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Special Needs
Can I really do this?
Article
Considering Homeschooling Your Child with Special Needs?
Let’s walk through some important questions and consider some next steps!
Read MoreCan I really do this?
Yes, you can! As your child’s parent and first teacher, you know your child better than anyone else. You’ve already taught them so much about life: how to talk, walk, relate to other people, be safe, be resilient and keep trying, and believe that they can do whatever they set out to do.
You can equip them to love learning and to reach their best in life.
Looking for more special needs resources?
We've got lots more! Wherever you are in your homeschooling journey, we can equip you to help your struggling learner shine.
Can I legally homeschool my child with special needs?
Yes. And it can be a great option! Whether your child has a physical or mental disability or a specific learning disability, homeschooling may be the best option to help them thrive educationally. You may not be a special education expert, but you are an expert on your child!
Check out your state’s special needs provisions to see regulations that may apply to your homeschool. And please visit our Special Needs page to access free articles and other resources.
Am I required to have an individualized education plan (IEP) for homeschooling?
Your homeschool program is, by nature, unique and individualized to your child’s needs. As a homeschooling parent, you are not required to follow the individualized education program (IEP) that your child had in public school or to get an IEP from the public school.
However, if your child has had an IEP in the past, the wisest path may be to continue with some or all of the IEP’s elements, using a private provider instead of the public school for services like speech and occupational therapy.
You are free to select any appropriate goals and helpful instructional strategies from your child’s past IEP that you want to use in your child’s new homeschool program. HSLDA encourages parents to draft (and keep in their homeschool files) their own written plan, often referred to as a student education plan (SEP) in the homeschool world.
Are there options for therapeutic services if I homeschool?
There are! In some states where homeschools qualify as “private schools,” you may qualify for services through the public schools. You can learn more about your state’s special needs provisions here.
Alternatively, if your child is currently receiving public education services, you may wish to begin transitioning to private sources for your child’s educational needs. There are many ways to obtain a private service provider. You can learn more about locating one here.
If you would like to learn more about homeschooling a child with special needs, we invite you to check out our Special Needs page. We’ve got lots of resources and support for your homeschooling journey, from start to finish!
Concerned about being able to afford services? You might be interested in applying for one of HSLDA’s Compassion Curriculum Grants.
What if our family cannot afford private services or therapy?
HSLDA understands that private therapeutic services can add up quickly. And we know that you are committed to providing the best education possible for your child no matter the cost.
That’s why HSLDA offers Curriculum Grants to homeschooling families in need of private services. You can learn more and apply for a grant here.
Other local, state, and national organizations also offer assistance to families needing help with private services for their children.