FAQ'S

Just What Is HEP?
The initials HEP stand for "Homeschool Enrichment Program."  Enrichment is exactly what we offer through the teaching co-op.  Students have the opportunity to interact with other homeschooled children while taking courses as varied as science, art, and music.  Parents can forge new friendships, receiving and offering encouragement and support to one another, as well as have the chance to teach just about any class they desire.

What Classes Will Be Offered?
The classes vary from one semester to another, depending on what parents choose to teach.  In the past we have offered Texas History, Art, Shakespeare, Public Speaking, Science and more.

How Are the Children Grouped?
We group the children by age, both in an effort to provide smaller classes (no more than 12 students, ideally) and also so the teacher can more easily find age-appropriate material to teach.  Children are divided into the following age ranges:  Babies (not walking yet), Toddlers (1-2), Preschoolers (3-4), ages 4-6, ages 6-8, ages 8-10, ages 10-13, and 13 and up.  We intentionally provide some overlap of ages so that parents can direct their children into the group that best matches their abilities.  Many 6 year olds are not reading yet and would do better in the 4-6 group while others are more academically inclined and would do better in the 6-8 year old group.

I Have No Idea of What to Teach!  Help!
You can look over our list of classes that have been taught in the past to get some idea of the scope of classes or the list of classes that other parents have requested.  We also have numerous unit studies and idea books available at our HEP library.  Many parents also look through a catalog such as the one from Rainbow Resource for ideas or find a book from a teacher store to use. 

How Is the Co-op Structured?
Currently, we are operating on a three-period schedule.  Each child can choose three different classes to take.  One parent from each family is required to teach one class and assist with another class.  The other period for the parent is a free period, although we do ask parents to remain on campus during their off period.  We also have a short recess time during which children may participate in PE activities, play on the playground, and have a snack.

How Many Families Are Involved?
God has blessed this ministry with continued growth.  When co-op began in the fall of 2001, we started with 14 families.  For the spring semester of 2003, there were over 40 families enrolled.

I Have a Baby or Preschooler.  How Can I Teach a Class?
A part of the membership fee is earmarked to pay for childcare workers.  While you and your school-aged children attend classes, your little ones can meet friends their own age.  In addition to the paid workers, we also assign parents to rotate into the childcare classes to assist.

I Am Still Nursing My Baby.  Do I Have to Teach a Class?
Nursing mothers have the option to assist for all three periods in lieu of teaching.  You will be assigned to the Nursery during the time that you normally nurse.  The Board will assign you to assist in other classes during the other two periods.

I Noticed That HEP Is Held at a Baptist Church.  Do I Have to be Baptist to Participate?
We welcome all homeschooling families to join our co-op.  However, we do require parents to sign a pledge stating that they will not teach anything contrary to the Belief Statement of Hays Hills Baptist Church.  We require that you respect the beliefs of our host church by not teaching potentially controversial topics, such as evolution.

How Much Does It Cost?
Our mission is to provide an affordable program.  Each family pays a membership fee and a small supply fee per child.  Some classes may require an additional fee for special materials.  Co-op Fees.

Do You Ever Have Special Events or Parties for the Children?
In the past, we have held parties for Christmas, Valentine's Day, and Easter.  The end of each semester is celebrated with an event called "Family Night."  Each class is encouraged to display or perform something from the semester.  Classes have presented a puppet show as well as dramatic and musical performances.  We have also had professional photographers do student or family portraits each year.  Every semester we provide an opportunity for co-op families to do an outreach project together.  There have been occasional field trips planned by an aspiring parent willing to include the entire group!

How Much Time Does Co-op Take?
Co-op meets for about 3 ½ hours on Friday mornings during the school year.  Each semester lasts 10 weeks, with breaks for holidays, including Good Friday and Hays CISD's Spring Break.  Of course, it will take some time outside of co-op to prepare for your class depending on what you choose to teach.  Typically, the homework for the students is very light.  However, all course descriptions should list any planned projects and approximate weekly homework time, thus giving the students and parents an idea of which class will best suit their needs.

How Can I Fit Co-op into My Schedule?
Many families choose to convert their schedules to a 4-day week, leaving Fridays open for co-op or field trips.  Other families use Friday afternoon to do some school, but not as much as Monday through Thursday.  Another option is to school year-round, which provides more flexibility in your scheduling during the public school year.  Fortunately for us, in Texas there are no legal requirements as to number of school days or length of school days.

Who Sponsors HEP?
HEP is a ministry of Hays Hills Baptist Church.  The church graciously provides their facilities and use of some office equipment, such as the copier.  The HEP Board of Directors determines all policies and coordinates the program.  Currently, the Board is comprised of homeschooling moms who volunteer their service on behalf of HEP.  The Minister of Education and Administration at HHBC oversees the Board and supervises the operation of the program.