I retired from teaching public school last year to be home full time with our young children. While it was not a primary factor in this decision, planning to homeschool has become a bigger and bigger priority for both my husband and I (more on that one in another post). The homeschooling world is a whole new world for me, and I have to admit I was not prepared for the breadth of information, opinions, and programs out there to choose from. Frankly, it's all be a little overwhelming! But have no fear, the journey has been worth it as I'm starting to feel like we've reached the starting line.
I'm kind of an all or nothing girl. So when we decided to homeschool our kids, I was ready to jump right in for "last" year of preschool. I found a great preschool curriculum, Bright Beginnings by Tammy Shaw, planned out a few weeks and thought we'd be on our way!
I was wrong!
After working full time for my children's entire lives, this was the first time we had ever had the time freedom to just be together for more than 2 days. It brought about some beautiful fun activities, some unwanted behaviors, and a release of my plan for preschool homeschooling exactly as the curriculum prescribed. It was also my first lesson in this journey: Let your kids be the guide to your homeschooling. For much of the rest of this academic year, we have been working on character training and learning around my kiddos passions. Its been amazing!
My son turns 5 in late September. Academically, he's very ready for Kindergarten. According to the State of California, he won't be ready for Kindergarten for a whole other year unless we opt to participate in a Transitional Kindergarten program. In preparation for selecting the right program for our family, I have been googling like a mad woman, talking to any and all homeschool families I encounter and paying close attention to my son's learning style. This research has lead me to determine a few trends in homeschool programs that may help you along your journey
California Homeschool Options:
Independent Study Program (ISP): This is a public school opportunity for homeschooling. In some cases your local school district may offer a program that they support and manage. I did not look into this as our local school district does not have this type of program to my knowledge. I did however look into a few public charter school programs which also fall under the ISP category. Below are some trends for that type of homeschooling program:
Private Satellite Program (PSP): This is a private school option for homeschooling. Occasionally attached to an existing private school, I've found that most of these programs are specifically private schools for homeschoolers. Here's the trends for PSP:
While these were primary programs I looked at based upon what I was looking for in homeschooling for my kiddos, I did want to know a couple of other options that popped up in my quest for knowledge. Admittedly I do not have as much information about them because I quickly ruled them out as being a good fit for my family.
Private School Affidavit (PSA): In a nutshell this means that you can create your own public school and determine all of the rules. Once your child is 6 year's old you will need to create and maintain records for your student as the State can audit your records to make sure you're child was being educated accordingly. You would be responsible for creating and keeping your child's cumulative file. This option comes with a great amount of freedom without regular regulation of your activities.
Credentialed Teacher: As a credentialed teacher in the state you can homeschool your child for the grades that you are qualified to teach. You would simply file an exemption with the State. As with a PSA, you would have more freedom and less regulation than an ISP or PSP program.
I wish I could tell you that I had it all figured out, but the quest for knowledge continues. I'm avidly talking to anyone I know that is currently homeschooling, considering homeschooling, or has any information on homeschooling. And I'm incredibly grateful that time is still on my side for this decision, and celebrating te fact that even though we aren't "formally schooling" yet, learning is happening all around our house in planned and unplanned ways.
I'm kind of an all or nothing girl. So when we decided to homeschool our kids, I was ready to jump right in for "last" year of preschool. I found a great preschool curriculum, Bright Beginnings by Tammy Shaw, planned out a few weeks and thought we'd be on our way!
I was wrong!
After working full time for my children's entire lives, this was the first time we had ever had the time freedom to just be together for more than 2 days. It brought about some beautiful fun activities, some unwanted behaviors, and a release of my plan for preschool homeschooling exactly as the curriculum prescribed. It was also my first lesson in this journey: Let your kids be the guide to your homeschooling. For much of the rest of this academic year, we have been working on character training and learning around my kiddos passions. Its been amazing!
My son turns 5 in late September. Academically, he's very ready for Kindergarten. According to the State of California, he won't be ready for Kindergarten for a whole other year unless we opt to participate in a Transitional Kindergarten program. In preparation for selecting the right program for our family, I have been googling like a mad woman, talking to any and all homeschool families I encounter and paying close attention to my son's learning style. This research has lead me to determine a few trends in homeschool programs that may help you along your journey
California Homeschool Options:
Independent Study Program (ISP): This is a public school opportunity for homeschooling. In some cases your local school district may offer a program that they support and manage. I did not look into this as our local school district does not have this type of program to my knowledge. I did however look into a few public charter school programs which also fall under the ISP category. Below are some trends for that type of homeschooling program:
- No enrollment cost. This is a public education program.
- You get $$ (ADA funds) to apply towards curriculum and/or activities. How much and how $$ can be spent varies amongst schools. Religious curriculum cannot be purchased with these funds.
- You will work with a California credentialed teacher. Program expectations are that you will meet face to face every 20 days to review work, discuss your child's progress, do assessments, etc.
- School will hold and manage student's cumulative record.
Private Satellite Program (PSP): This is a private school option for homeschooling. Occasionally attached to an existing private school, I've found that most of these programs are specifically private schools for homeschoolers. Here's the trends for PSP:
- Tution is collected each year. Amount varies between programs. Typically there is a registration fee as well.
- School will hold and manage student's cumulative records.
- Parents select and purchase curriculum appropriate for their student. The are no restrictions with regards to religious curriculum as many of the programs I saw were faith based.
- A student's program will be monitored by the school and progress and reports will be collected as defined by the school. The individual assigned to this role may or may not be a CA credential teacher but will be qualified to guide parents and help them to stay accountable. (Ed Code does not require private school teachers to be credentialed).
While these were primary programs I looked at based upon what I was looking for in homeschooling for my kiddos, I did want to know a couple of other options that popped up in my quest for knowledge. Admittedly I do not have as much information about them because I quickly ruled them out as being a good fit for my family.
Private School Affidavit (PSA): In a nutshell this means that you can create your own public school and determine all of the rules. Once your child is 6 year's old you will need to create and maintain records for your student as the State can audit your records to make sure you're child was being educated accordingly. You would be responsible for creating and keeping your child's cumulative file. This option comes with a great amount of freedom without regular regulation of your activities.
Credentialed Teacher: As a credentialed teacher in the state you can homeschool your child for the grades that you are qualified to teach. You would simply file an exemption with the State. As with a PSA, you would have more freedom and less regulation than an ISP or PSP program.
I wish I could tell you that I had it all figured out, but the quest for knowledge continues. I'm avidly talking to anyone I know that is currently homeschooling, considering homeschooling, or has any information on homeschooling. And I'm incredibly grateful that time is still on my side for this decision, and celebrating te fact that even though we aren't "formally schooling" yet, learning is happening all around our house in planned and unplanned ways.