If you’re a parent who lives in the Detroit, Michigan area and are considering homeschooling a child with special needs, you may have a lot of questions. Homeschooling a student with special needs can seem daunting, and understanding the available resources, requirements and accommodations is key. Here, we cover 15 essential questions to answer before you begin.
1. What Laws and Regulations Are In Place?
Before starting any homeschooling journey, it’s best to understand all of the state and local laws that surround homeschooling and special education. In Detroit, Michigan, parents are under the laws and regulations of the Michigan Department of Education, which oversee the public, private, and homeschools in the area. The Michigan Department of Education has specific guidelines that must be followed, such as that homeschool parents need to comply with all immunization requirements, submit an annual notice of intent, and keep a log of their educational activities.
Furthermore, the Department outlines the Notification of Student Access, which is a legal document that states which local school is responsible for providing special education to home educated students.
2. Should I Notify My Local School District?
Yes, and it is important that you contact your local school district to explain that you are homeschooling your child with special needs. By making the school aware that you are homeschooling, they can understand your specific needs and provide the necessary accommodations or support. The school district is responsible for setting up an individualized education plan (IEP) for your child, and this plan should cover any special accommodations that your child may need in order to succeed in his/her homeschooling environment.
3. How Can I Get the Necessary Resources?
The resources you need for homeschooling a child with special needs will vary based on your child’s unique needs. However, there are a few places that you can look to find the resources you need. The first place to look is with special education advocacy groups.
These groups specialize in providing families with the necessary resources to help their children with special needs succeed in school. They can assist with things like finding the right support services, resources, and/or simulations for your child, as needed.
Additionally, local libraries and bookstores also often carry books and resources related to special needs and homeschooling, so these can be a good starting point. The Michigan Development Disabilities Council also provides a list of resources specifically designed for students with disabilities living in Detroit, Michigan.
4. What Accommodations Should I Provide?
The accommodations you provide for your child with special needs will depend largely on their specific needs. Generally, you should provide any accommodations that are outlined in your child’s IEP. These can include things like one-on-one instruction, modified pacing, extended time for assessments, adapted materials, and physical accommodations.
It is important to ensure that you are providing accommodations that are appropriate for your child. This may involve talking with a special education teacher or an advocate, to make sure that your child is getting all of the accommodations they require.
5. What Professional Support Should I Seek?
When homeschooling a child with special needs, it can be helpful to seek out professional support. This could include a special education teacher, a social worker, or a psychologist, all of whom can provide invaluable insight and resources to help your child succeed. Additionally, it is important to consider what legal rights your child has, and to seek out support from an attorney if needed.
Detroit also has a variety of special education advocacy groups that can provide guidance and resources.
6. Who Can Help With Curriculum and Planning?
Depending on your child’s individual needs, you may wish to utilize online curriculum or other resources to help with lesson planning. For this, you can consider speaking with a special education teacher or a private tutor.
There are also a number of online resources that can be helpful, such as the National Center for Learning Disabilities, which offers resources, information and tips on how to homeschool a child with special needs.
7. What Are My Options for Evaluating My Child’s Progress?
It is important that you evaluate your child’s progress throughout their homeschooling journey, to ensure they are staying on track. Generally, you can choose to either have a special education teacher or a private tutor evaluate your child’s progress.
The Michigan Department of Education also allows for homeschooled students to take standardized tests each year.
8. How Can I Make Sure My Child Receives Sufficient Social Interaction?
Social interaction is an important part of children’s development, and this is especially true for children with special needs. Thankfully, there are a number of ways to ensure your child receives sufficient social interaction.
Firstly, attending special education events such as group classes or summer camps can be beneficial. You can even join a homeschoolers group or co-op, to get your child involved with their peers in an educational setting. Additionally, joining online forums, or connecting with other homeschoolers through social media can also provide social interaction.
9. What Are the Financial Challenges Associated With Homeschooling?
Budgeting is an important part of homeschooling, and financial challenges can occur if not properly managed. Generally, you should start by setting a budget and determining what your financial resources are.
You should also consider any financial aid or grants that you may be eligible for, and if your child is eligible for any state or federal assistance.
10. Who Is Eligible for Assistance Programs?
In Detroit, Michigan, children with special needs may apply for the state’s special education assistance program. This program provides financial assistance with tutors, textbooks, and other resources that may be beneficial to your child’s education.
You can also look into local and federal grants, which can help with things like purchasing educational materials or obtaining the necessary technology for your child’s homeschooling.
11. What Other Types of Outside Support Might I Need?
In addition to tutors, special education counselors, and therapists, you may also want to consider getting a service animal, or an emotional support animal, if this is something that your child needs. This can often be a great way to provide a safe space for your child, and can offer comfort and support when needed.
12. What Are the Benefits of Homeschooling a Child With Special Needs?
Homeschooling can provide a number of benefits for a child with special needs, such as increased flexibility and customizability. When homeschooling, you can provide your child with the necessary accommodations and resources they need to succeed.
You can also give your child one-on-one attention, create a curriculum that is tailored to their specific needs, and provide a learning environment that is safe and comfortable.
13. Are There Any Resources Available For Families Of Special Needs Students?
Yes, there are a number of resources available to help families of special needs students. In Detroit, Michigan, resources like the Michigan Development Disabilities Council provide guidance and support to parents of children with special needs. Additionally, the National Center for Learning Disabilities provides guidance and resources on homeschooling a child with special needs.
14. How Can I Receive Technical Assistance?
If you have any questions or need help with lesson planning, you can reach out to your local resource center for assistance. In Detroit, Michigan, there are a number of resource centers, such as the Student Resource Center on the University of Michigan’s campus. Additionally, you may be able to access community technical assistance through your local board of education.
15. Are There Any Online Support Groups?
There are a number of online support groups available for families of children with special needs. These groups provide a space for families to connect and discuss their experiences with homeschooling a child with special needs.
Additionally, many of the online forums and communities provide access to resources and support, as well as access to specialized tutors or counselors.
Conclusion
Homeschooling a child with special needs can seem overwhelming, but with the right resources and support, it can be a rewarding and rewarding experience. Knowing the laws and regulations in Detroit, Michigan, seeking professional support, and finding the resources you need are key steps to successful homeschooling.
Additionally, ensuring you provide the necessary accommodations for your child and that they receive enough social interaction is important. By answering the 15 questions discussed in this article, you can be sure that you understand all that you need to know before beginning the homeschooling process.