With the increasing pressure of social conformity and a large growing demand for academic excellence, the desire of parents to homeschool their children, who have previously been enrolled in public school or another educational institution, has notably been on the rise. A brief search into homeschooling reveals the positive potential it holds, as it gives children more autonomy, freedom and flexibility with their education. Furthermore, parents of children who have previously been enrolled in an Individualized Education Program (IEP) in a public school system gain many benefits from homeschooling, such as allowing them to customize an educational plan while ensuring they are not left without appropriate support and resources.
This article will explore the steps taken to start homeschooling an IEP child and the considerations the parents must make when deciding to pursue this path.
What is an IEP and How Does it Affect the Homeschooling Process?
An IEP is documented plan specific to the needs of a student who has been identified for special education services due to disability. Students with IEPs are entitled to various kinds of educational and environmental supports and accommodations from their schools.
These services are designed to maximize the student’s ability to benefit from their education. Once a student is enrolled in a public school system and is assigned an IEP, their school team is responsible for providing or enabling access to the necessary accommodations to meet the student’s educational needs outlined in the IEP. When homeschooling an IEP child, the parents must determine how to provide the services and strategies specified in the IEP, since the responsibility of meeting an IEP child’s educational needs falls on them.
Parents must also provide an appropriate environment that allows their child to develop academically and addressed their unique needs as specified in their IEP. It is important that parents work with a knowledgeable and experienced homeschooling tutor or provider in order to ensure there is no educational gap in their child’s development.
How Can Parents Prepare for Homeschooling an IEP Student?
The decision to homeschool an IEP child should be made with great consideration, as it requires the parents to take on a large responsibility. It is important that the parents are able to provide an educational environment that meets the child’s needs without making unnecessary sacrifices. Before the parents decide to homeschool the child, they must set forth a plan that will tackle both the child’s educational needs and the abundant preparation that comes with homeschooling.
Many parents who have previously had their child enrolled in an IEP program opt to withdraw their child from school and start homeschooling as soon as possible. While this may be the quickest route in certain scenarios, it is important to note that homeschooling requires time for preparation: researching about home learning providers, understanding the philosophy of home education, and compiling the necessary materials for a student’s learning journey.
Furthermore, particular legal obligations may come into play when parents begin homeschooling an IEP student, as different states may have different rules. The best way for parents to prepare for homeschooling their IEP student, as well as simplify the transition, is to contact the local public school or acquire an education lawyer to ensure there are no legal complications involved. Speaking with the local public school, the school team, or an education lawyer can provide the necessary information on the next steps to begin homeschooling the IEP student.
What Are the Considerations Before Starting Home Education?
In addition to the points outlined in the section above, many aspects of homeschooling require thoughtful consideration. These considerations range from the individual to broader social concerns.
An important and fundamental point which every parent should consider is the child’s opinion. Homeschooling may not be suitable for all children, and it may be a great idea to consult with the child prior to deciding to homeschool and make sure that their opinion is respected. Likewise, parents should also analyze and consider their own job and lifestyle to decide whether home education is a feasible or practical option.
Other considerations include logistical concerns such as creating and maintaining an appropriate study environment for the student, providing adequate materials, resources and support for study, as well as having a well-thought out assessment and evaluation plan. For IEP students, it is also important to determine how to best transition the services detailed in their IEP into a homeschool setting.
Parents must also consider the family’s budget and dedicated resources for homeschooling, as different educational materials and programs may vary in cost. Additionally, considering the parenting role in an educational setting is important as parents become more involved in their child’s studying. Parents must also consider their comfortability in being a teacher and mentor, as the job itself is rewarded but can also be taxing.
Finally, many parents tend to overlook the social aspects of homeschooling. While there are numerous benefits to this form of education, social development is highly important and an aspect that is somewhat sacrificed when homeschooling; as such, parents must determine how their child will interact with their peers, be social and develop soft skills.
What Benefits Does Homeschooling an IEP Student Offer?
Homeschooling an IEP student offers many benefits from both a parental and student perspective. Many public school IEP programs require long hours of work and a demanding, continuously changing schedule for both the student and parents alike.
Homeschooling, on the other hand, allows parents to have more control and flexibility in their child’s education and create an educational plan that suits the student’s own needs and interests. IEP students can also gain the benefit of more specialized and focused attention when homeschooling. Staff in public schools are often spread thin, whereas homeschooling can provide the child with more personal attention and one-on-one learning opportunities in order to help them understand and stay on top of their course material.
Similarly, homeschooling can also provide students with resources not typically offered through public education. These offerings can take many forms including outdoor activities, language and cultural studies, travel, and other individualized options.
Furthermore, parents of IEP students may find comfort in the aspect of home education that offers more assurance and control in the education of their child. Not only is the parent equipped with better and more comprehensive knowledge regarding their child’s education and development, but the flexible and individualized education can also provide a sense of security for both the parent and student.
Conclusion
Homeschooling an IEP student is a decision that requires careful consideration and thought in order to ensure that the child’s best interests are met, and their safety and learning is taken into account. Parents must make sure that they are able to handle the responsibilities that come with homeschooling, while ensuring they are able to provide an education that is tailored to the student’s needs and interests.
Not only does this provide an opportunity for the student to feel comfortable in their learning environment and make the most of their education, but it also offers the parent peace of mind in knowing their child’s educational wellbeing is in their own hands.