Equity & Accessibility 

We will embody an equitable community, which is one where everyone is included in the full benefit of society. In such a community, everyone is treated with fairness and justice and empowered to participate fully in social, cultural, and economic life. 

We will seek out and strive to obtain resources for meeting people where they are physically, emotionally, educationally, culturally, and financially, through collaboration with individuals, the local community, and beyond.

Inclusivity

We will foster an inclusive culture where all bodies experience freedom and safety to be the most authentic version of themselves. We support each other – not by shying away from others or our own uniqueness – but by celebrating each other and building a community where all can thrive in our differences.

We will use and encourage inclusive language that respects how an individual identifies in their culture, gender, sexual orientations, age, ability, and religion. We will provide resources and information about community opportunities to gain further education in inclusivity practices (e.g. intersectionality, cultural competence, etc.). 

Community

We will provide peer support, education, and create a safe space where homeschool families and individuals have access in a way that feels comfortable to them to create a community of belonging.

We will engage with the surrounding community to enrich programming and to teach learners to build a positive, healthy relationship with their local community. 

Secular

We understand that people’s beliefs come from many places of origin and that t now a diversity of experience only enriches communities. We inspire our learners to think critically of the world around them for a broader understanding of all cultures. All educational content will be taught from a secular perspective. 

Growth & Resilience 

We adopt principles of self-efficacy which reflect confidence in the ability to exert control over one's own motivation, behavior, and social environment. We believe all people are born capable of learning when provided the right environment and support. We invite learners to decide what they're comfortable with and capable of in a flexible educational environment. 

SWMI ILC family membership includes access to SWMI ILC co-op programs, members-only events, resources, and field trips. Members also are granted voting rights to elect their Board of Directors for the following year whose terms are set to expire. The cost of family membership is entirely based on how many families sign up. The more families that join SWMI ILC, the lower the cost for all members. Please note that all membership applications are subject to Board approval and may be denied by a majority vote by the Board of Directors. 

Here’s a breakdown of important dates for SWMI ILC Members:

April 1st - May 31st: Membership Enrollment Period. This is when you sign up for the upcoming school year.

July 1: Membership Fees are due. The Membership Dues must be paid by this date to secure your family’s membership.

August: Term 1 class registration opens and members-only field trips commence. These features are only available to SWMI ILC Members. Social meets will still be available to non-members.

September: Term 1 Classes Begin.

December:  Term 2 Class Registration Opens.

February: Term 2 Classes Begin.

April/May: Annual Members Meeting. This meeting is where the members vote for changes within the organization as well as vote for any Board of Directors positions in which terms may be expiring. Exact date and location will be provided in advance by the Board of Directors to current active members. 

SWMI ILC is committed to nurturing an environment of respect for one another through equity, inclusion, and dignity for all. We expect all people to follow these guidelines to initiate successful experiences with SWMI ILC. 

Kindness & Respect

We expect all attending individuals to express kindness and respect to all they encounter during SWMI ILC programs and events. This includes respecting teachers, volunteers, and any other adult, peer, and property. SWMI ILC believes in the values of inclusivity, honoring the uniqueness of each individual, and embracing diverse backgrounds, values, identities, and points of view to build a strong, inclusive community. 

Respect the property by cleaning up after yourself. Place all trash in proper containers. If no trash container is available, pack it into your backpack to take home. Leave the area better than you found it.

Sickness & Absence

Please ensure all learners are healthy when they attend SWMI ILC programs. Please stay home if someone in your household displays any of the following symptoms: fever, cough, trouble breathing, symptoms of a cold such as a sore throat, congestion, or a runny nose, chills, nausea or vomiting, and/or diarrhea in order to protect other attending families.

Please notify SWMI ILC either by message or email if you will not be able to attend any part of the program your learner is enrolled in. Having advanced notice will avoid delays for the rest of our learners. 

Closure/Cancellation: 

We will cancel for inclement weather. Please check BAND app – our Members-only communication channel – for program closings related to inclement weather. In addition, an email will be sent out to all registered program attendees no later than 1 hour before the program starts to announce a closure. SWMI ILC meets within the Kalamazoo Public School district and will follow this district’s closures.

Dress Code & Preparedness

SWMI ILC respects our young people’s self-expression in the way they dress. However, we expect all folks to dress appropriately for SWMI ILC programs and events. A person may be asked to cover up clothing or accessories that are offensive or contain inappropriate language or content.

Each child should come to our programs with a bag, backpack, or something similar to keep supplies and loose items contained during the program. Bring whatever is needed for your class. Supply lists will be provided for classes that require learners to bring materials with them.

Tablets, game systems, and other devices are not permitted while participating in activities or classes, unless they are necessary for class participation. The Class Facilitator will decide if a device is necessary. 

Weapons of any kind are not permitted unless consent is granted by SWMI ILC Board of Directors. This includes any concealed weapons even if the carrier has a permit.

Special Accommodations 

SWMI ILC is composed of several families with learners that have food allergies, special needs, and those who require specific accommodations. We strive to be as inclusive as possible, making our programs flexible for those who need it.

If you feel your child requires special accommodations or you have any other concerns, please feel free to reach out to SWMI ILC so we can help make a plan.

Fundraising & Promotions

We would love to support your sports team, scout or dance troop, small business, etc. Be sure to ask for permission from the SWMI ILC Board of Directors before conducting any fundraising or promotion at SWMI ILC programs and events.

Disciplinary Policy

The SWMI ILC Board of Directors will take appropriate action for violations of the Code of Conduct, Co-op Commitment Agreement, or of the policies at SWMI ILC. This could include but is not limited to a verbal or written warning, removal from the program or event, meeting with the Board of Directors, or dismissal from SWMI ILC Programs. The SWMI ILC Board of Directors reserves the right to levy discipline as necessary for gross violations of our policies up to and including expulsion. 

Reporting Misconduct: Please notify SWMI ILC should you encounter any violations of these policies and procedures, unsafe or disrespectful practices, or any other concerns during our programs or events. Contact the Member Liaison in person or online. SWMI ILC will honor your discretion. 

Field Trip Policy

The Trip Coordinator, participants, and all members of SWMI ILC are expected to adhere to all SWMI ILC policies while participating in field trips, including upholding the Core Values and Code of Conduct. SWMI ILC is not responsible for any lost or damaged personal property while partaking in a SWMI ILC-sponsored field trip. 

Field trip participants should not be put in a situation in which they do not have the appropriate skills to execute an activity that entails significant risk. In no case will an individual be forced to participate in a field trip or field activity that poses a danger that the participant cannot negotiate. 

While engaged in a field trip, SWMI Staff may enforce the provisions of this Field Trip Policy by withdrawal or limitation of privileges, or, in the event of repeated violations, by excluding the offending person from further participation in co-op activities.

Classes

SWMI ILC co-op classes are available to SWMI ILC members in good standing. Class offerings are determined by learner interests and member volunteer availability. Each class is led by a volunteer facilitator and volunteer classroom support. We strive to meet the diverse interests of our learners through our class offerings, and encourage our members to participate in making this happen by volunteering as a class facilitator.

Class schedule will be available at time of class registration. The Board of Directors has the right to change or remove learners from classes as needed. 

Parents/Caregivers are required to stay onsite while their learners are attending co-op activities. Learners are not permitted to leave the co-op property without parental or caregiver’s consent.

Volunteering

SWMI ILC is 100% volunteer-run. All members of SWMI ILC are required to submit volunteer hours. Exceptions may be made by the Board of Directors. If you do not select a volunteer role, one will be assigned to you. If volunteer responsibilities are not completed and no contact has been made with the Member Liaison, the following actions will be taken. Please note that these steps may cease with a resolution between the Board of Directors and the member in question. 

1. Member registration is put on hold

2. Verbal contact with member

3. Written contact with member

4. Membership is disabled meaning an inability to attend co-op programs or field trips 

Volunteer Roles

Volunteer Teacher/Facilitator - A person who teaches a learner interest-based class. Class Facilitators are responsible for fulfilling the class description, adhering to class supply fees, submitting receipts for supply reimbursements, and designing and leading the class in which they are assigned to teach. The SWMI ILC Membership Team will do its best to match teaching abilities with class offerings.

Classroom Assistant/Support - The Classroom Support person will assist the Class Facilitator as needed during class time. This might include tasks such as taking attendance, handing out supplies, working with groups, or any other duties that may come up during the duration of the class.

Learner Support (Floating Position) - The Learner Support person is responsible for maintaining emotional or physical help to an assigned learner during co-op programs. These tasks could include opening doors, leading the learner to a quiet space, or using gentle and encouraging words to help the learner engage in activities. 

Young Learners Room Support - The Young Learners room is a place for babies, toddlers, and young minds to find gentle and engaging activities throughout the co-op day. A YL Support person helps with any support or tasks that may come up. This is a great option for parents with littles attending.

Opening Team (AM Session Tasks) - The Opening Team is tasked with welcoming families as they enter for the AM Session and checking classrooms for left items between classes. During classes, the Opening Team will be responsible for monitoring halls and helping learners find their way. The Opening Team may be tasked with light clean-up duties as well.

Closing Team (PM Session Tasks) - The Closing Team is responsible for welcoming families for the PM Session as well as monitoring hallways during classes while aiding learners with directions. After each class, the Closing Team will check classrooms for left items. The Closing Team may be tasked with light clean-up duties and will be responsible for a final walk-through before locking up. On occasion, a member of the Closing Team may be required to stay late and accompany learners whose parent/caregiver might be delayed for pick-up.

Membership Dues

Membership dues allow a family’s access to SWMI ILC co-op programs and field trips. This fee is collected once per year (or term) as part of the SWMI ILC Membership Registration process. Membership fee due dates are announced prior to registration opening and are due after class schedule is released.

Class Fees

Class fees collected at class registration help pay for materials used during SWMI ILC co-op classes. Materials include but are not limited to, craft supplies, cleaning/sanitation supplies, special guests, and any other supplies that are necessary to fulfill the commitment of the class. Class fees are due at class sign-up in August and December.

Facilitator Reimbursements

Class facilitators are eligible for reimbursement once receipts for reasonable expenses have been submitted to the Treasurer or Member Liaison. Any expenses over $50 must be approved by the SWMI ILC Board of Directors before purchase is to be made by the facilitator. Please contact the Board at swmi.inclusivelc@gmail.com to make your request.

Payments

Once the Membership  Registration period has closed, an invoice will be sent through Wave Payments which can be paid using a credit card, banking information, or Apple Pay. 

Invoice for the Membership Registration payment is due by July 1st for the upcoming school year and payment is required to ensure your family’s space in our programs. 

Refunds 

Non-attendance does not entitle to a refund. No refunds or adjustments are granted for illness, vacation, or when SWMI ILC programs are canceled due to inclement weather. 

All refund requests, full or partial, will be submitted to the SWMI ILC Board of Directors for approval. 

Processing fees are non-refundable.

Scholarships & Discounts

SWMI ILC commits to keeping membership affordable to families. At this time, the SWMI ILC Board of Directors is devising a plan to provide scholarships to families that may be experiencing financial hardship. Please be patient as we set this option up. 

Any discount codes (e.g. returning member discount) will be announced to the appropriate online channels or email.

At SWMI Inclusive Learning Community, we expect all attending individuals to express kindness and respect to all they encounter during SWMI ILC programs and events. SWMI ILC believes in the values of inclusivity, honoring the uniqueness of each individual, and embracing diverse backgrounds, values, identities, and points of view to build a strong, inclusive community.  We want to stay focused on our goal of creating a community for both parents and children to safely learn and grow. To ensure a safe environment for all we ask that you follow the guidelines in our code of conduct.

1. We respect each other’s bodies. We do not touch anyone without their consent and we do not touch anyone with the intent to harm. We ask that people respect those around themselves by not engaging in sexual behavior at the co-op or co-op events. This includes any touching in an area that undergarments would cover but publicly appropriate displays of affection are allowed such as hand holding and hugging.

2. Words and actions matter.  We use inclusive language and will not tolerate hate speech. We ask that you think about your word choices around people in the co-op. Please be mindful about what you are saying and what audience you have. 

3. Respect the property. Students and adults will clean up after yourself and leave the area better than you found it. Students take proper care of and respect the materials that the facilitators bring into the classroom. Students will be responsible to bring the necessary supplies to class. Tablets, game systems, and other devices are not permitted while participating in activities or classes, unless they are approved by the Class Facilitator.  We respect the time of others so we ask that you come prepared to learn at the designated class time.

4. Safety. Children are asked to stay with a facilitator if their parents are not in the same room. You are welcome to stay with your child in the classroom. Students are not permitted to wander the building nor may they enter areas that are not designated for their use. It is the responsibility of parents to assist their children in the restroom. Weapons, including concealed weapons, are not permitted at the co-op or events associated with the co-op. 

5. Self-Expression. SWMI ILC respects our members’ self-expression in the way they dress. A person may be asked to cover up clothing or accessories that contain content that is sexually explicit, violent, or that go against our core values.

Please notify SWMI ILC should you encounter any violations of our policies and procedures, unsafe or disrespectful practices, or any other concerns during our programs or events. Contact the Member Liaison, Lexi McCarthy, in person or online at members.swimilc@gmail.com. SWMI ILC will honor your discretion. 

Connect with other SWMI ILC families: If you enrolled and aren’t already in our Members-only communication channel, contact SWMI ILC via Facebook or email for the private link to join.