Amidst the shifting educational landscape of today, many parents may find themselves questioning the best option for their children’s academic future. For many, the typical public or private schooling options may no longer be the perfect fit; in this case, homeschooling can become an alternative option. Although the process of withdrawing and starting homeschooling can seem daunting, this guide will cover the steps necessary to make the transition as smooth as possible.
When a parent decides to homeschool their children, it is important to take into account the regulations and guidelines of their state. Different states may have widely different laws for withdrawing children from school and for completing the necessary paperwork for officially beginning homeschooling.
It is important to be aware of these regulations and abide by them to ensure that the transition from school to homeschool goes as smoothly as possible. In order to best prepare for this transition, it is useful for parents to be mindful of the following questions.
1. How soon after withdrawing my child from school do I need to start homeschooling?
The amount of time needed to make the transition from public or private school to homeschool can vary widely depending on the location of the school, the state’s regulations, and the amount of paperwork necessary. For some parents and children, the transition can take place within a few days or weeks. In other cases, particularly when a student has been enrolled in their school system for a number of years, the transition can take a few months.
2. What paperwork is necessary for registering to homeschool?
The paperwork necessary for registering to homeschool will vary greatly according to the state and the local school district, but generally the process will involve one or multiple of the following documents: an affidavit of intent to homeschool, a withdrawal letter to the school, teacher recommendation letters, portfolio samples, and physical documents proving residence and parent-child relationship. As part of the paperwork preparation process, parents may also need to decide which documents and records will be used to track educational progress and document school year completion.
3. Do I need to notify the school before I withdraw my child?
In some cases, parents are required to let the school their child is currently attending know that their child will be leaving the school. For example, most states require that written notice be provided to the school district at least two (2) weeks prior.
The format and content of this notification varies by state, but generally it should include the parent’s name, the student’s name and date of birth, the address of the student’s residency, a declaration of intent to homeschool, and an acknowledgement that the student will no longer be attending public or private schools.
4. Do I need to hire a tutor or special teacher for homeschooling?
In some cases, parents may choose to hire a tutor or special teacher for homeschooling. For example, if a tutor or teacher is needed for specialized academic support or help with certain subjects (like mathematics or science), it may be more helpful and efficient to hire a professional.
On the other hand, if a parent feels comfortable providing the instruction and support themselves, hiring a tutor or teacher may not be necessary.
5. What resources and materials do I need to begin homeschooling?
The resources and materials necessary for homeschooling will depend on the age and academic level of the student, as well as the focus of their individualized education plan (IEP). In general, educational resources that parents may need to provide include educational materials (books, worksheets, and other instructional tools), technological resources (like a laptop or internet access), and access to extracurricular activities.
Parents may also want to consider joining a homeschool organization or support group to learn more about the process and find resources and materials.
6. Can I begin homeschooling without a curriculum or educational plan?
In general, it is recommended that parents create an educational plan for their children ahead of beginning homeschooling. This plan should encompass fully developed goals and an outline of the academic instruction and activities that will occur throughout the homeschooling year.
Without a curriculum or educational plan, it can be difficult to ensure that the student is meeting the educational requirements and making progress.
7. How do I evaluate my child’s progress and create assessment goals?
When homeschooling, evaluation of progress can look vastly different than in public or private schools. To ensure that progress is being made, parents can create assessment goals (ex.
tests, essays, or other tasks) and track the completion of these goals. They should also assess the student’s opinion of their own progress and evaluations, which can provide valuable feedback on how the parents are doing in providing a quality academic experience.
8. Is there an age limit for students to be homeschooled?
Most states do not have an age limit for students to be homeschooled, but some states may require students to be of a certain age before beginning a homeschool program. For example, in some states students must be at least five (5) years of age to begin homeschooling.
It is important to check the specific guidelines and requirements in one’s state before beginning the process.
9. Will my child need to take standardized tests or assessments?
In some cases, states may require the student to take standardized tests or assessments in order to gauge their academic progress. The frequency of these tests and assessments can vary greatly depending on the state, but generally parents should be prepared to administer these tests yearly or biannually.
10. Do I need to follow the same curriculum as public and private schools?
In some states, parents may be required to follow certain standards and curriculum when homeschooling their children. This can include following Common Core or state standards, or completing learning objectives that are similar to those used in public or private schools.
On the other hand, some states may allow parents to create and implement their own customize curriculum for their student if it meets the educational requirements for one’s state.
11. Will hospitals and dentists require proof that my child is in school?
In some cases, health care providers (ex. hospitals or dentists) may request proof that the child is enrolled in a school before providing services. In this case, parents can provide a statement of enrollment in their homeschool program, or they may create a document verifying the family’s intent to homeschool.
12. Do I need to prepare lesson plans for each academic lesson?
When homeschooling, parents may choose to create lesson plans for each academic lesson. This can provide structure and focus to the student’s academic instruction, and having a plan can help to ensure that the student has a full understanding of each concept.
On the other hand, many parents may find that lesson planning is not necessary for the homeschool process.
13. How should I document my child’s educational progress?
It is beneficial to document the student’s educational progress throughout their homeschooling experience. This can be done in a variety of ways, from creating portfolios of their assignments and assessment tasks, to creating and keeping records of field trips and activities, to tracking the amount of time spent on different subjects.
14. Are there any extracurricular activities available for homeschool students?
In many cases, homeschooled children may be able to participate in extracurricular activities and programs that are held at public and private schools. Parents can research and explore the various options available in their area, such as 4-H clubs, sports teams, or other programs that offer their children the opportunity to socialize and explore their interests outside the realm of traditional schooling.
15. How can I find other homeschooling families to network and collaborate with?
In many areas, there are homeschool organizations and support groups available for parents to connect and collaborate with. Parents may look for local and online sources to gain additional support and advice, as well as connect with other homeschool families in their area or around the world.
These connections can be a valuable resource for parents to discuss and share resources, lessons, and advice as they navigate the homeschooling process with their children.
Conclusion
Making the decision to withdraw a child from public or private school and begin homeschooling can come with its own set of challenges. However, when parents take the time to fully consider the questions covered in this guide and are mindful of the regulations and requirements of their state, the transition can be made much smoother.
With the right preparation and resources, homeschooling can be an effective, fulfilling, and rewarding educational option for today’s modern families.