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Homeschooling Basics
 to Successfully Homeschooling the Child with Learning Differences |
From SPED to Homeschooling Removing one's child from public school and starting to homeschool can be a daunting task for many parents. If you have a child with special needs and/or learning disabilities, that move can be downright intimidating! However, it need not be. This webpage is similar to our page, Getting Started with Homeschooling - except that this one is specific to those whose children have an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) currently in place with a public school. This information is specific to those residing in California. Families from other states should contact a nonprofit homeschooling organization in the state in which they reside. While there are numerous organizations serving special education children, many of them are simply unaware of homeschooling laws.
Please be advised that enrolling special needs
children in a private school such as BayShore will discontinue
any special services/therapies provided by the public school
system. IDEA states that children enrolled in non-public schools
are only eligible for public school consultation services. These
services
The first thing you will need to do is to determine the legal option under which you plan to homeschool. Do not simply remove your child from public school without first having another legal option! Doing so could result in truancy and/or educational neglect charges being brought against you. In California, there are four options:
You can read about the basics of these options on the Getting Started in Homeschooling webpage, but there are some issues related to each option that are specific for IEP'd children.
Filing the R-4 This option provides the most flexibility, but many families new to homeschooling may encounter problems when requesting your child's records from their previous school. Officials may balk at forwarding the records because they are unaware of the private school laws and/or feel that parents are not capable of educating their own children. If you think that this could occur in your family's situation, it may be best to enroll with private ISP for your first year or so. Once your child's records have been received by the private ISP and after you feel more comfortable homeschooling, many families will file their own R-4. It is much easier to obtain records from a private ISP, and it has served as a buffer between you and the public school. Private ISP There are many of these programs throughout the state - some are faith-based (requiring a statement of faith) while others are nonsectarian (they will accept families of any faith) or secular. These programs have already filed the R-4 with the state and they operate as a business. Children enroll in these programs in the same manner as with any private school. The program's administrator/principal will request your child's records from his/her previous school. The tuition for these programs vary in cost. The more expensive ones provide curriculum and possibly, teacher support. Many of the smaller, more cost-effective ISPs will provide assistance with learning plans, if requested. Next to filing your own R-4, this option provides you with the most flexibility - depending on the program. Charter Programs/Public ISPs In California, many public charter programs are designed specifically for homeschoolers. While these are public school programs, they operate under a number of different guidelines and individual programs may not provide SPED services. Do not count on these programs to continue the services outlined in your child's IEP. Some programs may be willing to provide services, but most do not have the resources to do so. Check with individual programs for their policies regarding service delivery. Tutoring Option This is not an option that many families follow, simply because they do not possess the credential.
Once you have determined your legal option, follow the pertinent steps to be homeschooling legally.
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Disorders
File Your Own Private School Affidavit (R-4)
Enroll
in the program of your choice