I'm thinking of homeschooling my grandchild for whom I have court apointed guardianship.I.m wondering if there's any one else who has done this without any legal problems.
Thank's
concerned grandmother
i was homeschooled from 4th grade on and loved it! it really helped me a lot, as far as school. i know the homeschool legal defense can be a great resource - i think they have a number you can call. they'll have tons of resources for you - good luck!
Homeschooling laws are easy in Missouri and the days of people being attacked and prosecuted are pretty much over. Back when I started homeschooling we were all considered something on the order of some secret militia groups. People came right up to us in public and yelled at us and asked us why our kids were not in school. But it's not like that anymore and considered a quite normal thing to do.
What concerns me is the fact that the courts are involved. They still don't always allow this sort of thing. I'm sure it's a case by case business. Since you are the grandparent I would think you would have more say. Have you ran this by the child's social worker? Seems to me that they would be the only person to try and make trouble for you. That is, unless the child's mother and father are against the idea. Even though they have lost custody, it may be temporary? I really don't know much about these situations except for what I hear from others.
Also, how old is the child and does your grandchild have special needs? If there are special needs involved it would be harder to get the family court to agree with homeschooling. If the child is not yet 7 years old you don't have to put them in school at all because that's the mandatory age.
Suzi
You might want to look into an online charter school (sometimes called a virtual school). It is public school but you would be home educating your grandchild. We have homeschooled our 2 boys this way. However it was in a different state. All states have different programs. You might have to google quite a bit to find something, but it's worth it. They supply all of the curriculum, the computer, printer, and the child has an assigned teacher. And best of all since it is public school, if needed, the child can have an IEP (Individualized Education Plan). This means that if he needs services such as speech therapy or occupational therapy due to his need, they will arrange it. Maybe somewhere out there in Mamasource land someone has more info to share about virtual charter schools in Missouri???? Good luck to you J. and God bless you for taking on such a responsibility.
S.
J.,
I homeschool my 3 children and my niece here in Missouri. I have had no problems and am sure that if your social worker is honest she would say that a stable one on one education, no matter how temporary, at this time in your grandchild's life would be a great comfort and asset to the child.
Children need to know that someone is on their side. THere is something that happens when you sit down with a child and a good book that no one can ever take away from either of you. Also if you want to teach the child about your faith there is no better way than for them to see it lived out before them.
Don't be too hard on yourself or the child. Notebooking for some children is a great way for them to express themselves.
Notebooking is basically making a report or a booklet of everything they have learned on any given subject. My son did one on eagles. It is full of pictures he drew, photos, and loads of information. He enjoyed it and learned a lot.
Relax and enjoy teaching them remember academics is not everything.
If you would like any more info or help you can contact me at ____@____.com
Homeschooling is the hardest job I ever loved.
J.,
A great contact for this information is the Homeschool Legal Defense association. Their web address is:
www.hslda.org
It is $100.00 a year to join and then if you ever face any legal issues they are there to represent you. I am sure they would answer your questiom for free. If you have any problems send a message to me privately and I will help you. Good Luck! Home-
Schooling is such a blessing!
JanV
My mother homeschooles my siblings. She has not had any problems in the 8 years she has done this. Just make sure you research your states rules. Homeschool legal defense is a good place to start. I am not sure of the website, you will have to google it. I also suggest getting into a homeschool group in your area. I think it is great that you are homeschooling. I am going to homeschool my 4 year old this year. I don't want just anyone teaching my child in the schools today. I am only 26 and it was not this bad when I was in school. good luck! feel free to ask me any more questions.
