Who Do I Contact to Start Homeschooling

Many new homeschoolers often ask themselves, "Who do I contact to start homeschooling?"

Unfortunately the answer to this question can sometimes be very complicated. In every case, who you should contact depends on your state. Homeschooling is legal in every single state; however, each state has its own requirements for homeschooling. While some states require nothing, other states require a minimal amount of paperwork. Still other states require a lot of paperwork, along with possible testing and year end reports.

While you can look up the information online with your local board of education, you should not necessarily count on the board of education for giving you 100 percent accurate information. Instead, use a resource like HSLDA to confirm that what the board of education tells you and the information you're looking up is consistent. You can also request a copy of the law in writing through the board of education.

Finding a support group can feel like a breath of fresh air for a new homeschooler. Not only is there the opportunity to bond with other homeschooling moms, but it's also an opportunity to clarify the legal requirements of your state with moms who have firsthand knowledge of what to do and how to navigate what can sometimes be a legal maze. Finding a local support group is easier than it looks, especially with many groups posting information online. Here are a few resources for you:

• Groups listed by state.
• Local HS is a site dedicated specifically to resources by state. You can list things you are aware of as well.

If you do have to contact the board of education in your state, what should you say? While the laws vary by state, you want to be careful to give the information that is required by law, but not more than is required by law. In addition, some parents feel like they should explain why they are homeschooling or unleash their complaints regarding their child's school on the board of education. In fact, if you need to contact the board of education you simply need to tell them that you plan on homeschooling.

In most states, you do have to tell your child's school that you are withdrawing the child. You should do this in writing, in addition to or in lieu of telling the school personnel in a conversation. Any written communication should be sent via certified mail so that if you have to, you can prove that the school was notified. It should be noted that this letter is not the time to tell the school of any unresolved issues. Rather, you simply need to let them know that you are homeschooling your child. If there are unresolved issues with the school, and you feel you need to meet with someone, those issues are better discussed separately.

When you're wondering, "who do I need to contact to start homeschooling", think first of board of education and then verify the information on a website like HSLDA.

• Thanksgiving Facts
• What Kinds of Animals Live in a Jungle
• Homeschooling Notebooking Ideas
• Which Curriculum Is Right For Me?

• Free Worksheets on Prefixes and Suffixes
• Free Grammar Worksheets
• Longitude Worksheet
• Free Spanish Worksheets for Kindergarten
• Printable Synonym Worksheets