Mustard Seed Co-op

I. Who We Are

Mustard Seed Co-op is a Christ-centered, parent-led homeschool cooperative located in Ashland, Virginia. We are a community of like-minded families coming together to educate their children through hands-on learning, fostering friendships, and nurturing Godly character. Our program blends the wisdom of Montessori and Charlotte Mason philosophies to create an educational experience that honors each child's unique journey.

II. Mission Statement

Mustard Seed Co-op seeks to provide a nurturing environment where homeschooling families can come together in fellowship and learning. We aim to offer an enriching, Christ-centered educational experience that emphasizes hands-on learning, nature exploration, fostering meaningful friendships, and developing kindness for all living things. We support parents as the primary educators of their children.

"If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you." — Matthew 17:20

We nurture even the smallest seeds of faith in our children, believing that with God, nothing is impossible for them as they grow in their walk with Christ.

"The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches." — Matthew 13:31-32

Just as the mustard seed grows into a great tree, our children start small but have the potential to grow into strong, faith-filled individuals who impact the world around them.

III. Vision Statement

Our vision is to cultivate minds that think deeply and hearts that love learning. We desire to nurture children who demonstrate Godly character, show kindness to all living things, and are equipped to make a positive difference in the world through their unique gifts and calling from God.

IV. Purpose & Core Beliefs

The purpose of Mustard Seed Co-op is to provide enrichment classes to supplement the parent-directed education of homeschooled children. We believe parents are the primary educators of their children, and our co-op serves as an enrichment program to support what each child learns at home.

Our Core Beliefs:

• Children flourish when given the freedom to explore and the guidance to grow
• Learning should honor each child's natural curiosity
• Hands-on, experiential learning creates lasting knowledge
• Time in nature is essential for healthy development
• Community and friendship are valuable parts of education
• Godly character and kindness should be nurtured in all interactions

V. Statement of Faith

Mustard Seed Co-op is a Christ-centered community. We believe that Jesus is Lord and our program is rooted in faith-based values. While we welcome families from various Christian denominations, all participating families should be comfortable with Christ-centered teaching and values being incorporated into our learning environment.

We also welcome families who are interested in learning more about Jesus and the Christian faith. Our community is open to those seeking to grow in their understanding of Christ.

We are a community of like-minded people who seek to honor God in our approach to education and in our relationships with one another.

VI. Parental Responsibilities & Involvement

A. Parents as Primary Educators:

Parents understand that it is their role to act as their child's primary educator and academic advisor. Mustard Seed Co-op is a cooperative program, not a private school. We request that parents be supportive of the objectives of our co-op and contribute to its success by being actively involved and providing sincere feedback or suggestions as needed.

As a collective co-op, parents have the right to make suggestions and propose curriculum changes. We value input from all families and encourage open communication to shape our program together.

B. Parental Expectations:

• Be legally registered with the state of Virginia as homeschoolers by August 15th of the school year
• Read and abide by all policies outlined in this handbook
• Support the co-op's mission and maintain a positive, cooperative attitude
• Ensure children are dressed appropriately for outdoor activities and weather conditions

C. Parent Volunteers:

As a homeschool cooperative, Mustard Seed Co-op depends on the active involvement of our parents to ensure the success of this cooperative endeavor and to provide the best possible educational experience for our students. Parent volunteers provide an additional set of eyes and hands, and this is an excellent way for parents to experience what students are doing during their time at co-op.

Examples of parent volunteer opportunities include: assisting in the classroom, teaching a class, staying for the day and helping clean up after, and substitute teaching when needed.

Parents who assist in the classroom 4 times a month (and more if a sub is needed) pay $190/month for tuition. All volunteers must pass a background check before working with students.

D. Partnership for Character Development:

Parents are expected to partner with the Mustard Seed community in modeling biblically established moral values in their relationships with students, leaders, and other community members. We have a clear mission that supports the belief of parents in training up Godly young men and women of character.

E. Sibling Policy for Volunteers:

Younger siblings who are 4 years of age may accompany parents while they volunteer. For safety and supervision purposes, children under 4 years of age are not permitted during volunteer hours.

VII. Location

Mustard Seed Co-op is located in Ashland, Virginia. For the safety of our program, only prospective families will be given the address.

Co-op Days: Tuesday and Thursday

VIII. General Enrollment Policies

Enrollment Requirements:

• Families must complete a tour before applying
• One application must be submitted per child
• All participating families must be legally registered with the state of Virginia as homeschoolers by August 15th
• Applications are reviewed and accepted at the discretion of the co-op

Virginia Homeschool Requirements (Code § 22.1-254.1):

To homeschool in Virginia, parents must:

• Notify the division superintendent annually by August 15th of the intent to homeschool
• Meet one of four parent qualification criteria:
  • Hold a high school diploma or higher
  • Be a teacher of prescribed qualifications
  • Provide a curriculum or program of study approved by the division superintendent
  • Provide evidence of ability to provide an adequate education
• Provide a description of the curriculum to be used
• Submit evidence of the child's academic progress (such as a standardized test score or evaluation) by August 1st of the following year

For more information, visit the Virginia Department of Education or review Virginia Code § 22.1-254.1.

Grade Levels:

Mustard Seed Co-op currently serves students in Kindergarten through 3rd grade.

Important Notice:

Mustard Seed Co-op is not a school. We are a homeschool cooperative where families come together to supplement their home education. Parents retain full responsibility for their children's education, and our co-op serves as an enrichment program to support your homeschool journey.

IX. Classes & Curriculum

Our curriculum blends Montessori and Charlotte Mason philosophies with a Christ-centered approach. Classes include:

• Science exploration and nature study
• Art and creative expression
• Geography and world cultures
• Writing practice using the Building Writers curriculum
• Phonics practice to enhance and support the phonics program you're doing at home
• Movement and outdoor play

Specific curriculum details and class schedules will be provided to enrolled families before the start of each school year.

X. Financial Policies

Tuition:

• Standard Tuition: $255/month for 9 months ($2,295/year)
• Parent Volunteer Rate: $190/month for parents who assist in the classroom 4 times a month (and more if a sub is needed)

Supply Fee:

An annual supply fee per child is due at registration to cover writing curriculum, science materials, art materials, and other classroom materials:

• Kindergarten: $160
• 1st, 2nd & 3rd Grade: $175

Payment Terms:

• Monthly tuition is due by the 10th of each month
• Late payments may incur a $25 late fee

XI. Code of Conduct

All students and families are expected to conduct themselves in a respectful manner that promotes a positive learning environment.

Students are expected to:

• Show respect for parents, volunteers, fellow students, and property
• Use kind words and gentle actions
• Care for classroom materials and property
• Show kindness to all living things
• Include others and be a good friend

Parents are expected to:

• Model respectful communication
• Address concerns privately and appropriately
• Maintain confidentiality regarding other families
• Contribute positively to our community

XII. Disciplinary Procedures

Our approach to discipline is gentle, restorative, and focused on teaching rather than punishment. We believe children are learning and growing, and mistakes are opportunities for growth.

Our approach includes:

1. Gentle redirection and reminders
2. One-on-one conversation to understand the situation
3. Parent notification for recurring or serious issues
4. Leaving for the day for unsafe behavior

In cases of serious or repeated behavioral issues, or unsafe behavior that affects the learning and safety of other students, co-op parents reserve the right to dismiss a student from the program. This decision will be made prayerfully and with the goal of protecting all students and maintaining a positive learning environment.

XIII. Snack & Lunch Breaks

Students should bring their own snacks and lunch from home. Please pack non-messy snacks and nutritious foods that your child can eat independently.

Food Guidelines:

• Please be mindful of common allergens in our community
• No sharing of food between students
• Send foods that do not require heating
• Include all necessary utensils and napkins

XIV. Drop Off & Pick Up

Prompt drop-off and pick-up helps our day run smoothly and respects everyone's time.

• Drop off: 9:30 AM
• Pick up: 1:15 PM
• Only authorized individuals may pick up students
• Notify us if you will be late

XV. Health & Safety

Illness Policy:

To protect the health of all children and families, please keep your child home if they are sick. Children may return to co-op when:

• Fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication
• Free from vomiting or diarrhea for 48 hours

Restroom Independence:

Children must be independent in the restroom. This means they can use the toilet, wipe, and wash their hands without adult assistance.

Background Checks:

All parent volunteers are required to pass a background check before participating in co-op activities.

First Aid & Emergency Preparedness:

First aid supplies and emergency contact information for all children will be with us at all times, including during outdoor activities.

Allergies:

Please be mindful of allergies within our co-op community. If a child in the group has a food allergy, families will be notified and asked not to pack that food in lunches or snacks.

Authorized Pick-Up:

All people picking up a child must be authorized by the parent. Please verbally inform parents if someone who is authorized will be picking up your child but is not the typical pick-up person. ID will be checked for new pick-up people, and their name on the ID must match the name on the authorization form.

Locked Door Policy:

Doors will remain locked during operating hours for the safety of all children. Children are instructed not to open doors for anyone. Only authorized adults may open doors to let individuals in.

XVI. Nature Exploration & Weather Policy

We value time outside and will go outside in most weather, so dressing accordingly is a must. Children stay active and connected to the outdoors through movement and hands-on learning in nature.

Please send your child with:

• Weather-appropriate clothing (layers in cold weather, sun protection in warm weather)
• Sturdy shoes suitable for outdoor play and exploration
• Rain gear when rain is expected (rain boots, rain jacket)
• Extra clothes in case of messy outdoor activities

Outdoor time will be cancelled if it is pouring rain, lightning, extreme temperatures, or other dangerous conditions.

For inclement weather closures, we follow Hanover County Public Schools within reason. Parents will be notified of any co-op cancellations.

XVII. Field Trips

Field trips are an exciting part of our co-op experience, providing hands-on learning opportunities outside the classroom. Field trips may be scheduled throughout the school year to complement our curriculum.

• Parents will be notified in advance of any scheduled field trips
• Parents are responsible for transportation to and from field trip locations
• Parents are expected to supervise their own children during field trips
• Any associated costs for field trips will be communicated ahead of time

XVIII. Parental Guidelines

Parents must adhere to and abide by the following guidelines:

1. Parents must be in agreement with the co-op's purpose and spiritual objectives, and abide by the co-op's rules and regulations, including agreement and adherence to Mustard Seed Co-op's Statement of Faith.
2. Parents agree to seek resolution through Biblical principles of reconciliation rather than litigation.
3. Parents must provide the co-op with a completed application form annually for each child applying for admission.
4. Parents must be in agreement with, and supportive of, the co-op's procedures for handling student guidance and discipline.
5. Parents must notify the co-op of any allergies their child has.
6. Parents agree to have their family's name and contact information shared with other co-op families for community purposes.
7. Parents must adhere to this Handbook and be subject to the provisions herein.
8. Parents agree to ensure their children follow the Code of Conduct outlined in this handbook.

XIX. Handbook Agreement

By enrolling in Mustard Seed Co-op, parents acknowledge that they have read, understand, and agree to abide by all policies outlined in this handbook. Parents agree to support the mission, vision, and values of our co-op community.