Cancellations for weather or other unforseen circumstances will be made at least 3 hours before the start of the first class or special, or 24 hours before the start of an enrichment event, through the BAND app. Keep your notifications on to receive updates. There is always one extra week listed on the BAND app as a class day rain date.

SBC is expressly open to and welcoming of individuals regardless of race, ethnicity, color, religion/faith tradition, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, marital status, citizenship, national origin or genetic information. Expressions and behaviors which do not affirm this are not permitted.

In this Co-Op, we believe that Black Lives Matter and that LGBTQ+ rights are human rights. We pledge to see and honor each other’s differences while taking the time to learn the world outside of our own, realizing that the experiences of others are valid and real.

In the case of teacher illness, a substitute teacher may be assigned. For the safety of all of our members, please do not attend co-op with a fever or other signs of illness.

South Branch Cooperative recognizes children as human beings and individuals, exactly as they are. SBC vows respect children in many ways, including (but not limited to): respecting their personal space, exercising politeness towards them, creating an enrivonment in which they feel welcome, allowing them to solve their own problems, avoiding constant ordering/correcting/directing, building them up, encouraging them to follow their interests, modeling respectful behavior for them to witness, and comparing them only to themselves.

Guardians are responsible for children under age 2 at all times, and for all the children in their care during lunch, clubs, enrichment activities, and before/after co-op. Guardians are also responsible for ensuring the safety of the children in their care who have a need to use the sensory zone.

Every adult member of SBC will be assigned a duty while present at SBC, which will rotate to balance responsibilty for each member. This includes, but is not limited to: class assistants, bathroom/sensory zone monitor, and other roles as needed and appropriate.

Adult members are welcome and encouraged to assume leadership roles. Our cooperative is by our community, for our community. We aspire to a diverse array of voices in a variety of leadership positions.

Drop-offs are not available. In order to work as a cooperative, we'll be working as a team each time we meet. This includes all classes, camps, clubs, adventures, celebrations, or outings of any kind.

SBC's educational philosophy is deeply influenced by Montessori philosophy. However, SBC is not strictly a Montessori co-op, so members will sometimes experience a variety of teaching styles or class offerings that may or may not line up with typical Montessori teaching methods. All teachers and offerings are chosen with care and a trust in the value that they bring to SBC. The core value of this philosophy, which SBC thoroughly embraces, is that children are respected and embraced as individuals, exactly as they are, and SBC vows to honor each child's needs while facilitating their growth in all areas: knowledge, independence, emotional well-being, social development, and more.

SBC meets in the general area around Round Valley Reservoir, Clinton and Raritan Townships, and the surrounding areas. Enrichment adventures, community-building days, and other outings will spread outwards from this central area. Curriculum and Specials days occur at a consistent location in Lebanon, New Jersey.

We meet mostly outdoors and value time in the fresh air, in a variety of weather conditions. Please dress in layers, bring extra clothes when necessary, use waterproof clothing if applicable, have protective items (sunscreen, insect repellent, sun hats) available, and come ready to enjoy nature while we learn together.

SBC meets mostly in the morning, through the afternoon. Please come prepared with any lunch or snacks that anyone in your group may need or want, as well as plenty of water.

While we schedule events on any day of the week and at any time of the year, Curriculum days are always scheduled for Thursdays and enrichment adventures are usually scheduled for Tuesdays, with exceptions for astronomical events and other things that cannot be changed by our team, on the calendar. Specials are scheduled for Wednesdays. Social, community-building days may be scheduled for any day of the week, to be as flexible as possible to be inclusive of every family's unique schedule needs.

Families may join in two ways:

1. As an enrichment-only member, taking advantage of the family support, community-building days, and enrichment adventures, but not attending classes or camps. Specials are available a la carte for these members.

2. As a full member, attending classes/camps, clubs, in addition to any other scheduled enrichment adventures and parent support opportunities.

There will be a seasonal membership fee per enrolled family, which covers insurance, location costs, and more. Students who attend classes will pay a curriculum/specials fee per enrolled child (age 2+), which covers supplies, location costs, and more. Fees for a la carte specials attendees can be paid by any member choosing to attend a club or elective, as long as 24 hours' advance notice is given so the adult advisor has time to prepare enough materials.