We rely on each other to be successful in educating our children. Since it is a privilege to belong to a cooperative such as this one, each of us carries some of the responsibility for its success.

Classes are taught by homeschooling parents and friends of our homeschooling community as a ministry to homeschool families. Some of the classes offered through the Cooperative may be impractical if not impossible to teach at home.

Parents have the opportunity to learn along with their children, gain an understanding of their child’s strengths, abilities and learning styles in a classroom setting and receive a first-hand glimpse of how their child interacts in a group situation. Students have the opportunity to discover, expand and enlarge the world around them and benefit from the small class size and extra attention given at our cooperative.

Parent is the Primary Educator
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.  If you are looking for an opportunity to visit with your fellow homeschoolers please participate in our Support Group activities.

Cooperative Fees
In order to participate in the Cooperative, participants must be a current paid member of WNHEN. Teachers may charge for materials used in their classes. Parents are responsible for paying any class fees at the time they register for the class. Class fees shall vary depending what is being offered.

Our Cooperative is a “family affair” and based on the honor system. Each family who chooses to participate is expected to pull their fair share of the workload. This may include teaching, assisting in the nursery and/or toddler classes, helping in the kitchen or with various other tasks throughout the Cooperative day. All families are expected to help!  Again if you are looking for an opportunity to visit with your fellow homeschoolers please participate in our Support Group activities.

Some families would much rather pay the group than teach, assist in any of the classrooms, in the kitchen or help with clean-up and set-up. Those families my opt out of assisting during the Cooperative by paying a $100.00 fee per semester, payable at the time you register for classes. Families paying this fee will gain access to the classes and will not be asked to assist. This does not allow parents the opportunity to drop off children and leave. The parent must still remain on the premises with their child.

Cooperative Parent/Student Handbook
Each family who desire to participate in the Cooperative is responsible for becoming familiar with the Cooperative Parent/Student Handbook. The handbook is intended to be used by homeschooling students, parents and volunteers as a guide to the rules, regulations and general information about the Western Nebraska Home Educators Network Cooperative. Parents are encouraged to use the handbook as a resource and to assist their family in following the guidelines contained in it.

Although the information found in the handbook is detailed and specific on many topics, the handbook is not intended to be all encompassing so as to cover every situation and circumstance that may arise during the Cooperative day, semester or year. The WNHEN board of directors reserves the right to make decisions and make guideline revisions at any time to implement the cooperative program and to assure the well being of all participating homeschooling families. The board of directors will be responsible for interpreting the guidelines contained in the handbook. Should a situation or circumstance arise that is not specifically covered in the handbook, the board of directors will make a decision based upon all applicable WNHEN policies.

Course Listings
Each semester the Western Nebraska Home Educators Network distributes a Cooperative Course Listing to all WNHEN members, prior Cooperative participants and to those who express an interest.  The Course Listings will have a complete list of the classes being offered and all required registration forms.  If you are interested in receiving a copy of the Course Listing for an upcoming semester please email WNHEN@hotmail.com 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.

Registration Information
A Registration Day is held one week 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 WNHEN@hotmail.com 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 will not be accepted.  Notification of the Registration Day can be found on our Event Calendar.

Orientation Meeting
A Parent Orientation Meeting will be held one week prior to the first day of class. One parent and any parent representatives from each family who desire to participate in the Cooperative must attend the Parent Orientation Meeting in the Fall. The Spring and Summer Cooperative Parent Orientation Days will be provided for new families who join us later in the year or for returning families who have never been part of the Cooperative.  If you are unable to attend the meeting, your child will be unable to participate in any of the classes being offered that semester.