Homeschooling is becoming an increasingly popular alternative to traditional classroom education for many families. When a parent chooses to homeschool their child, the primary responsibility lies with them to develop a plan and make sure that the student is meeting the academic standards set out by their state.
But what happens if the parent is unable to properly manage their child’s learning at home? Who else is allowed to step in and take the reins of homeschooling? In this article, we’ll dig into the specifics of who is able to homeschool your child if you’re in the home.
What Qualifies Someone to Legally Homeschool My Child?
For someone to be legally eligible to be a homeschool instructor for your child, they must first meet the qualifications established by your state. Generally, this involves having a state approved high school diploma or equivalent certificate, such as a GED or other approved form of educational equivalency. The person must also be able to communicate effectively in written or spoken English.
Some states may require additional qualifications, such as a teaching certificate or background check. It’s important to check with your state for the most up-to-date information about the qualifications.
Once someone has been determined to meet the qualifications, they must then be approved as a homeschool instructor. Depending on your state, this can involve registering as a homeschool instructor with your local school district or state education department. In some states, the homeschool instructor must pass a background check and/or certification exam.
There may also be other requirements in order to be approved to homeschool a student, so it is important to research the requirements carefully.
Who Else Can Help Homeschool My Child If I’m Unable to Do So?
In some cases, if a parent is unable to properly manage their student’s learning, they may be able to enlist help from an outside source. This could include an approved private tutor, a distant learning program such as an online course, or a private school that offers homeschooling. When looking for a private tutor or home school program, it is important to ensure that the provider is in compliance with your state’s homeschool laws.
This will most often involve confirming that the tutor meets all the qualifications to legally homeschool students in your state. It’s also important to make sure that the provider is able to handle the specific needs of your student, such as one-on-one instruction or a specialized curriculum.
Parents are also able to collaborate with other homeschool families to create a “co-op”, where students receive instruction in small-group settings. Though this setup is typically informal and requires minimal regulations, it’s important to note that homeschool co-ops may still be subject to your state’s homeschool laws.
What If My Child Has Special Needs?
Students with special needs may require additional accommodations to ensure that they receive the necessary instruction to succeed. These could include specially designed instruction and other related services such as speech and language pathology, psychological services, and physical and occupational therapy. In some cases, parents of special needs students can receive funding from their state’s Individualized Education Program (IEP), which provides additional support for homeschooling parents.
Additionally, some states offer virtual instruction that can be tailored to the needs of the student, such as specialized curriculum or individualized schedules. It’s important to check with your state to determine what additional services they provide for special needs students and how they can be accessed.
Conclusion
When it comes to who is allowed to homeschool your child when you’re in the home, it’s important to take the time to research the laws and regulations set out by your state. Additionally, you may want to enlist the help of a qualified and approved private tutor or other outside source to ensure that your student is receiving quality instruction.
For families who have special needs students, it’s essential to check with your state to determine what additional services they offer and how they can be accessed. With the right preparation and guidance, homeschooling has the potential to be a successful and enriching experience for parent and child alike.