Click on one of the following questions to go directly to information on that topic:

I want to sign up for the homeschooling program. How do I do that?
Do I have to be qualified to teach?
Do I have to keep records of what my children do?
Do I need to test my kids?
How will I know homeschooling is working?
What is the best way to teach my child?
What does homeschooling cost?
I want someone else to homeschool my child.
       Can you recommend someone?
Can a single parent homeschool?
Can working parents homeschool?
Can I homeschool my child with special needs?
Can a homeschooler really get accepted into college?
What about socialization?
How do we cope with negative family and friends?
My question wasn't answered here. Where can I find more FAQ's?

I want to sign up for the homeschooling program. How do I do that?

There is no such thing as "the homeschooling program". Homeschooling is a choice that families make regarding their children's education. It is up to the parents and children to decide what and how subjects are studied. More information on methodologies can be found here.

Do I have to be qualified to teach?

 In Connecticut, parents are responsible for providing instruction for their children in the manner they choose, but no certification is necessary. You teach your children from the moment they're born and homeschooling is a natural extension of that relationship. Many homeschoolers do not "teach" lessons around the kitchen table as is the assumption about homeschooling. Because kids learn a lot on their own, most of the time you will find yourself in the role of resource gatherer or facilitator. You may just have to clarify information that your child has read, or explain a concept. For those subjects that you know very little about (like rocket science or algebra) you may want  to be on the lookout for an outside class through a local college, or programs offered in the homeschool community.
 

Do I have to keep records of what my children do?

This is up to you. Some people do keep records. If you buy a curriculum, you automatically have a paper trail. All you need to do is corral all the paper! Usually, a binder works well. You can keep the papers that are relevant and even file extra things like photographs you and your children took of the crystal garden you grew on the day you got snowed in. Also include photos of the snowball fight you had afterward.

Records are not only helpful for you, they are very useful for your child, no matter how old or young. Children need to see that they are making progress on many levels. This is an opportunity for you to teach them organizational skills and also self evaluation skills. They will be able to see their own progress in the many areas of their lives.

Do I need to test my kids?

Here in Connecticut, you do not need to participate in the state or national exams.

How will I know homeschooling is working?

Hoomeschooling is sometimes thought of as a "leap of faith". You may think that your child is not progressing very well in a certain area and then if you test them you may find that they are doing just fine. You may find that your child needs extra help in a certain area, or needs to leave a subject alone entirely for a while. This may seem radical, but it may be just what your child needs. Many homeschoolers keep a binder for each child in which they file things that the child is working on, and maybe even brochures from trips taken. It is often eye-opening to look back at the end of the year and realize that you and your child accomplished more than you think you did. If you do buy a curriculum, the assessments are built right in and you can see exactly where your child is academically.

What is the best way to teach my child?

That is one of the best things about homeschooling – you get to decide. You know your child better than anyone. The more you read about how to teach, how children learn, the different kinds of intelligences, the more you will recognize where you and your child will have the greatest success. Another wonderful thing is that you can always change your mind if something is not working and find a better way to reach your goals.

What does homeschooling cost?

Homeschooling can be done on a shoestring or you can spend quite a bit of money on curriculum or outside classes. It is totally up to what you feel comfortable with, as well as what your plans and goals are. Cost also may depend on how many children you are homeschooling. Homeschoolers can get an amazing amount of materials free from the libraries, including admission to libraries and lectures. Local communities also offer many free educational opportunities, and don't forget community service projects which also provide great learning experiences. Many homeschoolers also rely on tag sales and thrift stores for resources like books and tapes. Some homeschoolers shop around for materials at homeschool fairs or make use of shop at home catalogs. Local homeschool groups may also have meetings where curriculum is shared or swapped. Last but not least, the Internet is a terrific resource providing educational websites and places to print out materials like worksheets, or to take Internet based courses.

I want someone else to homeschool my child. Can you recommend someone?

Homeschooling is a family choice. Occasionally a single or working parent may ask a relative or friend for help with their homeschooling. Be aware that there may be legal ramifications if you pay someone to homeschool your children, as that may be construed as a "private school" in the eyes of the law. Private schools are defined in certain terms legally and are subject to many restrictions and qualifications.


Can a single parent homeschool?

Definitely. Single parents can and do homeschool. It may require some creative time management or extended family support, but it is done. Most families are historically defined as "father going to work, with mother staying at home with the kids." In today's society it is much more the norm that that scenario may not be the case. Working parents homeschool (see below), dads at home homeschool, parents with ongoing illnesses homeschool and sometimes grandparents homeschool grandchildren.


Can working parents homeschool?

Absolutely. Working parents can and do homeschool. One parent may be able to take their child to work with them, or perhaps the business is home-based. When both parents work and still wish to homeschool it may require some juggling of schedules, but where there is a will there usually is a workable way. Usually most of the obstacles can be gotten around with some thoughtful problem-solving.

Can I homeschool my child with special needs?

Yes, you can homeschool your child with special needs. You know your child best and even in the most well-funded schools, children with special needs often do not get those needs met. There are many resources and testimonials from parents of special needs children on the internet. Many people are finding that their special needs children are thriving and learning better in the more secure, loving atmosphere at home than at school.

Can a homeschooler really get accepted into college?

Hundreds of colleges, universities and vocational institutes all over the country accept homeschooled applicants. Most are actively recruiting homeschoolers because of their proven track record nationally. There is no "one way" to get into college - and there are some colleges that won't care about "credentials" and others that won't look at your application without "proof" of high school graduation (i.e. diploma or GED). It depends on the school to which you are applying.

You need to do some checking with colleges that you are interested in applying to and ask them specifically what it is they are looking for from homeschool applicants. Some schools require that you take extra SAT subject tests and may base their decisions solely on test scores and others may require a fully documented transcript. Again, it depends on the school.

Colleges look favorably upon kids who have had some prior college course experience, and there are many colleges that will allow you to take college courses for free and for credit! They also like to see travel abroad, and some language skills as well as evidence of community service.

It should be noted that college is not the only path for every young person. Applying to college without a clear idea of what is to be achieved can be a very expensive way to figure out what you want to do in life. Some homeschoolers defer entrance to college or forego the college experience all together. Teens who know what they want to do in life can also engage in apprenticeship opportunities and other forms of "on-the-job" training that can be a faster and more satisfying entry into the job market and independent living.


What about socialization?

Home-educated children, because they spend so much of their time out in the real world, generally learn to get along well with both adults and children, and to have friends of all ages. They choose to spend time with others because they enjoy their company or have a similar interest, just as adults do. In many areas, there are formal and informal support groups that offer opportunities to meet other children and provide time for socialization. Many homeschoolers find they have to cut back on their social schedule to have time at home alone!

How do we cope with negative family and friends?

Family and friends do not always agree with some of our parenting choices. There are many ways to deal with this, from avoiding or changing the subject when it arises, to openly discussing the issues with them. You need not always feel like you have to defend your choices.

There are times when people's open disapproval is mostly because they just don't understand homeschooling or they are threatened in some way (maybe they are employed in the education field). Often, a skeptical family member is concerned about academic and socialization issues. (People who don’t live with your children may not see the positive spiritual and psychological changes they go through once they are no longer in an age- or peer-dependent environment.) People may also feel that their own choices are made somewhat inferior by your choice to homeschool, as they proclaim, "but I send my kid to the best school, what is wrong with that?"

For doubting spouses, ask to give homeschooling a chance. You might look to try it out for a year and see how things go. Chances are, after some time they will see how much your children benefit from homeschooling.

A good strategy for other concerned relatives is to perhaps get them  involved in your child's homeschooling so they can see first hand that it works well. Create some good opportunities to show them by having them tag along on a field trip or perhaps have them help with a project that you are doing. Grandparents are a great source for family history or other topics which may be hobbies for them.

The best way to keep friends from feeling inferior by choices you make, is to present your choice as the best one for your family, and reassure them that what is best for your family is not always what is best for others.

My question wasn't answered here. Where can I find more FAQ's?