Q: Where does the money from my family’s registration fee go?
A: The registration fee funds we collect are applied toward insurance, which we are required by Girls’ Inc. to maintain, and toward rent.

Q: Where does the money from pizza and lunch sales go?
A: Funds from pizza, water and bagged snack sales are applied toward co-op operating expenses, while funds from homemade soup and baked goods sales are given to the families who provided them. The families then have the option to donate all or a portion of their proceeds to the co-op if they choose.

Q: Are admin members paid through any of the funds collected for the co-op?
A: No. The St. Pete Co-op operates on a shoestring budget and is entirely volunteer run.

Q: Do teachers work for the St. Pete co-op?
A: No. The St. Pete Co-op does not employ teachers. Our teachers operate independently. This is the reason why you must pay each teacher separately at registration time.

Q: Can I teach a class at the St. Pete Co-op?
A: We are always on the lookout for interesting classes taught by parents willing to make the commitment to the co-op, and encourage anyone interested in teaching to fill out our Teacher Course Submission Form for consideration.

Q: What should I do if I would like to request a refund for a class that isn’t a good fit for my child?
A: Due to the fact that we are not employing the teachers, we cannot issue refunds for any classes. A refund request must be made directly to the instructor. However, we encourage you to make us aware of any problems or concerns you might have with a particular course.

Q: Why can’t I drop off my child(ren) and pick him/her/them up at the end of the day?
A: The St. Pete Co-op does not have the resources available to provide childcare in the absence of a parent or guardian. Parents/designated guardians are responsible for their child at all times while on the Girls’ Inc. campus. We do provide a sign-out sheet at the front desk, which provides the opportunity for you as a legal parent or guardian to designate another parent on the premises (with whom you have made arrangements) to be the guardian on site for your child/children. This will allow your child to remain on the property in your absence. However, even if another parent is acting as a designated guardian of your child, as the legal parent/guardian you still bear the ultimate responsibility for your child/children.

Q: Can you accommodate a child with special needs?
A: All families are welcome to be a part of our co-op, including those with special needs children. We encourage all families considering our co-op to attend our Meet and Greet, which provides the opportunity to tour our facility and talk with our teachers one on one.

Q: Where should I park on co-op day?
A: Parking is available directly across the street from Girls’ Inc on the grassy strip in front of the park, and in the adjacent lot. Please do not park in the small lot directly in front of Girls’ Inc., or in the side lot. On co-op day, these lots are reserved for those with special circumstances and Girls’ Inc. employees, respectively.

Q: We have a cleaning person helping us out each Thursday; why are families still expected to help keep Girls’ Inc. clean?
A: We are fortunate to have Ms. Peggy, a Girls’ Inc. staff member, on site assisting us during co-op day. However, Ms. Peggy is just one person, and we are a sizeable group. It would be impossible for her to keep important areas clean while also picking up after us. Children start arriving to Girls’ Inc. shortly after we leave, and out of respect for our hosts, it is important that we all do our part to ensure that we leave the facility as clean as it is upon our arrival each week.