Decide how large you want the homeschool co-op to be. This will play a role in deciding if the co-op will be strictly parent-led with the classes taught by parents. A small to medium sized co-op (two to ten families) does not require any paperwork or approval before starting. Also, if parents are teaching, it is more than likely on a volunteer basis. Parents volunteer in their area of expertise. Any money charged goes strictly to cover materials for the class.
Choose the curriculum that will be used to teach students. In this type of homeschool co-op situation, parent teachers generally have free reign to pick their own curriculum.
Write a co-op handbook governing the management of the co-op. This can be as simple or detailed as you like. It should include basic information, such as membership rules, location and time of the co-op. Meeting dates concerning the co-op should be established well in advance. Include any other information you feel is necessary for all members to have in their possession.
Advertise the homeschool cooperative by posting fliers at the library or through word of mouth with neighbors and family members who do homeschool. There are even homeschooling Websites that will allow you to post information about your new co-op.
Expand only as much as you feel comfortable with. Take it a step at a time, keeping the focus on quality education.
Decide on what classes you want to offer to students. Decide on how many hired teachers you want to bring in to teach the students. Hiring teachers requires that you file paperwork with your state and the IRS.
Apply for approval to run a homeschool co-op through your local school superintendent's office or school board. This is sometimes all that is required of large homeschool co-ops in most states. While states differ on what forms must be filled out, it is usually just a one page form that is straightforward.
Check with your state's Business & License Department or Secretary of State Division to see if your homeschool cooperative needs to file as a non-profit corporation because of its size (number of children involved). Some states do require this, including Texas and Florida. Bear in mind that incorporating a homeschool co-op can be costly, depending on what state you live in. Do not skip this important step.
Write bylaws for your homeschool co-op, as it is part of the process of incorporating the organization. It is also necessary so each member is clear on expectations and roles in the co-op. Basic components of bylaws should include the name of your co-op, location and purpose. You should also include rules for membership in the co-op, when meetings will be held on a regular basis concerning the co-op, board of director names and roles, officer names and roles, and any other pertinent information you need. A link is provided in our Resources section that shows sample bylaws for a homeschool cooperative. You should also outline how you intend to meet the financial requirements of this co-op.
File a W-9 with the IRS for each paid teacher. You are also required to hand out 1099-MISC forms at the end of the year for each teacher.
Decide collectively what curricula you want the teachers to use. Another option is for a teacher to suggest a curriculum, and the parents can review it for approval or denial as a group.
Decide on a pay scale for teachers. Decide how payments will be divided among the members of the co-op. This could mean everyone pays the same amount each month. Otherwise, payments will be made based only on what classes a child is taking. Both ways have advantages and disadvantages, and it is important that all members agree to avoid any arguments in the future. This pay scale can also be included in your bylaws.
Set up a formal Website to advertise the co-op. Make sure it includes a description of each class being taught and lists fees for classes. It should tell who the teachers are for each subject and their qualifications to teach the class. You can even set up a registration form on the Website for families to register for classes. There are many places to build a free Website for this purpose. Take a look in our Resources section for more information on this.