Welcome to LifeChange Homeschool Group
LifeChange has a homeschool group? Yes, we do! We are a group of regularly attending LifeChange families who homeschool all, some or one of our children. Our humble beginnings started in fall of 2021 when several families started gathering monthly for some social time and enrichment classes.
Today we have expanded into multiple groups under the umbrella of LifeChange Homeschool Group. Every homeschool family has different needs and homeschools in different styles so of course we have different options. Currently, our groups are LifeChange Homeschool Co-op, Adventures & Excursions, and Special Events. Our groups are all parent led and parent planned so our groups and classes are limited to what the families involved can help with. If you see a need you can fill in this homeschool community or you have additional questions about anything homeschool related please reach out.
Our contact information:
LifeChangeHomeschoolGroup@gmail.com.
LifeChange Homeschool Co-op
Currently we offer classes for students who are kindergarten age and above. During our fall 2024 semester we will offer the classes and opportunities below. This schedule is subject to change depending on participation and teacher/parent availability.
Session One
Chapel
Worship, Sing Hymns with a Hymn study
Devotions
Session Two
Science Classes
Science 2nd to 8th grade
Our topic will be the human body, with the goal of hands on activities with optional worksheets or other additional learning at home.
Science K to 2nd Moms to lead this group with science as the goal but having time for reading, worksheets, show and tell, or other activities.
Nursery, 0 to PK 5, Moms will watch the younger ones in the infant nursery following worship. Unstructured play time, reading or activities for the older ones if desired.
Session Three
Monthly
Service project, packing Hand2Hand breakfast and lunch packs and decorating birthday bags for the Hand2Hand kids.
History Reading Club for K-8th grade (Nursery 0-PK5)
Our classes and opportunities are offered a-la-cart. However, if you participate in any classes we ask that your family attends class regularly and a parent volunteers to help with the co-op in some way. Some will be teachers, helpers, field trip planners and so much more. If you have any questions please reach out to Kimberly our Co-op Coordinator at LifeChangeHomeschoolGroup@gmail.com.
Adventures & Excursions
Field trips are so much fun with friends and even better with a group rate. When a parent plans a field trip we extend the invitation to our fellow LifeChange homeschool families who are on the email list for Adventures & Excursions. Registration is free and participation is always optional for every event. Outings range all over. Some are free, some have fees. Some have age limits or ranges but we try to keep our outing available to most all age groups that will accommodate families.
Some of the places we have visited in the last 3 years are:
Charlton Park
Frederik Meijer Gardens - (Spring -Butterflies)
Holland Energy Park
Outdoor Discovery Center
Post Family Farms (fall)
Park playdates
VanRaalte Farm Park - Civil War Muster (September)
Occasionally we also pass along other homeschool community events that have been advertised or come to us in our other homeschool networks. Like our field trips these are optional and passed along for information.
If you would like to be placed on the Adventures and Excursion email list please send a message to LifeChangeHomeschoolGroup@gmail.com with your name and homeschool children’s names and ages.
Special Events
Sometimes LifeChange Homeschool Group hosts events that exist beyond the Co-op or Adventures & Excursions groups. Here are a few that we have done in the past and a sneak peek at some of what is to come for our 2024/2025 school year.
Moms’ Night Out
Moms sometimes need to gather without our beloved children with other homeschool mothers. This is a very informal event in a private home, topics vary.
Family Potlucks
Occasionally, we will gather as homeschool families just to connect and include the whole family.
Homeschool Information Night
Are you considering homeschooling your child or children? Are you curious what that might look like for your family or if it’s right for your family? Join us for a time of questions and answers. Fellow homeschool parents will be on hand to share their experiences, and share some of the curriculum that they may have used. The options are overwhelming but we are here to help you.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is open enrollment?
Enrollment for fall semester opens May 15 closes on August 1.
Enrollment for winter semester closes on December 31.
Do I need to re-register every semester?
No, once you register in the fall we plan on you attending all school year unless you make other arrangements. We simply open enrollment for others to join in.
Do I need to be a member of LifeChange to attend the co-op?
You need to be regularly attending Sunday service with your children.
What is the cost of the co-op?
The co-op currently does not charge any registration fees but we do ask that any family who participates in classes volunteer their time to help teach classes or with the organization structure. When we do have fees it will be to purchase curriculum that you will use in class and at home, general supplies that we will share the cost of and then become the property of the co-op such as art supplies, paper, and pencils, the cost of a class that you teach, or the tickets you purchase for a field trip for your family. LifeChange has graciously allowed us to use the building and supports us as a ministry but we do not have a budget from the church.
What is your sickness policy?
We follow the LifeChange sickness policy.
Do I drop my kids off and get a free morning?
No, we are a cooperative (co-op). We work together without a current budget to create classes, field trips and special opportunities for the group. A parent or family adult is required to attend with each family.
I have to work, may I drop my kids off and come back to get them?
No, an adult is required to be in the classroom with your child at all times. For occasional events or special circumstances, you may send a family member in your place or ask another co-op parent but please refrain from asking a parent who will be teaching that morning. Their job is to teach, not also take care of your child(ren) who might be younger than the class they are teaching.
I have children in different classes, how can I be in multiple classes at the same time?
We require that one adult per family be on the church campus participating with the co-op when your students are present.
What ages may participate in the co-op?
When your oldest homeschool student who has completed preschool and of kindergarten age, not just working on kindergarten curriculum your family may then participate with the LifeChange Homeschool co-op. Younger siblings are then welcome to join in as well.
Who may participate in the Adventures and Excursions (field trips) group?
Any family who is currently a LifeChange regular attender who is homeschooling their children Preschool and above. Families do not need to attend classes at the co-op to be on our field trip list.
I have a great idea for a field trip, may I plan it for the group?
Yes! Please reach out to our co-op coordinator at LifeChangeHomeschoolGroup@gmail.com to discuss options and details so we can coordinate it with the LifeChange Homeschool Group calendar
How much homework will students have from the co-op?
That will depend on which class it is and how much you decide to do outside of class. History Reading Club is mostly outside of class. Science classes will vary. Sewing class may have work between classes.
What is your schedule at LifeChange co-op?
We gather three sessions or class times. Depending on the week we may stay and socialize after class, like one does after church on Sunday mornings. Occasionally, we will gather for lunch together or extend our time together with a field trip or another pre-planned activity.
Thanks for stopping by to check us out!