How to Home School Your Child With Special Needs

Homeschooling your child with special needs begins in much the same way as homeschooling any child. Parents must comply with state laws regarding homeschooling. However, there are additional considerations when a parent seeks to home school a child with disabilities. This article will highlight those additional considerations.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Computer
• Telephone
• Home school materials

1. Study the homeschooling laws in your state to determine what you must do to legally educate your child at home. Visit your state's department of education website for information on your state's laws.
2. Determine what therapies or services your child might need in addition to his or her academic studies. If your child has been attending public schools and has an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) then it will explain what therapies and services your child has been receiving in public school. You might also consult with your child's doctor or other specialists about their recommendations.
3. Talk with your school district's special education representative. Some districts are able to provide special education-related services (occupational therapy or speech and language services, for example) to home schooled special education students at no cost to the parents.
4. Make arrangements for your child to receive his or her therapies and related services either through the school as discussed in Step 3 or privately.
5. Develop a curriculum or lesson plans that you will use with your child. Make sure that they are geared toward your child's ability and interests. Also, make sure that they comply with any requirements as set forth by state law.
6. Teach your child according to your home school plan. Pay careful attention to his or her progress and seek out additional help as needed.

Tips & Warnings

• There is a lot of information about how to home school a child with special needs available on the internet. Some links are attached below. Be sure to review as many sources as you can to get ideas and hints about how best to educate your child based on all of the needs of your child including his or her grade level, interests, strengths and disability.
• Do not ignore the fact that your child has a disability. Make sure that he or she receives the related services that he or she needs.