Can I really do it? Where do I begin?

This week I was corresponding with a mama who has some huge concerns about the education her child with special needs is receiving in the public school.

I'm frequently asked the same types of questions that all boil down to this:

Can I really do it?

And I have a bold answer for you:  YES, YOU CAN!!!!

Please let me assure you, no one (except God) loves your child as much as you do.  No one wants your child to succeed like you do.  No one knows your child like you do.  No one will work as hard as you to teach your child.

Now, there is a big learning curve.  There is no set "guidebook" that tells you everything you need to do.  But you will learn.  You will make mistakes.  You will want to quit (many times over).  But guess what, you will also be the one that gets to see the progress!  You get to see the light bulb turn on and the spark in your child's eyes.  You will also learn more through the process than you could ever imagine.

The other question that I'm most often asked is:

Where do I start?

Well, it depends where you live.  It is important to thoroughly research and know what you need to do to legally homeschool.  If you search for "homeschool requirements in (your state)" it should provide you with a starting point.  You may have to register with an umbrella school or your local superintendent.  You also want to see what you need to keep track of for legal purposes.  This may be:  attendance, books, resources, curriculum, etc.  You want to see if your child will have to take standardized tests, requirements for exemption and whether or not you will need to submit a portfolio of their work.

I know it sounds a little overwhelming, but it is really not that bad.  The important thing is, you want to do it right.  Homeschooling is legal in all 50 states, but the requirements vary considerably.  So do your homework!

Next time, we will discuss curriculum!  Happy Days, my friends!
Jennifer