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

Carol Topp (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: 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.

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: #562,158 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.

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

By S. Farrell

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. Read more ›

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent co-op resource June 28, 2008

By K. Davis

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.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Resource for Homeschool Co-ops October 3, 2011

By bookmommy

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!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Admittedly limited target audience, but much appreciated! October 3, 2011

By Kelly

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

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. However, I still found many great fresh ideas, numerous checks and balances to implement in the financial arena, and just much needed refreshment and encouragement at a time when I was suffering some "burn out". Carol also has cited other support groups and knowledge bases which were immensely helpful. I recommend highly for anyone serving in a leadership role in a home school co-op!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Homeschool Co-ops May 29, 2008

By T. Fox

Format:Paperback

Are you thinking about starting a homeschool co-op? Are you involved a homeschool co-op that needs some re-structuring? Carol Topp, who is also a CPA, has written a how-to guide on how to start, run, and not burn out. As a homeschool group leader for many years, I would have benefitted from this book when our group went through a major reorganization. Growing pains are never fun, but our growing pains would have been easier with this resource. This books contains space for you to answer questions, and it gives you outlines of questions to ask when structuring your co-op. This book contains 11 chapters, and one chapter that ALL homeschool co-ops should read is the one about 501(c)(3) Tax-exempt Organizations. There is a handy checklist and list of resources. I highly recommend this book for any homeschool leader or member.