What is TLC?
All ACHSA members are invited to register for a large co-op we organize called “The Learning Centre." This 8 session co-op runs Friday mornings from January to May, about every 2 weeks. Families involved enjoy the opportunity to meet new people and reconnect with old friends in a Christian environment during three class time blocks. Valuable time is spent while learning, talking, and sharing ideas.
Each mom in TLC selects and designs a class of her choice that she will commit to teach for an hour each session for a total of 8 hours. All moms are also required to help in a second class as an assistant to another teacher. The remaining block is reserved for a coffee/tea/snack time, which is an encouraging hour for inspiring conversation with other moms.
Planning begins in the fall. In the past, some have collected curriculum or activities for a thematic unit study, whereas others might teach classes focused on skills or fine arts. Once a subject has been selected, teaching moms will gear their topic towards a preferred age group, such as preschool, primary, middle school, or high school. When a suitable age has been decided, each mom will submit an e-mail description of their class, including the cost of supplies for each student, to the TLC executive to be reviewed.
Not sure what to teach? We will help you find something. Below is a PDF download list of classes our parents have taught over the last decade. Also download our list of Unit Study Theme Ideas located in our Resources page with age appropriate suggestions to consider for future teaching topics.
Each mom in TLC selects and designs a class of her choice that she will commit to teach for an hour each session for a total of 8 hours. All moms are also required to help in a second class as an assistant to another teacher. The remaining block is reserved for a coffee/tea/snack time, which is an encouraging hour for inspiring conversation with other moms.
Planning begins in the fall. In the past, some have collected curriculum or activities for a thematic unit study, whereas others might teach classes focused on skills or fine arts. Once a subject has been selected, teaching moms will gear their topic towards a preferred age group, such as preschool, primary, middle school, or high school. When a suitable age has been decided, each mom will submit an e-mail description of their class, including the cost of supplies for each student, to the TLC executive to be reviewed.
Not sure what to teach? We will help you find something. Below is a PDF download list of classes our parents have taught over the last decade. Also download our list of Unit Study Theme Ideas located in our Resources page with age appropriate suggestions to consider for future teaching topics.
| tlc_past_classes.pdf |
| preschool_tlc_suggestions.pdf |
Each year, The Learning Centre has an open house which is open to anyone who would like to know more about our great co-op and see presentations and displays of the students' work. We also have a tour of the classes for those who are interested.
Here is the info for this year's open house:
Here is the info for this year's open house:
TLC Frequently Asked Questions:
What are the benefits of being involved in such a large co-op like TLC?
With approximately 50 families involved in TLC, children have multiple classes to choose from, teachers have assistants helping out, and moms receive a coffee/tea break. Being in a large, friendly, Christian environment influences the opportunity for friendship growth.
What does the $30 registration fee cover?
In order to sign up for TLC, each family pays a $30 registration that primarily covers our rental fee of the facility. This is separate and additional from the ACHSA registration fee which covers insurance and administration costs. We will also collect a signed contract of our conduct standards from all families participating.
What does the individual student class fee cover?
The fee per class is determined by the teacher and covers costs such as photocopying, disposable supplies or take home materials students keep. It is NOT designed for teachers to make a profit or build up personal stock of supplies for future classes. It is our goal to keep the cost down as low as possible for families. File your receipts so you can keep track of the expenses.
For TLC’s first scheduled session, prepare the exact amount of payment in individually marked sealed envelopes including the student’s name and teacher’s name for block A, B and C. Teachers will be expecting to be reimbursed as soon as possible for start up supplies they already purchased. If there is a portion of unused class fees at the end of all sessions, extra money should be returned to the student.
What else is expected if we sign up?
What rules should I remind my kids?
Remind your kids not to run in the halls (walking only inside), no playing in the elevator, please clean up their snack garbage, enter and exit only through the back doors near the stairs, and please respect the teachers when they are talking.
What is the usual schedule?
Snacks may be eaten as needed near the end or beginning of a class. Following block C, children will meet their parents in the basement, except for preschool and nursery children, who must be picked up by their moms.
The first TLC session we meet 15 min. earlier at 8:30am in the sanctuary and Class A teachers make a sign for their class to hold up. The last TLC session is an open house for new ACHSA families to check out the way TLC runs. The ending classes will finish earlier so that we can close with a sharing assembly in the sanctuary. Friends and family are welcome! Our annual TLC picnic will take place at Mill Lake Park (Bevan entrance) following the presentation. Bring your own drinks, lunch, lawn chairs, and sports equipment.
How many students are in each class?
Class sizes vary depending on popularity. A class could contain between 2 and 20 students. Some classes are canceled due to lack of interest and others are split into two groups. Rooms are assigned based on the class sizes and needs.
What if my student doesn’t like his or her class?
Talk to the TLC Team and they will try to accommodate a better fit. *Please note: Changes will only be made after the first class.
What do I do if there is a conflict in my class?
There is a moderator on the TLC Team who is available if you need help resolving any issues. Please see them first to reach a solution.
What should I do if I am sick or need to miss a class I am scheduled to teach?
Attending all 8 weeks is mandatory and necessary for TLC to run smoothly. However, we understand that you may have a previously scheduled appointment that conflicts with TLC. Please tell the TLC Executive Team as soon as possible and discuss with your helper how she can facilitate the class in your absence. Please provide the lesson plan for your helper. The TLC Team will replace your helper, and if needed, replace your helping role during your absence. If it is a last minute emergency (Lice, vomiting, fever, etc), contact your helper through the ACHSA Directory, and call or text the TLC Executive Team to make them aware of your absence. There will also be absentee forms handed out at the Dry Run meeting.
What happens if my child needs me?
Nursery, pre-school and primary students should have your block A, B and C class location written on the back of their nametag. You can also write your cell number in case the TLC Team has troubles locating you.
What would happen in the case of an emergency situation or evacuation?
In the event of an emergency, teachers would bring their attendance list and students to the green belt behind the parking lot. Moms in their coffee block would assist with the preschool and nursery evacuation.
What are the rules about students using phones and iPods in class?
Students will be asked to keep electronics put away (or better yet, don't bring them!) unless the teacher for the class requires them. Parents should also refrain from texting & phoning during TLC except in the case of an emergency.
Will I be able to see the room for my class before the first week?
A dry run meeting is hosted in the fall. This is a great time for new families to meet the leaders, talk to helpers and have a tour of the facility.
What kind of supplies are available, if needed, for my class?
Talk to us in advance to co-ordinate tables, chairs, sink access, PE supplies, CD player or wifi. The facility we rent has a full industrial kitchen which may be used for a cooking class.
With approximately 50 families involved in TLC, children have multiple classes to choose from, teachers have assistants helping out, and moms receive a coffee/tea break. Being in a large, friendly, Christian environment influences the opportunity for friendship growth.
What does the $30 registration fee cover?
In order to sign up for TLC, each family pays a $30 registration that primarily covers our rental fee of the facility. This is separate and additional from the ACHSA registration fee which covers insurance and administration costs. We will also collect a signed contract of our conduct standards from all families participating.
What does the individual student class fee cover?
The fee per class is determined by the teacher and covers costs such as photocopying, disposable supplies or take home materials students keep. It is NOT designed for teachers to make a profit or build up personal stock of supplies for future classes. It is our goal to keep the cost down as low as possible for families. File your receipts so you can keep track of the expenses.
For TLC’s first scheduled session, prepare the exact amount of payment in individually marked sealed envelopes including the student’s name and teacher’s name for block A, B and C. Teachers will be expecting to be reimbursed as soon as possible for start up supplies they already purchased. If there is a portion of unused class fees at the end of all sessions, extra money should be returned to the student.
What else is expected if we sign up?
- Attendance at the dry run meeting is mandatory. This meeting is in the fall and will be announced after our Fall Kickoff.
- Commitment to all 8 weeks is necessary for the classes to flow smoothly. We ask that you let us know as soon as possible if you are unable to make it due to sickness or an emergency.
- Provide name tags for you and your kids to wear throughout the TLC weeks.
- Bring backpacks with basic school supplies of pencils, eraser, scissors, glue and coloring tools as well as a peanut/nut-free snack and water bottle for each child. Please label all your belongings.
- Arrive on time and take attendance of the students in your class. Moms & students are required to stay on the premises during TLC. This is not a time for booking appointments, doing grocery shopping, etc.
- Sign up to bring snacks to share with other moms in the coffee room or pay a snack fee and our coffee coordinator will bring snacks for you.
- Write a summary report of what was covered in your class. This is helpful information for a portfolio submission in regards to the subject/topic/PLOs (maximum 1 page, printed or emailed).
- Fill out an evaluation form at the end of TLC and include your helpful suggestions.
What rules should I remind my kids?
Remind your kids not to run in the halls (walking only inside), no playing in the elevator, please clean up their snack garbage, enter and exit only through the back doors near the stairs, and please respect the teachers when they are talking.
What is the usual schedule?
- Open session 8:45 - 9:00am in the sanctuary.
- Block A 9:00 - 10am
- Block B 10:05 - 11:05am
- Block C 11:10 - 12:10pm
Snacks may be eaten as needed near the end or beginning of a class. Following block C, children will meet their parents in the basement, except for preschool and nursery children, who must be picked up by their moms.
The first TLC session we meet 15 min. earlier at 8:30am in the sanctuary and Class A teachers make a sign for their class to hold up. The last TLC session is an open house for new ACHSA families to check out the way TLC runs. The ending classes will finish earlier so that we can close with a sharing assembly in the sanctuary. Friends and family are welcome! Our annual TLC picnic will take place at Mill Lake Park (Bevan entrance) following the presentation. Bring your own drinks, lunch, lawn chairs, and sports equipment.
How many students are in each class?
Class sizes vary depending on popularity. A class could contain between 2 and 20 students. Some classes are canceled due to lack of interest and others are split into two groups. Rooms are assigned based on the class sizes and needs.
What if my student doesn’t like his or her class?
Talk to the TLC Team and they will try to accommodate a better fit. *Please note: Changes will only be made after the first class.
What do I do if there is a conflict in my class?
There is a moderator on the TLC Team who is available if you need help resolving any issues. Please see them first to reach a solution.
What should I do if I am sick or need to miss a class I am scheduled to teach?
Attending all 8 weeks is mandatory and necessary for TLC to run smoothly. However, we understand that you may have a previously scheduled appointment that conflicts with TLC. Please tell the TLC Executive Team as soon as possible and discuss with your helper how she can facilitate the class in your absence. Please provide the lesson plan for your helper. The TLC Team will replace your helper, and if needed, replace your helping role during your absence. If it is a last minute emergency (Lice, vomiting, fever, etc), contact your helper through the ACHSA Directory, and call or text the TLC Executive Team to make them aware of your absence. There will also be absentee forms handed out at the Dry Run meeting.
What happens if my child needs me?
Nursery, pre-school and primary students should have your block A, B and C class location written on the back of their nametag. You can also write your cell number in case the TLC Team has troubles locating you.
What would happen in the case of an emergency situation or evacuation?
In the event of an emergency, teachers would bring their attendance list and students to the green belt behind the parking lot. Moms in their coffee block would assist with the preschool and nursery evacuation.
What are the rules about students using phones and iPods in class?
Students will be asked to keep electronics put away (or better yet, don't bring them!) unless the teacher for the class requires them. Parents should also refrain from texting & phoning during TLC except in the case of an emergency.
Will I be able to see the room for my class before the first week?
A dry run meeting is hosted in the fall. This is a great time for new families to meet the leaders, talk to helpers and have a tour of the facility.
What kind of supplies are available, if needed, for my class?
Talk to us in advance to co-ordinate tables, chairs, sink access, PE supplies, CD player or wifi. The facility we rent has a full industrial kitchen which may be used for a cooking class.
"I love spending time with understanding adults and connecting to share ideas with other women who are pursuing the same goals. Puzzling over problems, joining efforts in field trips, co-ops or seasonal events together makes me fell like I'm not in this alone. It is a place to receive inspiration, joining in hope of spirit and praise together."