There comes a time when the balance of helping or hindering a child shifts against remaining in the school system. The end of the year IEP meetings are over and parents are left wondering if any help is forth coming . Many experience mixed feelings about leaving behind IEPs and the teacher’s assistance, also there is fear and other’s pressuring you that can complicate matters. Where should you start if you want to homeschool?
If you want to homeschool then look up the laws in your state, each state is slightly different. Read them. Look to state organizations for clarification and forms (if necessary). You want to be sure you are homeschooling legally from the beginning.
Next look at your child’s needs. Does your child need ongoing therapy, specialized equipment, or specialized learning material. You may or may not have the ability to keep your child in the school therapy while you homeschool. Some states require that all children receive therapy if they need it. Some stick to the letter of IDEA and will test your child for special services but not provide them unless you are attending the public school.
Another issue to consider is that therapy from the school system is based on working only problems that have educational impact. That does cover a lot of ground but that is a low standard to set in my mind. I want my child to have a full enriched life and if therapy is needed to get them there then do it! If you chose private therapy you can do just that!
After you know your laws and have set up any outside therapy that is necessary you can break your child’s IEP. HSLDA has a letter that is breaks an IEP that is available to members. You can easily write your own letter. Keep is short sweet and formal. Full name of you and your child, today’s date, I am withdrawing my child___________ from his IEP. We will be tending to his needs through other means. Leave an address to send all correspondence. You want to keep all contact with the school in writing. Send all paperwork certified mail.
It can be hard to step away from the school system. Some chose to continue with the help of the school and have a good arrangements worked out. That is an incredibly personal choice and one that is based on where you live and the officials that you are dealing with.You are now the one in charge! Keep the big picture in mind, what will help your child the most.
Over the next few weeks I want to really dive into how to pick curriculum that works for you and your child. I am also going to talk about various common issues that hinder homeschooling, let’s plan around them now to keep your learning journey on track!
Our Village is a Little Different says
Thank you for posting this today. I have been struggling with this. My twins have Asperger Syndrome, and we still have services with the district. I found this year that it was more of a disruption than a benefit. I would have to disrupt the middle of our homeschooling to get to a session at the school. I have our meeting later this month, and I was going to request cutting back to a longer session once a week. If that doesn’t work out, I’m not going to feel too bad about cutting the ties. Thanks again. It’s true, we always get what we need if we look for it. =)