Homeschooling is becoming more and more popular as parents, students and educators become increasingly aware of its many benefits. As a growing movement, homeschooling continues to provide an alternative to traditional schooling, allowing children to receive personalized instruction in an individualized setting.
While most states have regulations that provide a framework for homeschooling in the US, it is important to understand who is qualified to homeschool your child, as well as the guidelines that need to be followed. This article covers the basics of who can homeschool your child, including regulations, eligibility, and important considerations.
What is Homeschooling?
Homeschooling, or home education, is a type of education offered by parents or tutors in the home environment. Homeschooling differs from traditional academic education because it more closely follows the child’s interests and educational needs, often providing tailored instruction.
While state laws vary, most children who are homeschooling are limited to a curriculum that meets their developmental needs and provides a quality education that meets state standards.
Who is Eligible to Homeschool a Child?
In most states, the parent, guardian or other responsible adult must be the legal primary instructor for the child. Some states, however, may require that the parent be the only instructor.
For example, the state of California requires that the parent be the primary instructor, while in other states both the parent and an outside tutor can qualify. Parents of children ages 6 to 18 are typically the most eligible to homeschool their children as they are legally obligated to ensure the child receives an education.
What Regulations Must Be Followed?
Every state has its own set of regulations that must be followed in order to homeschool a child. Typically, the regulations are based on the age of the child, the type of instruction being used, as well as the qualifications of the instructor. For example, in California, parents must provide instruction for at least a total of 645 hours in each subject and must maintain an up-to-date portfolio of student work.
In other states, schools may ask that parents use a state-approved textbook or curriculum and provide quarterly progress reports to the school district. A lawyer or a school district can provide more information about the specific requirements of homeschooling in a particular state.
Who Are Common Instructors?
Common instructors for homeschooling include parents, guardians, home school teachers, online tutors, and other individuals who are qualified to provide quality instruction. Home school teachers and online tutors must possess the credentials required to teach in the state in which they reside. In addition, many states allow for the instruction of children by relatives who are not the parent or guardian, such as grandparents, aunts, uncles, and siblings.
It is important to check with state regulations before engaging any individuals who are not the parent or guardian to homeschool a child.
What Important Considerations Should Be Made?
When homeschooling a child, there are several important considerations that should be made. It is important to take into account the student’s developmental needs and interests while ensuring that they receive the quality education they deserve.
To ensure the best homeschooling environment, parents should create a personalized learning plan that meets the goals of the student, pays attention to their learning styles, and mitigates any potential shortcomings. Parents should also consider the costs of homeschooling, as some materials and services may not be covered by public funding. Finally, parents should be familiar with their state’s homeschooling laws and regulations and strive to stay informed with any changes in the law or in the curriculum of their choosing.
Conclusion
Homeschooling is an increasingly popular alternative to traditional schooling in the US. It is important for parents and individuals responsible for a child’s education to understand who is qualified to homeschool them, as well as the regulations that must be followed. This article has provided an overview of who can homeschool a child, what regulations needs to be followed, who are common instructors, and what important considerations need to be made.
With a little bit of research and guidance, you can create the right environment needed to provide your child a quality home schooling experience and ensure that they receive the education they deserve.