11 Tips for Homeschooling Children With Special Needs

As a parent of a child with special needs, you are already well aware of how difficult it is for your child to get the attention he or she needs in a classroom full of students. That’s just one reason why homeschooling a special needs child can be a better option for learning compared to traditional mainstream methods.

Then, when you factor in concerns for your child’s overall well-being and the modern-day issues of bullying, it makes sense that you might be considering homeschooling your child. But, public schools have resources that you most likely do not have at home. Therefore, the decision of how to educate your child is not an easy one.

Children with special needs often thrive through homeschooling. In this less stressful environment, they can learn at their own pace without the added pressure of the traditional classroom. In fact, Christopher J. Klicka of HSLDA reports, “Objective studies demonstrate that parents are providing a superior form of education for their special needs children by teaching them at home.”

Identify your child’s needs.

Ultimately, you know your child better than anyone else. You know their strengths and weaknesses. Your parental knowledge will provide a solid foundation for understanding what works best for your child and what doesn’t.

Develop an ISP or SEP

Children with special needs currently in the public school setting already have an IEP. However, IEP’s do not simply transfer to homeschooling. The laws governing IEP’s and homeschooling vary state-by-state (you can assess your state’s laws here).

Create a homeschool space in your home.

Have a special part of your home designated as the learning area. This is your home’s classroom. It doesn’t have to look like a traditional school space with a student desk and whiteboard. You can have bean bags, a swing, a mini trampoline, and anything else that might enhance your child’s learning.

Find curriculum and tailor it to your child.

Do your homework and research various curricula. Don’t just buy the first homeschooling special needs curriculum you find.

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