by Melisa Stark
In the article, “Discipleship: Homeschooling a Child with Special Needs,” we explored the question, “How can we successfully homeschool a child with special needs?”
Now let’s look into the practical steps to get you on the right track.
How do you and your spouse define success and what is the main reason you have decided to homeschool?
Your answer to this question is key! If you’re new to homeschooling your child with learning differences, the following points are guidelines to get you started.
Family Mission Statement
Write your own mission statement for your family by creating a clear definition of why you homeschool. Think long term. What would you want for each child at the end of their education at home? Consider possible career paths. This will be helpful to have on paper to look at throughout the year, especially when you need to make important decisions about your schedule and which extracurricular classes to take.
Mission statements are also helpful on those difficult days when you wonder if it’s worth the hard work and effort of keeping your kids at home. The mission statement is most effective when both you and your spouse are on the same page. Set aside time in prayer to ask the Lord for His will for your family. Discuss what is important to you and come together with a unified goal for your family mission statement. Find more information on how to write one, click here.
Curriculum
When you homeschool privately by filing a PSA or being enrolled in a PSP, you have the freedom to choose a curriculum, including one that is faith-based, that best suits your children’s learning styles and your family values. For example, when you are teaching a subject that is difficult for your child, you can incorporate their interests, strengths, and learning style to make it more enjoyable. And remember less can mean so much more to children. Don’t get bogged down by trying to finish that workbook or check all those boxes on your list. Our aim is to point them to our heavenly Father. A healthy, close relationship with our children will encourage them to love learning and grow to become what God calls them to be.
If you would prefer to use a Christian curriculum, you have the freedom to choose one when you are a part of a private school satellite program (PSP) or you file your own private school affidavit (PSA). Click here to learn how to file a PSA. To learn more about the differences between private school and public school like charter schools, and the pros and cons of each, read this diagram.
Record Keeping
In California, record keeping is required starting when a child is six as of September 1 of that school year. This includes attendance and health forms. There are no extra requirements or documents needed for students who have special needs.
The state of California does not require an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) when you privately homeschool with a PSA or a PSP. An IEP document is written by school personnel for a school setting, which is no longer applicable. However, it may be helpful for parents to write a Student Education Plan (SEP) to document and organize the needs of your child. This plan can provide documentation if you were ever questioned about his or her education at home. It is also a great way to track their services and learning progress throughout the year. Learn more about SEPs in this article from HSLDA.
Support & Community
When homeschooling a child with special needs, it often requires outside services from professionals for speech therapy, physical therapy, or occupational therapy. Instead of going through your local school district, these services can be found through alternate avenues such as private practices or a referral from your pediatrician. Ask your church or other families about local therapists. Sometimes you can find professionals by word of mouth. Along with support through outside services from home, finding a homeschool community is also important.
There are countless blessings in belonging to a community of like-minded families in this homeschooling journey. Not only does the Lord want us to be in fellowship, but it makes the journey less traveled much more fun. Homeschooling can be lonely, especially when you have a neurodivergent child. However, be intentional about making those connections with others.
One of the many benefits of home education is that you get to choose and nurture friendships for your family. As with any relationship, friendships can be tricky. They take time and loving care to develop. Don’t give up! Give it to the Lord in prayer. Pray for relationships with families who will bring you closer to the Lord, and wait on the Lord for God’s perfect timing and will. You may have a special season when the Lord wants you all to Himself and your own family as He prepares your heart for relationships with others. Wait on the Lord and His perfect timing. If the Lord is calling you to find a group now, you can search for one local to you in our Homeschool Directory. This document offers tips for finding a homeschool group that is a good fit for your family.
Resources & Consultations
Do you need more help for your child’s specific learning challenges? Request a consultation! If you are a CHEA Homeschool Defender or Warrior member, you receive up to two 30-minute consultations per year with our special education consultant. Simply go online and fill out a request form to make an appointment. We are here to pray with you and offer advice, personalized resources, and tips for your child with special needs. In addition, CHEA members have access to countless resources on the website like articles, videos, a digital library, and so much more. Log into the website and explore.
If you would like a checklist on how to start homeschooling click here, and please feel free to call our educational consultant, Portia Fiedler, a service that’s free to all homeschool families. You can find her hours and phone number on the Contact page of our website.
About Melisa
Melisa is CHEA’s Special Needs Consultant. She and her husband homeschool their son. Her previous work experience is in special education. Melisa holds a clear credential as an Education Specialist and a Master of Science in Special Education in mild to moderate disabilities She is honored to have the opportunity to come alongside families with children that have special needs to pray, support, and encourage them in their homeschool journey.