The popular concept of homeschooling is on the rise across the United States. California is one of the most flexible states when it comes to homeschooling, and Bakersfield specifically is one of the larger cities in the state with many homeschool programs. Homeschooling has become increasingly popular for parents for a variety of reasons such as a desire for individualized attention, adapting to a child’s learning style, or customizing the curriculum.
Before deciding if it is best for your child and family, you should fully understand what homeschooling involves and what is required to do so in California.
What Are the Requirements for Homeschooling in California?
In California, parents have the legal right to homeschool their children provided they comply with the legal requirements in the state. The first and probably most important requirement is that a parent must have a valid California high school diploma, GED, or equivalent. The second requirement is that a parent must obtain and file a Private School Affidavit with the California Department of Education.
In order to do so, a California resident must complete the PSA application form and submit it to the California Department of Education. This must be done no later than October 15th in order to be considered legal.
This form is used to declare that the parent is offering educational instruction at home and the submission must include school year information, a list of all students enrolled, and the signature of the person acting as the principal of the school. The third requirement is that parents must provide instructional hours that are equal to the number of hours that are specified in the compulsory attendance law of California. Compulsory attendance law of California states that children 6-18 years of age must be in attendance with a recognized school for either 180 days each year or 1090 hours each year (the equivalent of 6 hours each day).
The hours per day may vary according to what type of school the student is enrolled in. The fourth requirement for homeschoolers in California is that parents must keep records, such as attendance, a log of instructional hours, and the student’s records of the courses completed and grades.
These records should be kept for three years after the student graduates or leaves the program. The fifth requirement is that parents must submit an annual assessment of the student’s achievements. This assessment can include standardized tests, work samples, and/or a portfolio review.
The assessment should be conducted by a qualified person, such as an experienced teacher.
What Are Some Tips and Advice for What to Consider Before Putting Your Child into a Homeschool Program in Bakersfield, California?
Before deciding to homeschool your child, there are a few factors to consider. You should ask yourself if you have the ability and motivation to create a learning environment to help your child grow and advance. You should also ask yourself if you have the ability and motivation to stay consistent and committed to the homeschool program.
Do you have enough knowledge and experience to homeschool your child in an effective manner?When determining whether or not to homeschool your child, it is important that you understand the scope of your undertaking and the type of curriculum you will use to teach your child.
Homeschooling requires a deeper and constant engagement from the parent which often requires restructuring the time available to ensure the activities and responsibilities of life are carried out. Moreover, another important factor to consider when determining whether or not to homeschool your child is the learning style of your child and your ability to adapt to such learning. What works for one child may not work for another.
Therefore, it is essential to understand the type of learner your child is to ensure that homeschooling works for him or her. Additionally, you should research the homeschool programs available in Bakersfield, California.
You should be sure to find a reputable program and determine the cost of tuition before enrolling. Furthermore, you should inquire if the program offers specialized instruction, such as advanced classes and foreign language instruction.
You should also ask about any extra-curricular activities that are offered.
What Are Some of the Pros and Cons of Homeschool in Bakersfield, California?
Homeschooling provides parents with valuable opportunities such as the ability to customize and tailor the curriculum to the individual needs of their child, the flexibility of learning at their own pace, and less distractions from socialization and peer pressure. On the other hand, homeschooling also has some potential drawbacks.
First, homeschooling requires the parent to be an educator and that may not be something everyone is comfortable with. Parents may not have the educational background, resources, or knowledge to provide the level of teaching a student needs. Additionally, homeschooling can also become quite expensive.
The cost of tuition programs, books, supplies, and materials can add up quickly. Furthermore, homeschooling may limit the student’s access to certain activities or facilities such as sports and music programs or the use of public libraries.
Lastly, there is the potential for social isolation if you don’t provide your child with opportunities to participate in activities that expose them to a variety of peers.
What Are Some Resources and Tips for Finding a Reputable Homeschooling Program in Bakersfield, California?
It is important to research the homeschooling programs available in Bakersfield, California. There are a few things to consider when choosing the right program for your child. First, consider the location of the program.
Is the program conveniently located or will you have to drive additional miles or spend more time commuting to get there? You also want to consider the classes or activities available.
Is there a wide selection of courses offered or just a few? What types of extra-curricular activities are offered?
The next thing to consider is the curriculum and instruction plan. What type of curriculum does the program use? Is it age-appropriate?
Does it provide instruction to cater to the individual needs of your child? You also want to find out if the program offers individualized instruction or if it is just a one-size-fits-all approach. Another important factor to consider is the qualifications of the instructors.
Do the instructors have teach credentials or are they volunteers? Is the program supported by a qualified and experienced administrative staff?
If not, you may want to reassess the program you’re considering. Finally, you want to determine the cost of tuition and the availability of scholarships or other assistance. Not all programs have the same tuition rates or financial aid options and that can be a deciding factor when selecting the right program for your child.
How to Obtain the Necessary Materials for Homeschool Programs in Bakersfield, California?
Once you find the right homeschool program in Bakersfield, California, the next step is to obtain the necessary materials and supplies. The most important material is the curriculum, or the set of concepts and ideas that makes up the core of the program and provides the framework for instruction.
In most circumstances, parents are responsible for purchasing the textbooks and other material required to cover the broader, general education portion of the curriculum. You can purchase these materials at bookstores or online. Another useful source is public libraries, where children and their parents can access books, movies, and other resources.
Then there are the courses, activities, and resources tailored to the specific needs of the student. These might include tutoring, sports teams, arts programs, music programs, and foreign language classes.
These often require both a tuition fee and additional materials. For example, if your child is enrolled in a foreign language class, you may be asked to purchase a textbook, workbook, and other supplementary materials. You can also find other resources to supplement the instruction of the homeschool program.
For example, online resources such as YouTube, podcasts, and educational websites can provide additional learning opportunities. Local organizations, such as your local library or community center, often offer additional classes or activities to complement or supplement the homeschool program.
In addition to materials and resources, there are other items you may need depending on the program. This might include items such as tablets or laptops, access to Wi-Fi, or other technology.
Conclusion
Homeschooling offers a number of advantages and can be a viable option for many families in Bakersfield, California. Before embarking on this journey, however, it is important that parents understand and comply with the legal requirements involved in homeschooling, consider the cost and time involved in providing a quality education for their child, and research the available programs and materials as well as resources to supplement the curriculum.
With the right information and a bit of preparation, homeschooling can be a great experience for both parent and child.