The year is ending and final I.E.P meetings are happening all over the nation. Have you decided to homeschool next year? Are you questioning keeping your child in public school but you don’t know what else to do? Here are a few tips, reminders and I pray encouragement to do what is best for your child.
The question to homeschool or not is not a simple one to answer. You may homeschool this year and next year return your child to public school or a private school. Try to take this decision in small steps. Like any large decision in your life there are many angles that you must think of and weigh various outcomes.
1. Is the education my child receiving or about to receive (such as preschool or kindergarten) quality and safe environment? If not what exactly bothers you.
2. Can the teachers or aides provide the medical attention or behavioral care needed? This can vary widely from year to year. I have a friend that tracks down the next year’s special education teacher and has an informal interview with them. This way she has the summer to decide whether it is a good fit or not.
3. Will my child be taught beliefs that are against my families beliefs? You may have to look at this one carefully. If you believe that the Lord created the universe than know that every text in your local public school casually references millions of years of evolution.
4. What can we truly afford? Money is a strong reason why both parents must work. Is the trade off too high? Is your child failing and falling farther and farther behind? What worth is that in light of the money crunch? I know you love your child dearly. So this is a guilt ridden question but I ask you to really think it over and answer yourself honestly.
5. This one is more for you the parent. Why do you send your child to school? Is it from a belief that the public school system is a wonderful place to grow and learn? Or is it because that is what is expected? Fear not I was on the wrong side of this question at one point in my life. I don’t know that I would have had the courage to stand up to the early 1980’s pressure against homeschooling.
Homeschooling is legal is all the states and many international countries. There are various laws that apply as per the state. In some states if your child has a disability you may have to provide more paperwork or have an I.E.P. with the local school board.
If you are leaving the public school system with an I.E.P. that was active this past year you will have to close out the I.E.P. You do not owe any apologies to the professionals nor should you feel that you need to explain yourself. Keep it simple, short and do not get emotional even if there were major problems. You can air your grievances as appropriate. You are in charge as the parent and that should be acknowledged. If things get bad take notes and names of all present and exactly who said what. Call your legal help after the meeting if there is something of a threatening or legally serious nature.
Be sure to comply with all laws and regulations concerning homeschooling. There are several legal associations that help homeschoolers to clear up legal problems or if we have to fight to get an onerous law changed. I would recommend joining one of them.
Home School Legal.com legal informational site
I leave you with this. Search you heart and understand WHY you are placing your child in the learning situation be it homeschooling, public schooling or private. If you chose to homeschool know that there are a multitude of choses available. From what texts, learning style, to groups choir, orchestra, or atheltics. The Lord has placed a large responsiblity on your shoulders. He will give you the answers you seek just ask Him.
[…] week I have two posts in the Carnival. One is from here the Question you should ask about your child’s education The other post is from the GFCF Mom of Many blog over on Homeschool Blogger. Ways to Save Money […]