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1120 results for   Category: Getting Started

First, you might be surprised to discover that the typical homeschool day—especially for elementary-aged children—takes a lot less time than it does in a traditional school setting.

But your instinct to consider the time commitment is right on. Homeschooling is a big investment for you as a parent. It involves taking full responsibility for your child’s education—planning out their school year and field trips, arranging for testing or other assessments, recordkeeping, figuring out what parts you will teach and what parts you might delegate to a tutor, a co-op, another parent, or an online or local course, etc.

And you’re already wearing a lot of hats—that’s true, too! Homeschooling is incredibly flexible—that gives you the beautiful opportunity to completely customize your homeschool schedule around your child’s learning pace and interests, your family’s calendar, and unique learning opportunities.

While homeschooling will not magically make them perfectly behaved, you’ll get to really know your kids and their passions. You’ll be able to develop a deep and lasting healthy relationship with each child, to nurture strong relationships with their siblings, to see their “firsts” and ah-ha! moments, and to help them learn to persevere through tears to triumph over their own challenges. You’ll also probably get to connect with other parents who will be happy to swap teaching or babysitting with you occasionally so you and they can get a break!

HSLDA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, tax-exempt, religious, membership organization that advocates for homeschooling, defends the civil rights of homeschoolers, and provides assistance to homeschoolers in hard times. We are governed by a board and no profits inure to the benefit of any employees or board members. Membership dues are not tax-deductible, but as a 501(c)(3), we are able to receive tax-deductible donations. Learn more about HSLDA here.

The answer depends on the laws of that country, since a country’s education laws apply to all children who reside there, whether or not they are citizens. Start by contacting the HSLDA Global Outreach team by emailing us at international@hslda.org or calling us at 540-338-5600. We have information on homeschooling laws in many countries where such laws exist and insight into the general educational climate in many other countries. Even if homeschooling is not explicitly recognized by law, it may still be possible to homeschool. We may also be able to connect you with a homeschooling family or support organization in the country.

Always contact HSLDA before speaking with any foreign country’s officials regarding home education.

Military families stationed in a foreign country with which the United States has entered into a treaty (for example, NATO, or the North Atlantic Treaty Organization) may have different legal protections than are available to civilians or contractors. Again, contact HSLDA for advice in this or any other situation involving homeschooling overseas.

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What Is Freedom For?

What does homeschooling look like? Every family is beautiful and unique—here’s a quick glimpse of how freedom enables every family to homeschool in the way that’s best for their children.
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Working with a Local Private Special Education Professional

Need help evaluating your child’s functioning levels, adapting homeschool curriculum to special needs, working through tricky behavior issues, monitoring progress, or doing year-end assessments? Try a local special education professional!
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Considering Homeschooling Your Child with Special Needs?

How can I know if homeschooling is a good fit for my child’s special needs and for my family? What’s it like? What about an IEP? Can I get special education services and therapy while homeschooling? . . .
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¿Está considerando educar a su hijo con necesidades especiales en casa?

¡Repasemos varias preguntas importantes y consideremos algunos pasos a seguir!
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What’s an SEP / IEP / ISP?

You’ve decided to homeschool your special needs child. Now you have to figure out the “how”! The questions can be overwhelming, but a homeschool student education plan (SEP) can help you stay organized and focused on what really matters.
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Finding a Homeschool Friendly Special Education Professional

Four places to start your search for the right evaluator, psychologist, or other professional, to help in your special-needs homeschooling.
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7 Reasons to Create a Student Education Plan (SEP)

Learn how a Student Education Plan (SEP), the homeschool version of an IEP, can help you make sure your homeschooled child’s special needs are addressed so they can enjoy success in learning!
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¿Qué es un SEP / IEP / ISP?

Decidió educar a su hijo con necesidades educativas especiales en casa, pero ahora se siente abrumado. Un plan educativo personalizado (SEP) le puede ayudar a mantenerse organizado y enfocado en lo que importa.
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Creating a Student Education Plan (SEP) to Meet My Child’s Special Needs

So you’ve decided to homechool your special needs child, and you’re ready for the practical stuff! Here are 5 simple steps to create your child’s Student Education Plan (SEP), the homeschool version of an Individualized Education Plan (IEP).
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Filling In Your School Year—The Big Picture View

Getting my ducks in a row: What kinds of things do I need to have on hand for effective lesson planning?
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