Cooperative Classes

"I will instruct thee and teach thee
in the way which thou shalt go:
I will guide thee with mine eye."
Psalm 32:8
King James Version

The Western Nebraska Home Educators Network Cooperative is one leg of our network, the other leg is our Support Group.  Our Cooperative is a wonderful opportunity for homeschooling families to come together, once a week, to share their talents, skills and knowledge with each other in order to supplement our children’s education. The focus of the Cooperative is on our children’s educational needs.

Date and Time
WNHEN families offer a Fall, Winter and Spring Semester each year.  Classes are held on Mondays and run eight weeks. We offer classes for grades K-12 along with a nursery and preschool for families in need of these services.  Our morning Cooperative, which runs from 8:45 to Noon, focuses on classes for our children between the ages 0-11.  One class each hour is offered to older students ages 12-19 during the morning session.  These classes require large attendance such as Band, Choir, Physical Education and Speech.  Older students who do not wish to take these classes may assist or in some cases with special permission - teach, classes for younger children.  Our afternoon Cooperative, which runs from 1:00 to 4:00, focuses on academic classes for our older students ages 12-19.  Parents are not required to stay on site with their older children who are in class.  Parents may take their younger children home for naps and return to pick up their older children in the afternoon.  Some of our parents who travel from out of town may stay on site with their younger children.  Parents are asked to use the playschool wing and are expected to supervise their children ages 0-11 while their older children take classes.  We are always in need of parent volunteers to assist in the nursery and preschool as well as other areas throughout the Cooperative day.  Sign up sheets are available at the Orientation and Registration Day as well as the first day of classes.

Cooperative Fees
In order to participate in the Cooperative, participants must be a current paid member of WNHEN. The cost of classes at our Cooperative are kept to a minimum in order to make it feasible for anyone who is interested to attend. Fees vary per class, but typically average about $5.00 per class per student. These fees generally cover the cost of supplies for the class. Classes are taught by homeschooling parents as a ministry to their fellow homeschooling families. At times, outside instructors may come in. These classes tend to run a little bit higher because of the teacher’s own fee.  Fees are due at the time you register for the class.

Course Listings
Each semester the Western Nebraska Home Educators Network distributes a Cooperative Course Listing. The Course Listing is a complete list of the classes being offered. If you are interested in receiving a copy of the Course Listing for an upcoming semester please email info@wnhen.org or send a request to WNHEN P.O. Box 925; Scottsbluff, Nebraska 69363.  We would be happy to add you to our mailing list.  Simply submit your name, address, phone number and email address

Teaching
If you are currently homeschooling, then you have discovered something wonderful about your calling: You are a teacher!  Our Cooperative is an opportunity to bless your children and other children by doing just that.  All members are welcome to sign up to teach a class during the Cooperative.  A planning meeting is scheduled prior to the distribution of the Course Listing for teachers to volunteer.  If you are interested in offering a class for the duration of our Cooperative please contact info@wnhen.org.

Please Note: Classes offered through the Cooperative are not designed to take the place of what the parent teaches at home. Classes are designed to enhance the child’s education, not replace it. Our Cooperative is not a charter or umbrella school. The Cooperative does not offer a complete curriculum for any child. Parents remain the primary educator and are responsible for overseeing their child’s educational needs. Our Cooperative is NOT a “moms day out”, playgroup or a daycare. Families who participate in the Cooperative are expected to assist with the operation of the Cooperative. 

Cooperative Orientation Meeting
A Cooperative Orientation Meeting will be held each semester, prior to the first day of class for all new families, all returning families who have never been part of the Cooperative and for current families who just want a refresher course.  The Orientation Meeting is intended to provide Cooperative participants with a basic background of how our Cooperative works along with the opportunity to visit the facility and teachers prior to registration, as well as an opportunity to ask questions.  If you are unable to attend the meeting, a handbook is available with the general information covered at the meeting.

 Registration Information
A Registration Day is scheduled prior to the first day of class.  Anyone wanting to participate in the Cooperative must register on or before the Cooperative Registration Day. 

To register simply email us at info@wnhen.org for a copy of the course listing and forms.  All registrations must be postmarked by midnight the day prior to the registration day to be considered valid.  Registrations postmarked or received after the deadline may not be accepted. 

Need Additional Information?
For additional information on the WNHEN Cooperative please don't hesitate to contact us.