Getting Started
From SPED to Homeschooling

The following webpages will outline a variety of areas in which parents of special needs kids generally ask.  The pages are sorted by resources, as well as childhood disorders.  Resources are divided into two areas - those that are general in nature (homeschooling and special needs), and those that are specific to common disorders.  Please be sure to check both areas.

Leaving the Public School System

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 contained on this website 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.

Find Your State Homeschooling Laws
Click on your state for laws, organizations & resources

About Special Education Services

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 vary from school to school, but they generally consist of a monthly meeting with the special education teacher/director, etc. Your child's IEP can be closed - however, you can still go through the process as a private school student, in which case, the IEP is referred to as a "service plan." So, before you remove your child please make sure that you are willing to give up his/her SPED services!

Choose a Legal Option

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:

• File Your Own Private School Affidavit (R-4)
• Enroll in a Private Independent Study Program (ISP)
• Enroll in a Public ISP or Charter
• Tutoring Option for Those with Teaching Credentials

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.  Also on the Getting Started page are checklists for filing the R-4, enrolling in charter and private ISPs - you just need to choose your option, and follow the step-by-step lists.

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.  Read an article outlining the pros, cons, and tips in choosing a private ISP.

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 generally not an option that many families follow, simply because they do not possess the credential.

Important Points to Remember

There is a lot of misinformation provided to families who wish to homeschool their special needs children. The following points should be kept in mind, as you prepare to embark on your family's homeschooling journey.

It is not illegal to homeschool a child with special needs.

You do not need any special permission from any agency in order to homeschool your special needs child.

Being a credentialed teacher (special education or otherwise) is not required in order to homeschool your special needs child.

If you have questions about homeschooling, your best resource is a local or state homeschooling organization. Do not contact your local school district, the state department of education, or any public educational institution - they will just confuse (and possibly, intimidate you).

Public schools do not like to lose students with IEPs because they receive more state and federal funding for these children. Many schools will put up a fight to prevent parents from removing SPED children. Then again ... if your child is a handful (possibly you are as well!), the school might not care.