Starting a co-op is simple. Follow these steps, and you’ll be on your way!  

 Find Like-Minded People 

Talk to people and find those who share similar interests and have children of a similar age. Consider asking other parents what their wants or needs are. Join forces with those facing similar challenges or wanting to provide a similar learning opportunity for their children. Those interested in doing a co-op may not be homeschooling or may decide to start homeschooling after discussing opportunities. Sometimes it may be a friend of a friend that ends up being interested. Attending local groups or activities can also provide a means of networking and getting to know others.  

As you look for participants, consider how many children/parents you would like to have in the co-op. Also, consider the age range you prefer. Many co-ops have a ten-year age span. Others are limited to a 2–3 year span or to children of similar academic development. The types of activities you offer and the way your co-op is structured will determine how many children and what age ranges you can accommodate. 

Co-ops flourish when parents develop deep friendships and can provide emotional support and encouragement to one another. Capitalize on the individual talents and interests that each parent brings to the group.  

 Decide on a Time and Place

Decide where to hold the co-op. You might rotate houses, or if someone has a particularly convenient location, you might meet there every week. There may also be a public space available for use, such as a church or park. 

Next, decide how often and when you want to meet. Do you want to meet once or twice a week, or more frequently? Maybe you want to meet monthly or just for special events or activities? 

Decide how many hours the co-op activity will last and what time it will start. You might meet for an hour or two, or you might want to spend the entire day together. If co-op days are going to be long, consider having children bring sack lunches or rotate having people bring a lunch or snack to share. Having free play or recess time might also be effective. 

 Divide Responsibilities So Every Parent Contributes Something 

You will likely find that each parent in your group has particular interests, strengths, and talents. Capitalize on those as you decide what subjects will be taught or what activities you will include in your co-op. Brainstorm together. One suggestion might lead to another idea that is a perfect fit for the group. 

You may set it up so that all the parents attend the co-op with their children, even if they are not teaching a lesson, or you may set it up so that one or two parents teach one week while other parents drop their kids off. If parents bring small children, you may want to rotate having parents help take care of little kids in a separate room.  

There can be many ways each parent contributes to the group, but look for people who will stay involved and contribute while they are in the co-op, even if they are not doing the actual teaching. Ensure no single parent feels taken advantage of. Each parent needs to find a way to help, even if it is just being there for moral support.  

Co-ops are a lot of fun, but as the semester moves on it is easy to get worn out. One of our favorite co-op arrangements is to hold class three weeks a month and then take one week off. You may also want to take some time off between semesters. Taking a one week break each month, or taking a month off in-between semesters, can help prevent fatigue. You may also want to consider doing one-month class rotations. If after a month the teacher and student are tired of a subject, then switch to something new. Mentally, it can be a lot easier to commit to teaching three weeks of classes at a time than an entire semester.  

Be Flexible and Adjust As Needed

Trial and error will help you find the right length of time and number of subjects for your co-op. Even after you find a co-op setting that is working, people’s lives change. Co-ops often must adjust and evolve as the needs or interests of their participants change. Some people may drop out of the co-op and others may want to join. Let your co-op be as fluid as necessary and learn to enjoy the ride.