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FAQs



Q:

What is Living Water Home Educators (LWHE)?

A:

Living Water Home Educators (LWHE, LW) is a non-profit, volunteer run support group. Our support group provides many services and activities to our members. One of which is Living Water Enrichment Co-op. (LWE) In order to attend/participate in this co-op you must be a member of LW. These members work together to try to make the co-op run as smoothly as possible. Although, since we are all homeschool parents who wear many hats, it may not always run as smoothly as we like. We are always looking for more ideas and help from our members!

Q:

I understand that LWHE is a Christian homeschool support group. Does that mean that I cannot become a member unless I am Christian?

A:

No. Even though LWHE is a Christian homeschool support group we do accept members who are not Christian. We do require, however, that you read, understand, and respect the LWHE Leadership Faith and Mission Statements (located at the bottom of this page).

Q:

What are the benefits of becoming a member of LWHE?

A:

The benefits of membership include:

  • Participation in events and activities organized by LWHE. These events may include fellowship activities, group field trips, and holiday parties (eg. Thanksgiving, Christmas, Valentine's Day)
  • Participation in seminars, workshops, and retreats (eg. annual Mom's Retreat)  designed exclusively for members. 
  • Participation in Living Water Enrichment (LWE) classes and co-ops which are provided from September through May each year.
  • Participation in the LWHE Theatre Company.
  • Participation in the member discussion forum.
  • Participation in the Members Business Directory. The Members Business Directory allows for the free advertising of skills or services of members, to all visitors to the LWHE website
  • Access to private, member only, features and links on the website. (eg. photo gallery, directory, event sign up)
  •  Membership card which entitles you to local business discounts, where teacher discounts are given.
  • HSLDA membership discount.
  • Help or assistance as needed (eg. meal ministry, prayer requests, etc.)

Q:

If I become a member of LWHE must I volunteer in some capacity?

A:

Although it is not a requirement, LWHE strongly encourages all members to volunteer in some capacity during the course of the year. With a group of 150+ families, we need help to provide the resources and support to our membership. At the bottom of the LWHE Membership Form you can indicate the areas in which you would like to volunteer (eg. field trip organizer, administrative help, teaching, helping to organize parties, etc.).

Q:

Can I become a member of LWHE even though my children haven't reached school-age yet?

A:

In order for families to join, your oldest child must be at least 5 years old and doing a kindergarten curriculum at home. 

 

Q:

How much does it cost to be a member of LWHE?

A:

The current annual membership cost is $35 per year regardless of what point during the year you join. The Living Water calendar year runs from July 1st - June 30th. This membership fee does not include registration for LWE classes and it is non-refundable.

Q:

How are membership dues used by LWHE?

A:

LWHE uses the money it collects from annual membership dues to pay for:

  • Classroom and office supplies
  • Website hosting, service, and registration fees
  • Supplies for LWHE activities and events
  • Rental space for various LWHE events
  • Insurance

Q:

What is Living Water Enrichment (LWE)?

A:

LWE is cooperative and group learning experience for children (infants through high school) of LWHE members. Living Water Enrichment is NOT a substitute for the daily home education of your child and it is NOT a school. LWHE will not provide transcripts or any other documentation for your child's participation in LWHE. Parents are responsible for keeping records of their child's participation and coursework.

Q:

Where is LWE held?

A:

LWE is held at Shawnee Baptist Church located at 303 Oakshade Rd, Shamong, NJ 08088. You may visit the church website at www.shawneechurch.org.

 

Q:

Can anyone register for LWE?

A:

No. Only members of LWHE may register for LWE.

Q:

Is there a cost associated with LWE?

A:

Yes. Every family that registers for classes is required to pay a registration fee per semester. The registration fee covers a portion of the Building Usage Fee (the cost associated with renting a facility each semester in which to conduct the classes). The rate may change semester to semester, so visit our LWE page for current LWE registration fee information.
 
Additionally, some classes may require a nominal fee for supplies. Families are notified of these fees prior to registration. 
 
Sometimes classes may have an outside instructor who is paid to teach the class. In those cases, the instructor sets the fees for participation in his/her class. Families are notified of these fees prior to registration.

Q:

How do I register my children for LWE?

A:

Class registration is only available to LWHE members. Once you become a member and you have received your log in details for the Members Only Area of the website, you may register for classes by clicking on the "LWE Class Registration" link.

Q:

I babysit during our homeschool day. May I register and bring my charge to LWE? 

A:

Only children currently enrolled in co op classes can be brought to co op. The only exception would be family members who may be off public/private school for the day.  If this will occur please let the leaders know ahead of time. We cannot allow children you are “babysitting” (or making an income from) to regularly attend or register for LWE.

 

Q:

If my oldest is only 5 years old may I join LWE classes? 

A:

Kindergarten Transitions (KT) is designed for 4 & 5 year olds who have older siblings taking LWE classes. We need to make sure we have room for those younger siblings, but we may offer places in this class for those without older siblings. Contact the Leadership Team to see if space is available. 

 

Q:

When are the LWE classes held?

A:

LWE is available two semesters each year. The first semester runs from September through December. The second semester runs January through May. Classes are held on Mondays. Class times begin at 9:00am and end at 3:00 pm.

Q:

What types of classes are offered?

A:

Classes vary from semester to semester. For the most current class schedule visit the LWE page and click on the Class Schedule. For a detailed description of the classes, click on the Class Descriptions link.

Q:

Who teaches the classes?

A:

Our members do! LWE is a tremendous volunteer effort that utilizes the skill of our members. On occasion, LWE does bring in an outside paid instructor to teach specialized classes.

Q:

Is it possible that LWE teachers could be non-Christians?

A:

It is possible. However, any member that has volunteered to teach, or any outside paid instructor, must abide by and respect the LWHE Leadership Faith Statement and not teach anything that is contradictory to it.

Q:

I would love to teach a class! Who do I contact?

A:

Terrific! Contact the appropriate LWE coordinators below:

Nursery (0-23 months), Toddler Time aka TT (24 mos-3yrs), Kindergarten Transitions aka KT (4-5)

Upper / Lower Elementary (6-10)

Middle School (ages 11-14)

High School (ages 14+) 

Q:

I have never taught a class before but I'd like to start. How should I do this?

A:

If you have an idea for a class, you may use the Class Proposal link under the LWE tab. The LWE coordinators will review your submission and get back to you. If you've never taught before, LWE coordinators can assist you in preparing for teach your class.  

Q:

What curriculum or lesson plans do I use to teach at LWE? 

A:

LWE has curriculum you may use. However, some teachers decide to use their own curriculum or lesson plans. Submit your class proposals by cliking on the Class Proposal under the LWE tab. A LWE coordinator will get in touch with you. 

Q:

Am I required to teach if I register my children for LWE?

A:

We would LOVE for you to teach a class but it is not a requirement in order to register your child(ren) for LWE. However, volunteering in some capacity during the course of the LWE day IS required. During registration you will be asked to sign up for at least two volunteer positions (eg. hall monitor from 10:00am - 11:00am or setup/breakdown, etc.).

 

 

Q:

Does LWE have any expectations of me as the parent and of my children as students?

A:

All parents are expected to make some contribution to the overall effort by serving  for a short period of time.  Students are expected to respect the rules of the church and the co-op and to do the assignments they are given in their classes.

Q:

Can I drop my children off at LWE then pick them back up later?

A:

Parents with children in middle school and under must remain in the building the entire time their children are in LWE. You may, however, choose to ask a friend to be your child's guardian if you need to step out for a short time.

Parents of high school students: If your child is taking one or two classes, your must remain in the building with your child. If your child is taking three or more classes you may drop them off at LWE. 

 

 

Q:

I want to help in my child's class but my baby, toddler, or preschooler won't let me leave him/her. May I let him/her tag along?

A:

 This question has come up many times and it is getting more difficult to allow it so freely. As leaders of such a large group we have to consider all involved not just one or two families.  The purpose of staffing a nursery and 2 toddler rooms is to have a safe, welcoming environment for our youngest LWE children.  If we allow infants in classrooms with their parents it defeats the purpose of the mom being a helper in the class and can be a disruption to the class.  Our preference is that all children stay in their designated age appropriate rooms.  If parents have issues with leaving their children they can volunteer in the room of their youngest child if necessary.

Parents with "tag along" children younger than 12 mos. old may volunteer in the nursery or in the hallway, not in a classroom setting. Please remember that you are obligated to assist LWE in these areas, not to care solely for your child or use it as a social hour. Please review our volunteer definitions and stay at the designated post to best serve your fellow homeschoolers.

 Parents with a child older than 12 mos. may request a volunteer spot in that child's classroom (including TT and KT).

Please keep in mind all requests may not be granted. Requests are handled on first come first served basis as registration forms come in.

Q:

I'd like for my children to interact with other homeschool children. What types of activities does LWHE offer for this purpose?

A:

There is an abundance of opportunities for members to interact with other member families including (but not limited to):

  • Living Water Enrichment (LWE) 
  • Field trips
  • Park days
  • Beach days
  • Various holiday parties (eg. Thanksgiving, Christmas, Valentine's Day)
  • Community service activities such as Adopt-A-Road
  • Special outings (eg. Bonfire parties, end-of-year picnics, etc.)
  • Youth social clubs (eg. H2O & Tsunami)

Additionally, having an opportunity to meet other member families through the above activities provides even more opportunities for private group playdates and activities!

Q:

Are there additional opportunities for interacting with other homeschool children beyond what LWHE provides?

A:

Yes! LWHE tries to provide as much information regarding "outside interests" as much as possible for the benefit of our members and the local homeschool community at large. You may find info about these events posted on our website as they become available to us. 

Examples of some "outside interests" may include (but are not limited to):

  • Homeschool sport leagues
  • Outside classes (eg. music, art, dance, riding, etc.)
  • Community wide field trips
  • Field days
  • Homeschool Proms
  • Homeschool Masquerade Ball

Q:

Does LWHE endorse every event and activity posted on their website?

A:

Not necessarily. That's why we've adopted our Activities Disclaimer:
 
"Please be advised that any activities that are advertised in the Living Water Weekly eNews or website may not necessarily be activities that conform to Living Water's Leadership Faith Statement. Members should not make any assumptions about the teachings or content that may be provided at these activities and should exercise due diligence before deciding to participate. These include activities that are considered as "outside interest" as well as those activities (including field trips) that are organized exclusively for Living Water members."

Q:

Is there a cost associated with participating in events and activities?

A:

There could be depending on the event. Some field trips are free while others may require admission costs. Public gatherings such as Park Days, Board Games Day, etc. are typically free.

Q:

How can I stay current with events and activities that are offered throughout the year?

A:

There are a number of ways to stay current:

  • Check the LWHE home page daily
  • Check the LWHE Events Calendar
  • Subscribe to the our online Discussion Forums on our website.

Q:

Are there ways to stay connected with LWHE families outside of the forum or activities? 

A:

Yes. Find us on Facebook and Twitter. A link to these may be found on our website.

So go ahead and Friend us or give us a Tweet!

Q:

What is the refund policy?

A:

The refund policy is as follows:

Membership: LWHE does not offer a refund for the annual membership fee. 

LWE: Refunds will only be provided within the first two weeks of enrichment classes. Class fees may not be returned as instructors may have already purchased materials for the class.