| Feeling overwhelmed now that you have decided | | | | the primary task of these not-for-profit groups is |
| to teach your child at home? Here are some | | | | to be your advocate and represent your interests |
| practical steps on how to start homeschooling | | | | before governmental agencies, committees, and |
| which if taken can help you and your children to | | | | commissions. The value and service provided to |
| succeed. | | | | you by associations can not be over emphasized. |
| The first step is to select a homeschooling school | | | | You should also take out a subscription to a |
| to provide your educational materials. These | | | | magazine designed especially for parents who |
| institutions provide a full range of services to | | | | teach their children at home. These publications |
| parents who home school their children. Such | | | | provide lots of resources for the home school as |
| schools provide a core set of courses to meet | | | | well as practical articles on how to have a |
| state requirements, electives to round out your | | | | successful educational experience and keeps you |
| child's education. They also provide a lot of the | | | | abreast of latest developments and trends in |
| worksheets, forms, and other administrative tools | | | | homeschooling. |
| you will need to document your child's learning and | | | | A necessary fourth step is to join a parents online |
| progress as well as comply with State | | | | forum. These are forums especially for parents |
| requirements. | | | | who teach their children at home - they provide a |
| Next, join a homeschooling association composed | | | | unique opportunity for you to interact with other |
| of parents like you as well as professionals in | | | | parents and share your wisdom with them as well |
| education and others. Associations are very | | | | as seek their advice. Your home school |
| helpful in alerting you to changes in state laws and | | | | undertaking is made simpler and less |
| regulations. They can also help guide you in | | | | overwhelming when you follow the simple steps |
| complying with state mandates. And of course, | | | | outlined in this article. |