It is not easy to homeschool your children. It takes a lot of work and patience, but if you are determined to do it right, there are ways to make it easier on yourself. The first thing you need to do is find the time for it.
This may be tough with all that’s going on in life, but try carving out an hour or two each day just for your kids. Make sure they have plenty of space where they can spread out and get creative without being interrupted.
And lastly, remember that this will take time – don’t expect results overnight!
What is homeschooling?
Homeschooling is the process of educating children at home instead of sending them to school. It’s legal in all 50 states, however, some states may have additional requirements for homeschoolers.
Some of the additional requirements are having a credentialed teacher or an advanced degree.
One of the most important things to remember is that it’s up to the parent on how they want their child to be educated.
About Homeschooling in KY
The Kentucky Department of Education oversees the K-12 public school system, and this is where homeschoolers can submit their plans.
In order to register your home school with the state, you must have three things:
- A “homeschool syllabus”
- Proof that you are a credentialed teacher or that you have been awarded an advanced degree from an accredited university
- Proof that the student meets the requirements for being exempt from compulsory attendance
In addition to submitting your registration with the State Board of Education, it’s important to get in touch with your local School Attendance Review Board (SARB) before registering your homeschooling program with them as well.
Why Homeschool Your Children in KY
There are many reasons why parents decide to homeschool their children.
Many people choose this option because they feel they can provide a better education than the local school. They often have specialized needs they want to see addressed or have great interest in what is being taught at home for multiple reasons.
Others decide they want their child to be able to explore subjects at their own learning pace. Some people are also interested in teaching more hands-on lessons that traditional schools don’t offer.
Some parents also homeschool because of the distance from the school or transportation challenges. Homeschooling can also help with bullying issues that many kids face in regular school environments.
More Information About Homeschooling in KY
The Kentucky constitution establishes the prerogatives of the parents to choose the formal education for their child. Therefore, parents may choose to homeschool their children.
If a parent chooses this option, they take complete responsibility for educating their child. The parent/guardian selects the curriculum and must provide supportive educational materials. There is no state financial assistance for families who choose this option.
Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) may not prescribe standards for homeschooling. Kentucky classifies
homeschools as non-public schools; therefore, the laws relating to non-public schools also apply
to homeschools.
Although there is registration for homeschooling that must be completed, the rules and regulations can vary from state to state. Here’s how Kentucky does it:
What parents must do to begin Homeschooling in KY
Notify the superintendent of the local school board in writing within ten days of the beginning of
the school year of their intent to homeschool their child(ren) each year they homeschool. The
letter must include the name, age and residence of each child in attendance at the homeschool.
In Kentucky, under state law, all children must be enrolled in school between the ages of six (6)
and 18.
Record and maintain reports of each student’s progress in all subjects taught at the
same intervals as the local public schools. It’s a good idea to keep a portfolio that contains samples of the best work done by each child in several areas of study and maintain the portfolio each year the student is homeschooled. This documentation is also handy to keep should the child discontinue homeschooling and transfer to another educational setting.
A record of courses taken and grades received is also necessary.
Keep accurate attendance records of pupil attendance. The attendance records can be kept in a
notebook, on a computer, but must be readily available in case of an inquiry.
Subjects taught should include reading, writing, spelling, grammar, history, mathematics,
science, and civics. It is the parents’ right to offer other subjects, as well. It is required that all core instruction be offered in the English language.
For a deeper understanding of the regulations and considerations, you can find all the detailed information here
The Benefits of Homeschooling
The benefits of homeschooling are many, including the fact that it allows us to be creative and offer a more personalized education to our children. It also provides excellent academic opportunities, as well as quality time for family life and different lifestyles.
It really does not matter the reason why we chose to homeschool our kids but rather how we chose to home-educate them and do it successfully in an environment that is happy and harmonious.
Tips for Success With Home Schooling
Here are some tips for success with homeschooling:
- Establish a schedule with your child to share responsibility for the workload.
- Get creative! Establish a curriculum that is based on your child’s needs or interests.
- Work with your school district to create an Individualized Education Plan for your child so they can work at their own pace if they have special needs.
- make connections with other homeschool families through groups or organisations.
- Don’t try to emulate a traditional classroom just make it comfortable and personal even if it is on the kitchen table.
- Enrol your kids in sporting activities, groups or other clubs for extra socialisation with peers.
- Always remember to be kind to yourself, this is a job that takes a lot of patience and organisation and dedication so reward and praise yourself often.
There are so many resources out there to help you get started homeschooling, including state websites with information on the requirements for homeschooling in your area.
Online resources are plentiful and offer really great advice and assistance with planning, curriculum, schedules and activities.
You can also find books on homeschooling at public libraries and bookstores.
Homeschooling and educating your child/kids is a job that provides no Pay but gives plenty of pride.
With love and kindness
Ursula x
For a limited time – I’m offering massive discounts for any first-time purchase. Use code ( first20off ) at checkout.
How to Homeschool – The Good the Bad and the Ugly Realities of Doing it Successfully
This is the book I wrote to my younger self about doing it successfully. Take it from someone who has been there.
It is everything I have learned from my 18 years as a full-time educator, mum, and housewife.
It is everything you need to get started.
About The Author
My name is Ursula Boston. I’ve been educating my daughters as a proud homeschool mum for nearly 20 years. Alongside managing our household and small business from home.
If you want to learn how to do this from someone who has actually done it. Twice! I will show you HOW.
