Homeschooling Special Needs Students

 There are many reasons for parents to consider homeschooling for your  special needs children, such as:

•  You can give your child the individual attention and a custom program that works best for your child
• You can control the distractions in the environment, and use what works best for your childs learning type.
• Spending time together preserves and helps to strengthen the family bond and makes the family the primary socializing agent in your child’s life
• You can take delight in being with your child to witness and be a part of his or her learning experience
  

For Children with IEP's

According to the VA DoE's “Fact Sheet on Home Instruction,” the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) mandates that all children with disabilities have available to them a free appropriate public education that is designed to meet their individual needs in conformity with the child's Individualized Education Program (IEP).

Both of the regulations and the United States Department of Education's General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) make it very clear that public education is not the only option for children with disabling conditions.

However, the children who are being educated in home instruction programs are still entitled to take part in any of the related services that are provided by the school division for which they are eligible to attend.

School divisions have to remain ready to serve these children when parents go in search for these services either through regular enrollment or as nonpublic students.

Of course, each county seems to determine its own interpretation of this law. Some school divisions have become tighter in provision of services to handicapped or disabled non-public students, both for at home and privately schooled.

I know that in Canada, these services are provided free to the children in Ontario and these children can receive dividends of up to $350 per month to cover educational costs.

Here are some good tips about home schooling “special needs” children:

•  Don't spend any of your money until you have done a lot of reading of what is covered for you or what grants you can apply for.

•  Read as many books and magazines and browse as many websites as you can for information

•  Relax: there are no educational emergencies that can’t be solved quickly.

• Take some time to evaluate your method regularly and make adjustments as you see fit.

• Know that you'll have ups and downs--they are part of the process.

Know that for all the frustration you may encounter, choosing homeschooling for special needs students will bring you both immense joy, satisfaction, and develop a closer bond than you ever thought possible.

Check out these Books for Homeschooling Children with Special Needs