The Baltimore Unschooling Cooperative is built on family participation!  And as the name implies, our co-op is a community created in the spirit of mutual support.  

Bring a Co-op Friend!

We are not a drop-off co-op.  If a student is on-site, a parent or another adult responsible for them must also be on site.   You are welcome to “bring a co-op friend”, meaning that at any time, if your family and another co-op family chooses to do so, the parent/adult from one family can be the adult responsible for the children from both families while at co-op. Both families must be registered, have paid tuition, and have completed all required paperwork.

Expectations for ALL adults at co-op:    

• Contribute to the safety of our members – You are responsible for ensuring the safety of your own children. In addition, please use common sense in safety matters. For example, if you see a student throwing rocks at others, please intervene.  Perhaps ask the student to throw in a different direction or otherwise redirect the activity so that all involved are safe.  We understand every family approaches parenting (and dangerous play) differently but if you witness a student engaging in a dangerous activity, use your best judgment and err on the side of caution until their parent can be found/informed. And if you don’t know what to do, ask for help!
• Facilitate a rich learning environment – The unschooling philosophy does not equal indifference/inaction on the part of the parent. We encourage adults to participate when requested to by our students. For example, when the students put on a show and ask adults to attend, please do.  If a child asks you to visit their fort, please enthusiastically visit! Additionally, we are all good at something and by offering to help and teach others, we create a diverse learning environment for all to share.
• Assist in keeping the outdoor spaces where we meet as clean as how we found them (if not cleaner!) – Every member (both students and adults) is responsible for keeping our outdoor spaces clean.  If you or your child(ren) get into an activity, it is your/your child(ren)’s responsibility to clean up and put things away properly.  This includes carrying away all trash that your family produces while at co-op. Even better, pick up trash that your family did not generate! Members will also be expected to follow all park rules.