Introducing a child to education is one of the most important decisions parents must make for their children. In California, parents have the option of enrolling their children in public and private schools, as well as homeschool. If a family chooses to homeschool their child in California, there are a few extra steps that must be taken to ensure that their child is properly enrolled and complying with all state laws.
Below, we will discuss the steps a family in California needs to take in order to homeschool their child.
What are the Steps to Enrolling My Child in Homeschool in California?
The steps to enrolling a child in homeschool in California generally follow similar steps as enrolling a student into a private or public school. The steps are as follows:
Submitting a Private School Affidavit: All homeschools in California must submit an affidavit to the California Department of Education (CDE). This affidavit is a notification of the family’s intent to homeschool their child.
Attending a Private School Satellite Program: California requires that all homeschools be connected to a state accredited “Private School Satellite Program” (PSP). This program must be an established nonprofit institution, a government-funded agency, or a resident teacher with a valid California teaching credential. After connecting to a PSP, the PSP is responsible for supporting the homeschool and reporting on the child’s educational progress.
Complying With California Laws: California has numerous laws and regulations that must be followed in order for homeschools to be legal.
They include immunization laws, attendance requirements, teacher qualifications, and more. Homeschools must also have an approved curriculum and use resources that have been approved by the CDE or a PSP.
What is the Private School Affidavit in California?
The Private School Affidavit is a notification of the homeschool’s intent to provide an educational program to the children enrolled. It must be filled out with accurate information that includes the name and address of the school, the names of everyone in the family, the educational goals of the school, the educational program, and the health or safety plans in place. The document must be signed and submitted to the CDE.
What is the Annual Assessment for a Homeschool in California?
In order for homeschools in California to remain legal, families must submit an annual assessment of their children’s educational progress. This assessment is conducted by the PSP that the family has been connected to.
In California, an assessment can be made of a student’s course of study in a number of ways. These include standardized tests, portfolio assessment, or teacher evaluation. The results of these assessments must be submitted to the CDE or the PSP.
What Are The Immunization Requirements for California Homeschoolers?
In order for a child to legally attend a homeschool in California, that child must be up to date on all the required immunizations according to the state regulations. This includes the polio, measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis vaccinations, among others. If a child’s immunizations are not up to date, they are not eligible to attend a homeschool in California.
What Are The Requirements for Qualifying as A Teacher for a Homeschool in California?
In order to teach a homeschool in California, an individual must be qualified as an Instructional Aide or Teacher’s Aide and be live-scanned and fingerprinted. A Teacher’s Aide must have an Associate’s degree or the ability to pass the California Subject Examination for Teachers. For an Instructional Aide, the person must either have a bachelor’s degree or have a minimum of three (3) years of college preparation and/or professional experience in the subject area they plan to teach.
What Curriculum is Required for California Homeschools?
A curriculum for homeschools in California must meet the standards set forth by the CDE or PSP. It must include the basic subjects such as English, math, science, social studies, physical education, health and safety, art, and music, as well as any supplemental or elective classes.
Each family will choose the specific materials for a curriculum, but all of the materials must meet the standards set forth by the CDE or PSP.
What Resources are Available for California Homeschools?
California has numerous resources available to homeschool families that can be used to supplement the learning of their children. These resources include online courses, homeschool conventions and seminars, educational and recreational field trips, and homeschool support groups. A family may choose to use all or some of these resources depending on their specific needs and interests.
What Attendance Requirements Are For Homeschoolers In California?
In California, homeschools must comply with the state’s attendance requirements for public schools, which states that a student must attend a minimum of 180 days of instruction that are properly supervised, organized, and direct instruction by an adult. The PSP that the family is connected with may have additional attendance requirements that must also be complied with.
What Documentation is Required for Homeschoolers in California?
Families must keep track of the educational activities and progress of their children in order to comply with the regulations of the CDE or PSP. They should maintain records such as attendance logs, lesson plans, and assessment results.
These records must be kept up to date and available for any evaluations or inspections that may be requested by the CDE or PSP.
Are There Any Exemptions for Homeschooling in California?
There are a few exemptions to the regulations for homeschooling in California. These include exemptions for children who are physically unable to attend school, children living in extreme poverty, and those of Native American tribes that follow their own laws and regulations for education.
In addition, a family may be exempt from the annual assessment if their children are part of a PSP program that does not require assessment.
Are There Homeschool Laws That Must Be Followed in California?
Yes, there are several laws that must be followed when homeschooling in California. They include the requirement that all homeschools must follow the general education provisions of the state, the immunization requirements, the attendance requirements, and the teacher or instructor requirements.
In addition, all homeschools must comply with the applicable local laws, ordinances, and regulations.
Are Homeschoolers Eligible for Athletics or Extracurricular Activities?
Yes, homeschoolers in California are eligible to participate in sports and other extracurricular activities when they become associated with a PSP or private school. However, they must follow the same rules, regulations, and academic requirements as any other student.
Are There Textbook Resources Available for Homeschoolers in California?
Yes, a variety of textbook resources are available for homeschoolers in California. Families are encouraged to take advantage of free online resources, or shop around for discounted textbooks. Textbooks can also be borrowed from other homeschoolers, schools, or local libraries.
Are Homeschoolers Eligible for Financial Assistance in California?
Yes, homeschoolers in California are eligible for a variety of financial assistance programs. These include grants and scholarships from non-profit and private organizations, tax credits and deductions, and various state and federal programs that support homeschooling.
Conclusion
Homeschooling a child in California requires that extra steps must be taken in order for the school to be compliant with state laws. It is important for families to be aware of the enrollment steps required, as well as the immunization and documentation requirements. Awareness of these facts can help ensure that families are providing the best education possible for their children.