What a waiver is, and what it is not
A waiver, or release of liability, is an agreement in which a parent acknowledges the ordinary risks of an activity and agrees not to hold the organizers responsible for them. It is useful for setting expectations. It is not a force field. Enforceability varies by state, and many places do not allow a waiver to excuse negligence or to bind a child's own rights. Treat the template below as a starting draft and have a local attorney, your venue or your insurer review it before you use it. Real co-op handbooks, such as the one shared by My Homeschool Sherpa, mention that the host venue's legal team reviewed their release and asked for changes.
What to include
- The names of the parent or guardian and each child.
- The co-op name and the activities covered, including off-site trips.
- A plain description of the risks, such as physical activity, crafts, food and transport.
- A statement that the parent stays responsible for their child unless another adult is named in writing.
- Medical information, allergies and emergency contacts.
- Photo permission, if you take photos, with a clear opt-out.
- A signature and date, renewed every year or term.
Template
[CO-OP NAME] PARTICIPATION AGREEMENT AND RELEASE Parent or guardian: ____________________ Phone: ____________ Child or children: _____________________________________ Emergency contact: ____________________ Phone: ____________ Allergies or medical needs: ____________________________ 1. I understand that [co-op name] is a group of homeschooling families, and that the activities include [classes, games, outdoor play, field trips]. 2. I understand these activities involve ordinary risks, such as falls, cuts and allergic reactions, and I accept those risks for my child. 3. I remain responsible for my child at all times, unless I have named another adult in writing. 4. I agree to follow the co-op's rules and code of conduct. 5. In an emergency I authorize the co-op's leaders to call emergency services and I will pay any resulting costs. 6. To the extent allowed by my state's law, I release [co-op name] and its volunteers from claims arising from ordinary risks of the activities. 7. Photos: [ ] I allow photos for the co-op's private use [ ] I do not. Signed: ____________________ Date: ____________
Good habits that matter more than the wording
- Ask your venue what paperwork and insurance they expect.
- Keep signed copies somewhere every leader can reach, and keep emergency contacts with you at each meeting.
- Write a short safety plan: exits, first-aid kit and who calls for help.
- Supervise children at all times, with adult-to-child ratios appropriate to the age.
Pair this with your code of conduct and bylaws.
- Circles lets a co-op owner post the co-op's rules where every joining family sees them.
- Lumi keeps each child's learning on track on the days the co-op does not meet.
- Try the free 48-hour trial, no card needed.
Start the free 48-hour trial. No card is needed for the 48-hour trial. Circles is part of the paid Academy and High plans.
Frequently asked questions
Does a homeschool co-op need a waiver?
It is common, and many venues require one. A waiver sets expectations but does not remove every risk, so also have good safety habits and ask your venue about insurance.
Is a waiver legally enforceable?
It depends on your state and the wording. Many states limit waivers, especially for negligence or for claims on behalf of children. Have a local attorney review it.
What should a co-op waiver include?
Names, the activities covered, the risks accepted, parent responsibility, medical and emergency details, photo permission and a signature with a date.
How often should families sign it?
Many co-ops renew it every term or year so contact and medical details stay current.