POLICIES AND PROCEDURES MANUAL
 
Revised - August 2026

OUR VISION AND MISSION --
A faith-based, parent-led, independent homeschool co-op serving Oakland County and the surrounding areas.
Hometeam is designed to enhance your homeschooling journey—not replace your homeschool curriculum. Our classes provide opportunities for students to learn, create, explore, and build friendships in a supportive community of homeschooling families.
As a parent-led co-op, we believe that homeschooling is more than academics. It’s about building community, developing friendships, discovering new interests, and creating meaningful learning experiences together.
​
OUR BELIEFS - 

• Faith Hometeam has agreed to adhere to our host facility's Statement of Faith.  It has been approved by all levels of leadership within Faith Hometeam, and is not meant to impose our beliefs on any person.  We offer this statement as an affirmation of our personal convictions and relationship with Jesus Christ.  Potential members can review the Statement of Faith to determine if Faith Hometeam will be a good fit for their family.  
  ​​
• About The Scriptures - We believe the entire Bible, including both the Old and the New Testaments, is the inspired Word of God and that men were moved by the Spirit of God to write the very words of Scripture. Therefore, we believe the Bible is without error. (2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:21)
  
  
• ​About God - We believe that there is one and only one, living and true God. He is the Maker and Supreme Ruler of Heaven and Earth. God has revealed Himself as a Trinity in unity: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. They are three Persons and yet one God. (Deuteronomy 6:4; Matthew 28:19; 1 Corinthians 8:6) ​
  
  
• About Jesus - Jesus Christ is the image of the invisible God. He is Himself very God. He took upon Himself our nature. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of a virgin, Mary. He died upon the cross as a substitute for the sin of the world. He arose from the dead in the body in which He was crucified. He ascended into heaven in that body glorified. He stands with us as our High Priest in heaven. He will come again personally and visibly to set up His Kingdom and to judge the living and the dead. (Colossians 1:15; Philippians 2:5-8; Hebrews 4:14-16; Revelation 11:15-17; 20:4-6, 11-15) ​

​

• About Salvation - Man was created in the image of God but fell into sin. In that sense, he is lost. This is true of all men. Salvation is by grace through faith in Christ who bore our sins in His own body on the cross. He gave His life in exchange for each of ours. By trying to outweigh our sin with good works, we reject the free gift of salvation. Trust in Christ’s perfect work is the only solution. (Romans 3:10, 23; John 3:3; 2 Corinthians 5:1; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10) ​​
  
  
• About The Church - The Church is a gathering of believers baptized by the Holy Spirit into one body. Its mission is to reach the world with the gospel of Christ, gather with the saints and grow in the Word. (Matthew 28: 19-20; Acts 2:41-47; 1 Corinthians 12:12-13; Ephesians 4) ​
  
  
• About The Family - We believe that marriage is a union between Man & Woman. It is understood for all members that scriptural marriage is between one man and one woman as God designed and ordered (Gen.2; 1Cor. 7, Deut 22:5). All other marriage definitions are outside Biblical boundaries.  All beings are born male or female and God created them as such and they should live as their God-given gender assignment.

CO-OPERATIVE POLICY --
Hometeam is a co-op that depends on every family doing their part to make it a success.  Active parent participation in the classroom is a requirement.  Please refrain from non-class related discussion while classes are in session.  If a family fails to notify the Coordinator and fails to show up for two Hometeam days, we maintain the right to remove them.  In this case, no refund will be granted..
 
HOMETEAM YEAR -
The fall semester usually begins about the 3rd week of September meeting 6 times.  The winter semester usually begins about the 3rd week of January meeting 8 times.  Hometeam meets EVERY OTHER  (bi-weekly) Thursday.
 
BACKGROUND CHECKS - 
ALL Adults 18+ are give a background check through the state police website.  
 
SNOW DAYS - 
If this happens in the fall, which is unlikely, there will be no make-up date.  If this happens in the winter semester, we will have one make-up date at the end of the semester.  The Coordinator will make the snow day call by 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, and 10:00 a.m. on Tuesdays.
 
CHURCH PROPERTY/CHURCH OFFICE -- 

• All CHURCH property is a smoke free campus - no vapes, tobacco/drugs at any time.
• The church office is not open for Hometeam.  We are self-sufficient and any matters should be brought to the Coordinator.

 
OTHER CHILDREN ATTENDING -
If extenuating circumstances arise and you need to bring a child that does not normally attend Hometeam, please contact the Hometeam Coordinator to discuss if arrangements can be made prior to the Hometeam date.
 
CELL PHONES -
All parent/student cell phones must be on silent during Hometeam hours. Pictures for yearbook purposes are allowed and encouraged.  Please, no texting during class times. Parents, if you MUST take a call, please leave the classroom. 

COMMUNICATION WITH STUDENTS - 
Parents are responsible for monitoring their own children’s communication through phones, computers, messaging apps, and other forms of electronic communication.

• All communication between Hometeam teachers/adult helpers and students must include the student’s parent or guardian. Teachers and adult helpers should not privately text, message, email, call, or otherwise communicate directly with a student without the parent being included or aware of the communication.
• Group chats, text messages, emails, or calls involving a Hometeam teacher/adult and students without their parents included/permission are prohibited.
• If a parent becomes aware of inappropriate, concerning, or unauthorized communication between a Hometeam adult and a student, they should notify the Hometeam Coordinator immediately so the matter can be addressed.  

Our goal is to maintain clear, appropriate, and transparent communication between adults, parents, and students while protecting both our students and our Hometeam volunteers and maintaining our family-like community.

​PRIVATE MATTERS -
Parents and adult helpers are expected to keep conversations during class focused on the class and its activities. Please refrain from discussing private or personal matters in the presence of students, whether speaking with another parent, teacher, or adult helper. Some topics and personal information are not age-appropriate for children, and students should not be exposed to adult conversations or private matters. Please save personal discussions for a private setting away from the students after Hometeam ends.
 
PARENTAL RESPONSIBILITIES - 
All co-op parents are always required to stay on the premises.  Parents who pay the drop-off fee may leave. We do not allow drop-off for preschool age or younger children.  All co-op parents must commit to teaching, co-teaching, or helping in some way during the semester.  (Example - plan field trips, teen nights, mom's nights, or a party, optional event)
 
TEACHERS AND PARENT HELPERS -- 

CLASSROOM CLEAN-UP & CARE - 
Each teacher is responsible for leaving their classroom clean, organized, and ready for the next group. We want to leave every space “Better than we found it!”

• If your class involves messy projects or activities, please protect floors, tables, and other surfaces with table covers, tarps, or other appropriate protection.
• Please end your class 5–10 minutes early so that all students can help clean up and return the classroom to its original condition.
• At the end of third hour, please remove all classroom garbage and place the tied garbage bag outside your classroom door.
• Students should participate in the clean-up process and help return supplies, furniture, and materials to their proper places.
• Please refer to the picture posted near the doors for the expected classroom setup before leaving.
• Remember, we are the janitorial staff! Keeping our rooms clean and orderly is a shared responsibility.

PARENT HELPERS - 
Parent Helpers play an important role in making Hometeam classes run smoothly. When you are assigned to help in a classroom, please be present, attentive, and ready to assist the teacher and all students.

• Always report to your assigned classroom at the beginning of each class. Do not assume the teacher does not need you simply because there are several helpers present. If you need to step away for a personal matter, please check in with the teacher first.
• If you see something that needs to be done, do it! Be proactive and look for ways to support the teacher and students.
• Help the teacher keep the classroom clean and organized. This includes wiping down tables, pushing in chairs, returning supplies, and helping with general cleanup at the end of the hour/day.
• Never allow a child to leave the classroom unsupervised. If a child needs to use the restroom, a Parent Helper should escort them to the restroom, remain nearby to monitor them, and escort them back to class.
• If you are helping in a class that includes your own child, you are responsible for helping all students—not just your own child.
• Assist the teacher with gathering supplies and materials from the supply cabinets when needed.
• At the end of third hour, empty any full classroom trash cans and replace them with a fresh bag from the supply closet. Full trash bags should be tied and placed outside the classroom door for pickup and disposal.
• Encourage students to participate in classroom cleanup and take responsibility for returning the room to its proper condition.
• Help maintain a respectful classroom environment. Encourage students to listen respectfully while the teacher or other students are speaking or contributing to the class.
• Please correct inappropriate or disruptive behavior. If a student needs to be moved closer to you to help them focus, follow through and keep them near you. If you have to correct the same student more than once, bring the student to Miss Lora for further direction.
• Parent Helpers should not bring computers, iPads, or phones into the classroom for personal work. Your role is to be the teacher’s aide, so please remain available and attentive rather than waiting for the teacher to ask for help. ***If you are not actively participating as a Parent Helper, you may be assessed the full Drop-Off fee for each hour.
• Nursery & Toddler Helpers: For the safety and comfort of our youngest children, nursery and toddler classrooms will be staffed by female teachers and helpers only. Male volunteers and helpers will not be assigned to nursery or toddler care.
• Socializing should take place outside of class. If we expect our children to focus on the teacher, we must lead by example. Please do not carry on private conversations in the classroom while the teacher is speaking to the children.

Thank you for being an engaged, dependable, and supportive Parent Helper! Your willingness to serve makes a tremendous difference in creating a positive environment for our teachers and students. 

FLOATERS -- 
If you are assigned as a floater for a hour— PLEASE report to the Coordinator.  The Coordinator will delegate duties and responsibilities to the flaoter for that hour.  Floaters may be asked to cover a class as a parent helper, make copies and deliver them to a teacher, gather supplies, etc.  If your nametag has a class in brackets next to the word floater, please check on that class before coming to the parent area.
 
POSTING/ADVERTISING POLICY -
As a courtesy of our host church, we will only advertise Church events from our sponsoring church excluding sport/prom/graduation opportunities.  We will post area events (outside of hometeam classes) one (1)  time -  not repeatedly.

FIELD TRIPS & EVENTS - 
Hometeam field trips and special events are offered exclusively to families who are current members of our group for the semester. These opportunities are designed to build community among our participating families and are not intended to be shared outside of the Hometeam community.Please do not share, forward, post, or invite individuals outside of our current Hometeam group to attend field trips or events without first receiving permission from the Coordinator.
This policy is in place for several important reasons:

• Insurance: Individuals who are not current members of Hometeam may not be covered under our group’s insurance.
• Community: Field trips and events are offered as a benefit of being part of the Hometeam community and are intended to strengthen relationships among current families.
• Membership: Families who have not paid the current semester’s membership fees are not considered current members of our community.
• Registration & Fees: Allowing non-members to attend can create difficulties with collecting fees, managing reservations, and tracking attendance. Non-members may also be less familiar with our policies and expectations.  They often no call/no show.
• Current Members Have Priority: Our current semester families should receive first choice and priority access to all field trips and special events.If your family is not attending Hometeam this semester but plans to return next semester, please contact the Coordinator before signing up for any field trip or event. We will do our best to accommodate returning families when space allows, while ensuring that current semester members receive priority.

 
ABSENCES - 
If a co-op parent cannot attend Hometeam for any reason, the children must be kept home as well. Do not send your children, regardless of their ages, with another Hometeam family. You may send them with another adult who will replace you in your classes (Grandma, Parent, Aunt, Uncle).  We occasionally make exceptions to this rule, so please contact Lora Saul for any absences, substitutions etc.
 
ILLNESS – 
Please, if you or your children are ill, do NOT come to Hometeam.  We know that this can be a difficult decision to keep the whole family at home when only one child is sick, but please be respectful of the other families in attendance.  Please ensure that your child has been fever free/vomit free for 24 hours and does not have any other active signs of illness.  Anyone entering with a fever of 100.4 or higher will be sent home immediately.  Please contact Lora Saul if you have any questions on this policy.
 
TEACHERS ABSENCES -- 
You are responsible for making the necessary preparations for someone to take over your class in the case you are absent.  Please call your co-teacher/parent helpers to plan arrangements for your absence.  Please let the Hometeam Coordinator know what arrangements you have made for your class.  It is highly suggested to have a lesson planned for an absence ahead of time so it is an easy transition. 

• Teachers who have an unruly child and are forced to remove them from the class for more than one week can refuse re-entry to that student please see below in the Student Behavior and Re-Entry section below.

  
DRESS CODE - 
A person’s appearance directly affects his/her sense of well-being, self-confidence and ability to learn.  Therefore, appearance in general should be neat and well groomed.  The following types or styles are considered inappropriate for girls/boys and are not allowed at Hometeam.  If found out of the dress code, you will be asked to go home and change clothing or wear your coat, or a borrowed item that covers you appropriately.

• NO spaghetti straps, crop tops (bare midriff) tank tops, (Sleeveless shirts are acceptable) – exception would be a dance/gym class that requires such clothing (bring a change of clothes for these classes).
• NO see-through clothing without tank top or something covering.
• No low cut revealing shirts that show cleavage or breasts.
• ALL shorts/skirts must be mid-thigh or longer (Bermuda length). 
• NO clothes with indecent pictures or writing (cursing) or inappropriate music bands.
• NO pajamas, pajama pants, or other sleepwear. (Unless it is a spirit day)
• Bottoms MUST be covered when wearing leggings and yoga pants/ yoga type shorts and tight pants.
• Tattoos that violate other policies/procedures listed here should be covered. (for example but not exclusively -  nudity, curse words, drugs and alcohol.)

 
REFUNDS/PAYMENTS - 
All Hometeam fees are due at the time of semester registration. If you need to make payment arrangements, please contact the Hometeam Coordinator before registering to discuss available options.
Any outstanding balance must be paid in full before registering for the following semester. Families with an unpaid balance may be considered ineligible to register until the balance has been resolved.
Refund Policy

• No refunds will be issued after the first week of Hometeam.
• Class changes may be requested within 7 days following our first meeting.
• When a class change is approved, fees will be adjusted as appropriate, minus the cost of supplies already purchased by the teacher.
• If a teacher has already purchased supplies or materials for a student, those costs are non-refundable.
• All refunds are subject to supply costs. If supplies have already been purchased, that portion of the fee cannot be refunded.
• No refunds will be issued if Hometeam is required to shut down due to government orders or mandates.
• Students who are a no-call/no-show for two consecutive weeks may be removed from the roster. No refunds will be issued in this situation.

LATE REGISTRATIONS - 
Once the semester has begun, registration is only available under specific circumstances. If Hometeam is already in its second class or later, families will need to wait until the following semester to join.

If a late registration is accepted:

• All classes must be approved by the individual teachers before the student may attend.
• Enrollment is dependent upon available space in each class.
• Late registrations are non-refundable.
• Teachers may decline to accept a student into a class if they feel the student cannot reasonably join after the semester has begun.

These policies help us accurately plan for teachers, supplies, class sizes, and the needs of our Hometeam families.

BEHAVIORAL CODE OF CONDUCT - 
Our goal is to provide a place for learning, enrichment, and fellowship away from worldly influences.  We believe that Hometeam should be a place where children can learn not to settle for mediocrity, but to make a difference in this world.  The following is a list of expectations of all children attending Hometeam.  Please go over these expectations with your children.
While attending Hometeam I will:

• Always wear my nametag in a visible place on my SHIRT - this is also for security purposes.
• Follow the dress code, as outlined in the Hometeam policy and procedure manual linked at the top of the form.
• Show respect for teachers and assistants by not only listening with ears, but also with eyes.  
• Show respect for fellow students.
• Come to class on time and prepared with the supplies needed for the class.
• Leave electronic equipment at home or in my backpack and turned to silent during Hometeam. NO HEADPHONES.
• I will be always in my designated areas as it says on my nametag.
• I will not leave my classroom without permission and a parent helper accompanying me. 
• I will not wander between classes or go outside unless with adult supervision and permision.
• I will not discuss inappropriate/controversial topic matter such as (sex, sexuality, gender identity, abortion, religious denominations, occult/magic, drugs, etc.) during Hometeam, unless previously discussed with the Coordinator and relevant to topic matter of class. 

​The following items are not allowed during hometeam hours and could be considered MINOR or MAJOR at the discrection of the Hometeam Coordinator -

• Playing/singing inappropriate/violent, explicit music (NO EARBUDS)

• Improper social contact
• Fighting/Horseplay
• Inappropriate social networking content , discussion or sharing of materials
• Bullying, cyber-bullying, vandalism of personal property
• Challenging authority of a teacher or parent-helper
• Being in an off-limits area.
• Profanity, inappropriate language/racial slurs
• Possession of a weapon
• Inappropriate social networking or sharing of pornography
• Pornography
• Defacing of any property of the host facility or of another students property
• Stealing
• Possession or use of any form of vaping, tobacco, alcohol or drugs of any kind.
• Reckless driving/speeding, etc.
• No discussion of sexual preferences, sexual activity, or sexual/romantic identity topics.

​
 Consequences for violating the Behavioral Code - 

• Any child that is not cooperating and causing a problem will be moved to the back of the classroom with a parent helper.
• If the behavior continues, the parent helper should notify the Coordinator who will then find the child’s parent.
• If disruptive behavior becomes a continuing problem with any child, they will not be permitted to return to Hometeam.
• Minor offenses are classified as those behaviors that are disruptive but not a detriment to our program.
• Minor offenses will be handled as - 1st time, warning and must be next to a parent-helper , 2nd time - removed from class taken to Miss Lora and she will make contact with parents, 3rd time - a week suspension from our program, the family may attend but student may need to remain home.
• Major Offenses will be handled on a case by case basis and reviewed by the leadership team, but any action that could threaten the use of a facility, or detrimental safety to another family could result in immediate dismissal of that child from Faith Hometeam.
  
  

STUDENT BEHAVIOR & CLASS RE-ENTRY - 
Teachers have the authority to remove a student from their class when a student’s behavior is repeatedly disruptive, unsafe, or prevents the teacher from effectively teaching the class. If a student has been removed from a class for more than one week due to ongoing behavior concerns, the teacher may determine that the student is not able to re-enter the class for the remainder of the semester. The Coordinator will be informed of the decision and this will be discussed with the parents.
A student who is unable to return to a class will be placed in Study Hall during that class period. The student will:

• Bring a quiet, independent activity or schoolwork to complete.
• Remain in the designated Study Hall spot area near the Coordinator’s desk.
• Follow all Study Hall expectations and directions from the Coordinator.
• Not wander the facility or visit other classrooms.
• Not disrupt or interfere with a parent who is teaching or assisting in another class.

Our goal is to provide a positive and productive environment for all students, teachers, and families. Teachers should be able to teach without ongoing disruption, and students should have an environment where they can learn successfully.

CONTROVERSIAL ISSUES/DISPUTABLE MATTERS POLICY - 
We are a parent-led, volunteer, independent co-op with the goal of being a blessing to all families involved in Hometeam.  Therefore, we cannot allow controversial issues or disputable matters to be a hindrance to our purpose.  Please be very cautious and sensitive in subjects of discussion that you think might be of this nature.  Also, if you are in a classroom where you feel a discussion is of this nature or heading in a negative direction, please speak up and remind everyone of this policy.  This includes but is not limited to the following: denominational differences, political views, sex, sexuality, magic/occult, cultural issues, and other matters of contention. Any topics or viewpoints of a sensitive nature that should be discussed between parent/child such as (sex, sexuality, abortion, etc.) are not to be a topic of conversation in the classroom, except in the event that it is previously discussed with the Coordinator/Parents and are relevant to the class.
 
GUIDELINES FOR HANDLING CONCERNS OR CONFLICTS WITH FELLOW PARENTS OR CHILDREN - 
Hometeam follows the Biblical procedure outlined in Matthew 18:15-17, as our guidelines in dealing with all situations of conflict or concerns.
“If another sins against you, go and point out the fault when the two of you are alone.  If they listen to you, you have regained that one.
But if you are not listened to, take one or two others along with you, so that every work may be confirmed by the evidence of two or three witnesses.
If they refuse to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if the offender refuses to listen even to the church, let such a one be to you as a heathen.”
Please use these guidelines when handling a situation between parents and with the children.  Everyone has the right to know if they or their children have caused a concern or offended someone in some way.  They should not have to learn about the offense by being told by others.  Please do not discuss the situation with other parents unless you have first spoken directly to the person.

 If you have questions about this policy or how to implement it, our Hometeam Coordinator will be happy to counsel you.