dealing with volunteers, setting policies, managing money and handling conflict.

Frequently Bought Together

Homeschool Co-ops: How to Start Them, Run Them and Not Burn Out + Creating a Cooperative Learning Center: An Idea-Book for Homeschooling Families + Free Range Learning: How Homeschooling Changes Everything
Price for all three: $44.02

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Product Details

  • Paperback: 188 pages
  • Publisher: Aventine Press (April 8, 2008)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1593305338
  • ISBN-13: 978-1593305338
  • Product Dimensions: 6 x 0.4 x 9 inches
  • Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
  • Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #238,303 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Carol Topp, CPA (http://CarolToppCPA.com) is an author and accountant. Her titles include Business Taxes and Tips for Writers, the Micro Business for Teens series and Homeschool Co-ops: How to Start Them, Run Them and Not Burn Out. She operates an accounting practice specializing in tax preparation, small/micro business accounting, and nonprofit accounting.

Carol has presented numerous workshops on money management, business start up, taxes, budgeting, nonprofit management and homeschooling to various community, church, homeschool and writers groups. She has also published several magazine articles in magazines including Pen and Profits, Christian Communicator, TaxPro and The Old Schoolhouse.

Carol hosted an hour-long PBS television show based on her book, Starting a Micro Business, and co-hosts the WritingAndPublishing.com podcast.

Customer Reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
(14)
4.4 out of 5 stars
Ms. Topp is a WONDERFUL source for all things "homeschool co-op" related! Tara C  |  4 reviewers made a similar statement
This book was a great help to me in starting our homeschool co-op. Bev  |  6 reviewers made a similar statement
As you would expect from a CPA, the book is very well organized. M. Drews  |  2 reviewers made a similar statement
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
12 of 13 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars We cannot be all things to all people! July 19, 2008
Format:Paperback
"I learned that, regretfully, we cannot be all things to all people--only Jesus can."

With this insightful refrain, Carol Topp urges leaders of homeschool co-ops to identify their purpose and define their target.

The opening chapters of Homeschool Co-ops provide a levelheaded assessment of both advantages and disadvantages of participating in a co-op. For example, Topp tackles a significant issue by admitting: "Some people are extremely reluctant to discipline another person's child. Granted, I would never lay a hand on a child, but I do let them know if they are out of line. If you do not like assisting other parents in this way, or if you are very sensitive about other parents verbally disciplining your child, then you had better think carefully about a co-op commitment."

Speaking of interpersonal matters, Topp points us to The Peacemaker by Ken Sande for conflict resolution, and summarizes the key aspects to successful peacemaking: overlooking an offense, reconciliation, and negotiation.

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.

Fellow home-schoolers' stories and testimonies are woven throughout the book.

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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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent co-op resource June 28, 2008
Format:Paperback
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.

The author writes:

It may not be problem free to start or run a home school co-op, but most homeschool parents find that co-oping is worth the commitment and expense! Homeschool co-ops are becoming more and more popular because they are meeting the needs and expectations of homeschooling families.
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.
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Resource for Homeschool Co-ops October 3, 2011
Format:Paperback
Recently we began a homeschool support group in our area. This book has been invaluable in the process of beginning and setting our group up. The ideas are presented in a clear and organized manner, so that it was very simple to follow the steps from getting started, growing the group, moving towards tax exempt status, and avoiding burn-out. Checklists, sample documents and other resources were also included in the book. Another important section was on conflict resolution because we all know that when dealing with other people there is going to be some issues! In addition to the knowledge in the book, there are several links to sites that provide additional resources, including the author's website. I have found her information to be an excellent source for beginning homeschool groups. On a side note, after reading her book and perusing the Homeschool CPA site, I emailed Carol with several questions and she replied to them!
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
1.0 out of 5 stars Not What I Expected
I did not expect this book to be Christian based as it was not listed that way in the product's description. I was looking for a helpful book related to co-ops. Read more
Published 14 months ago by S. Family
3.0 out of 5 stars Not what I expected
First of all, the author has a Christian bent, which surprised me and put me off a little, but once I overlooked that, it had some good information. Read more
Published 17 months ago by N. Fine
5.0 out of 5 stars A Must for Homeschool Co-ops!!!
This book answers everything you ever wanted to know about homeschool co-ops. A Must READ for all homeschool groups! Read more
Published 19 months ago by Linda H. Cannady
5.0 out of 5 stars Admittedly limited target audience, but much appreciated!
After serving in a leadership role for 5 years to a co-op group which was formed about 20 years ago, several aspects of the book were superfluous to my needs. Read more
Published 19 months ago by Kelly
5.0 out of 5 stars A Unique and Valuable Resource
Carol Topp has lovingly and prayerfully written a simple yet professional book for homeschool groups that is a valuable resource of tips, legal information, and step-by-step... Read more
Published 19 months ago by mommyvaca
5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect book for ANYONE and EVERYONE interested in Homeschool Co-ops!
Ms. Topp is a WONDERFUL source for all things "homeschool co-op" related! Definitely a book not to pass over on your way to developing, working at, and KEEPING that co-op! Read more
Published 19 months ago by Tara C
3.0 out of 5 stars It's an overview
It's a good starting point but it often refers to her website or other publications. The title announces a how-to book and since she is a cpa I was expecting "pure" legal advice -... Read more
Published on November 30, 2010 by Multilingual family
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Book to help you get started
This book was a great help to me in starting our homeschool co-op. It gave me many places to go for help and gave me things to think about that I would not have considered if I... Read more
Published on July 27, 2010 by Bev
5.0 out of 5 stars You NEED this book before you start!
This book has been invaluable. DO NOT start a co-op without it. Why reinvent the wheel, you don't have to. Mrs. Topp has done the heavey lifting for you. Read more
Published on July 10, 2008 by mom at large
5.0 out of 5 stars Thorough resource for anyone who has even thought about starting a...
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... Read more
Published on June 22, 2008 by M. Drews
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