Decide on who can join the co-op. Since homeschoolers homeschool for many different reasons, let everyone know if there are membership prerequisites. Base the co-op membership on religious preference, learning style, or all inclusive. Deciding on who can join the co-op from the start will eliminate some unwelcome teachings or other situations later.
Brainstorm with other homeschool parents about what the need is in your area. Some areas have lots of homeschool resources so the need isn't as great for another co-op. Find the niche that is missing in your area and recruit supporters.
Find a location that is willing to let you use their facilities inexpensively or free of charge. Churches, community centers and public libraries are all possible options.
Announce the opening of a new co-op and advertise. If you want more families to join the co-op, advertise on Yahoo Groups, in church bulletins, on community boards, at grocery stores and in libraries.
Sign parents up to teach a class, to support a teacher, or to baby-sit. Assign each parent a job or charge the parent a fee to cover their position. Have the parents paired up and begin researching the class subject matter.
Choose a day for the co-op to meet. Let the homeschool support groups know about the prerequisites, the subject matter being taught, and the location and time of the co-op.
Secure the location for two 3-week sessions. Meet once a week beginning in September and ending in November. This can be slightly altered, but leave lots of time for holiday time since homeschoolers are known to take extra time off in December. Start the second session in January or February and end by April so parents can start their testing.