Getting Started with Homeschooling my Child with Special Needs

How do I start homeschooling?

Your child has learning and thinking differences and education has become a hurdle. Homeschooling is a great option… but where do you begin???

Did your child have an educational evaluation? Schools must find and evaluate students who are thought to have disabilities — at no cost to families. You will need to contact the Department of Education in your state for information to begin. Specific laws and requirements for each state regarding homeschooling must be followed.

Another responsibility in homeschooling is to create a homeschool curriculum or select a program to meet the requirements for your state's teaching standards. The Common Core State Standards describe learning goals for each grade level in math and English language arts. Is the focus on preparing students with life skills for the real world or higher goals, for college or a technical school? The standards were developed by a group of state education chiefs and governors with help from teachers and curriculum experts. Forty-three states have adopted the standards and are currently implementing them.

Using the appropriate grade level curriculum: (multiple blogs)

Teaching Life Skills: (multiple blogs)

Understanding the needs of your child’s disabilities is key to setting up a successful learning environment. A well-planned classroom area creates an environment that meets students’ unique needs while also fostering their growth and independence. Have a specific area set up for school. Depending on the needs of the student, you may need multiple areas for sensory needs, independent work, or to transition from one subject to another.

See these links for more information on classroom set-up:

Must Haves for Classroom Set Up

Exploring Sensory Processing Strategies

Special Education Classroom Set Up

Special Education Classroom Rules

Special Ed Breaks and Reinforcements

Using technology in teaching: (multiple blogs)

Get support by connecting with homeschooling groups in your area or on social media. Consider educational field trips by making routine trips to the grocery store, bank, post office, restaurant, or other place a learning experience. Prepare in advance.

Field Trips for Students with Disabilities

There are many resources available to homeschooling parents and a valuable one is our Teach Love Resource Membership. There are loads of products and tips for teaching available. Some of these items are exclusively for members. Each month you will receive an email with the resources that are free or discounted for members as well as blogs, videos and other insights. To learn more CLICK HERE .

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Updated on: 06/24/2025