I have a 4 year old son and I have decided to homeschool him, but what do I need to do to get started legally?

Question

I just need to know what steps to take to start for the 2007-2008 school year. We have already registered him at a school and we have now decided that homeschooling would be better for him because he is hyper-active.

I just need to know what steps to take to start for the 2007-2008 school year. We have already registered him at a school and we have now decided that homeschooling would be better for him because he is hyper-active.

The other problem is we live in a small coummunity surrounded by other small coummunities and the public schools are lacking to say the least, and there are no private schools in the area.

He will turn 5 in september

Answer 1

I have a hyper one too and they're not easy. We were already homeschooling his brother when he came up, so we just added him in. Now, I'm glad we did, because he'd *never* fit into the public school mode of "sit still and learn".

The first thing to do is check the laws in your state - homeschooling is legal in all 50 states, but each state sets their own laws. HSLDA (link below) has good overviews, but make sure you check their info by contacting your state or local group. Even though compulsory attendance age is generally 5 or 6, if you've already enrolled him in the public school, you will most likely need to withdraw him. You may also have other legal requirements, so make sure you know your state's laws BEFORE you contact the school. Often, public school officials, unaware of the state laws, will ask for more than is required of you (or give you false information, like "homeschooling is illegal" or "we'll need to approve your curriculum")

You don't really need curriculum for a 4-5-6 year old, just keep doing what you've probably already been doing (answering his questions, reading to him, taking him on outings) and add in numbers, letters, nature walks, etc. He's still at an age where he's exploring and wondering - don't kill that off like the public schools do with workbooks and busy work. If he shows an interest in something, go to the library and get some books and follow his lead. He'll remember a LOT more if he's learning about what interests him.

Answer 2

The only thing you would need to do would be to contact the school where he is registered by sending a letter saying he will not be going this year. I believe the school year in which he turns 7 is officially when you have to file paperwork with the school for homeschooling. Click here for more information on your state. http://www.hslda.org/hs/state/default.asp
Also, there are so many programs out there for pre-k and k years that you might want to get started ordering catalogs or doing google searches to find what you like, depending on your beliefs, type of teaching you want to do, methods, etc. Here is a good place to get you started on your search. http://homeschooling.about.com/od/curriculum/Homeschool_Curriculum.htm
And remember, at this age, if you don't want to invest a lot of money, there are simple way to teach numbers, colors, shapes, letters, etc. without books.

Answer 3

Honestly, since he's 4, you don't have to do anything at this time. He's not old enough to be in a public school class (at least not a compulsory one), so the state really doesn't have a say in what you do.

When he turns kindergarten age, things may change a bit, depending on the state you live in. In my state, we just plain don't send the child to school, and that's that; we're homeschooling. In other states, you need to register with the state or school district to be in compliance. You can get the details of your state regulations here:
http://www.hslda.org/hs/state/default.asp

I'm not quite sure what others are talking about, keep a 4yo doing school for 5 hours a day? Not even. A 4yo's school day is about 30 minutes of "seatwork" all together, and lots of playing and discovering. Go to the library and check out lots of great books. Watch movies that have educational value. Go to the park, the zoo, on playdates, etc. Practice counting with blocks. Check out some preschool-oriented lapbooks and have fun with them. Help him figure out concepts like bigger and smaller, less and more, who members of the community are and what they do, things like that. You can find some fun lapbooks for his age level here:
http://www.handsofachild.com/2/

There certainly are preschool curriculums that you can buy, but you really don't need to. There are so many great resources that you can get for free that will be great for your son, whether at the library, on the internet, or in the community.

Homeschooling does take commitment, but it really is a great experience, both for the child and the parent. Good luck and have fun!

Answer 4

this depends on where you live, I home school my kids so know a bit about British law

in England and Wales you write a letter to the head teacher asking for the child's name to be taken of the register because you are going to take responsibility for their education yourself, in Scotland its slightly different you need to ask permission from the school to home educate, but in both cases if the child has never been registered with a school you just carry on doing what you have been doing for the past 5 years and thats teach at home. they are some exceptions if the child has special needs though.

if you are not in the UK then I can't help other than say try a search engine about home schooling

Answer 5

I can't tell you the steps, however I offer you words of encouragement. By all means go for it. Public schools can be nasty places socially for children. Just keep in mind that you must be committed to following the prescribed curriculum that your school district has in place for testing purposes. Forget what those haters a.k.a nay sayers will throw at you about how your child will miss out socially. There are after school events, community events, and family events. Read some dissertations about school social climates and you be the judge.

Answer 6

To start with you can check out HSLDA's website www.hslda.org ~ you will be able to find out what the laws are in your state.
Most states' compulsory age to start school is 6 years old so if you search out your state laws, you may just need to inform the school that he will not be participating in the program that you have him registered in ( I am assuming that it's a pre-school program at a public school ? or just a preschool ? ) either way, most states dont require the kids to go at that age, so you shouldn't need to do anything else.

hope that helps some :-)

Answer 7

It may depend on your state. There probably is an association around where you live that can give you the details. Try asking at the local school district office. Google "Homeschooling [insert your state]" also.

Answer 8

If you are in the US go check out www.hslda.org

You will find the laws for your state on homeschooling. You can also look up local co-ops and groups that homeschool. You can share a ton of info with them.

Good luck

Answer 9

I have an 8 year old son with adhd. School last year in first grade was overwhelming to him. He had anger problems because of overload of social problems. In 1st. grade, he had detention 4 times. Where does the public school system teach 1st graders that they have to follow every rule or you will get detention. Students with behavior problems at school are learned not from their home environment, but negative social skills in public school. Home-school at the get go! You will be glad you did in the long run! I have to wait until we adopt our 8 year old to home school so I'm stuck with him going to public school at least another year! He wants to be home schooled as he is getting negative mixed messages from teachers and students.

Answer 10

Go to Central Christan Academy site. They should have a section for 4 years olds. You would do the work at home keep records. I don't have a web site but, I have this for you.
P.O. Box 6000, Winter Park, Fl 32793-6000 and, the telephone is 1-407-332-6988. E-Mail is [e-mail]
Get in touch see what you can get thur them. And remember Pre-K is not mandatory by law. Just K-12