Requirements for Homeschooling Parents

Considering to homeschool children is an overwhelming subject for some parents and caregivers. More than 3 million children in the US are homeschooled, so some people have figured it out. Many people are trying to support you and help you feel at ease when you begin learning about this topic.

Homeschooling is a very approachable subject when understood and valued by the community. Many families homeschool, and the numbers have been steadily rising since the pandemic began. Trust that people have this answer and that you will find the right resources.

The requirements for parents to homeschool are relatively relaxed, and educational requirements vary on a state-by-state basis. Learning indeed happens under the supervision of a caregiver, and for that reason, states require a small amount of education to qualify.

This post will describe some of the requirements for homeschooling parents and provide links to the most useful resource for this query. I will discuss whether college is necessary and some of the options for homeschool curriculums.

Why is Homeschooling so Popular?

More children and families are transitioning into homeschool lifestyles. There are a few reasons why this change is happening so quickly. Some of the reasons are due to violence in schools and illnesses. Here is an article I wrote specifically about this topic if you want to check it out.

Do You Need a College Degree to Homeschool?

While it is helpful to have a college degree for many reasons, it is not necessary as you embark on your family’s homeschool journey. Many states have specific requirements, and they vary depending on the location. Some states require some to 45 college credits, while others only require a high school diploma.

It is recommended in some areas that if you do not have any college credits, you work with a certified teacher to provide materials and assessments as children grow.

Since it is not a requirement for parents to have a formal education, it is encouraged that families learn to utilize resources to promote products, community involvement, and encourage togetherness.

It is normal to ask for help when needed. There are courses, materials, and free products that parents do not know are available until they ask. Working with other people in your state ensures the best possible experience for children when they are learning at home. It also teaches parents to provide outside opportunities for growth and development.

Can parents homeschool their children?

It is absolutely possible and, for the most part, necessary for parents to homeschool their kids. Part of the growing interest in homeschooling relates to the family’s ability to learn and grow together as life changes and interests evolve.

While there is no school for future homeschooling parents, many people have obtained a high school education and possibly some college courses by the time they commit to parenting. There are no major educational requirements that insist homeschooling parents need any intense formal education or degree in child development. In fact, 36 states have no documented “qualifications” to homeschool, making it a pretty viable option.

Requirements by State

To understand whether you are qualified to homeschool, you must identify your state and find its regulations. Do this by searching on Google “your state” and “homeschool requirements” to find the information on low to high regulation or click this website link to find various homeschool requirements mapped out by state.

This excellent website has all the legal requirements state-by-state. It has an interactive map that allows you to choose the state to learn more information. This website lists the options for homeschooling in your state, the age range you must document progress, resources for providing instruction at home, and required subjects. It is advantageous for you to build a team in your inbox, so you aren’t confused. Consider subscribing and adding your email to websites that provide information.

South Carolina requires moderate regulation and has provided three options for homeschooling families for parents with a high school diploma or a GED. Parents should assess their state’s regulations and provide necessary materials.

Different Ways to Homeschool Children

There are different ways to homeschool children; unschooling, Montessori, Classical, Charlotte Mason, etc. Many people in my neighborhood like unschooling because it is highly child-led and interest-based.

The more popular method of homeschooling is The Classical Method, but you chance choose whichever aligns with your family values and temperaments.

Courses and Curriculums

It is common for children to grasp something solely because their parents are educated in a particular subject or have surplus materials available in their home. Many at-home parents educate their children and ask for additional content as their children’s interests evolve.

There are some situations where parents must outsource some help if needed while they are learning and growing with their children at home. This happens when adults naturally need help with everyday tasks, right?

I am working on a massive resource post with information on all the curriculums available. I will link it here.

Here is a list of the most common online curriculums.

Extracurriculars in Homeschool

Additional content includes swimming, dancing, sports, test-taking, or driving school. Anything you cannot achieve at home should be done at facilities that support those subjects because they have the materials. Teachers are certified to teach that particular topic. I have seen homeschooled families become a part of afternoon marching band practices and school community projects.

I have another article that addresses this topic in detail. I will link it here.

Do You Need Any Qualifications to Homeschool?

There are no specific qualifications to be a homeschool parent. There are options to choose from, depending on your state, that guide parents into providing adequate resources and instructions.

Parent-instructor Relationships

As per state requirements, parents might have relationships with teachers who provide assessments and additional support. Some states waive requirements on a case-by-case basis depending on the parent’s educational background.

Some of the different options to homeschool are also found here. This information allows readers to understand the options in their state. In Idaho, for example, there are no necessary qualifications to homeschool. The state does not require any documentation from parents or instructors because the state regulation is low.

Certification

There is no certification to homeschool. There are, however, states that have options for homeschooling families to operate under the supervision of a certified teacher. There is no requirement or option for parents to become certified homeschool parents.

Assessments

If you cannot do an assessment at home or teach them physics– remember that C- from high school?😉– you may need to hire some help eventually. It is okay to search for help when needed and get free or paid services as you notice your kids excel in a subject you feel unable to facilitate. Some situations allow you to ask for help from a public school too. I even asked my neighbor for a neutral assessment once because she is a 1st-grade teacher.

Do Parents Have to be Involved in Homeschooling?

Parents should be involved in their children’s at-home learning experience. In most states, parents are required a minimal amount of work consisting of documenting progress and getting forms notarized.

Abuse and Neglect

Part of the reason that state requirements vary so drastically is documentation of abuse and neglect. Since there are many options for homeschooling families, states want to ensure that caregivers provide the environment children need to learn.

Some situations involve child abuse; homeschooling is a way for some parents to hurt children. I have read many stories of kids who blame homeschooling. Abuse and neglect are different than proper homeschooling conditions. Coalition for Responsible Home Education is dedicated to surfacing these discussions and protecting children experiencing violence.

Law professor, Elizabeth Bartholet even argues that the low regulations are a cause for concern and more states should increase standards to protect children from abuse and neglect.

They should also demonstrate that they’re qualified to provide an adequate education and that they would provide an education comparable in scope to what is required in public schools. And for parents granted permission to homeschool, I would still require that their kids participate in at least some school courses and extracurricular activities so they get exposure to a set of alternative values and experiences.

Law School professor says there may be a dark side of homeschooling – Harvard Gazette

Parental Involvement in Homeschool

The goal of homeschooling should be to learn organically with family members as interests evolve. It doesn’t have to look like a traditional school setting where children sit down at a table and parents demand productivity. Homeschooling is actually easier than a traditional school. I explore that topic right here!

There are situations where grind work is necessary for subjects related to math or science. Still, typically parental involvement is genuine interest in children’s work and providing opportunities for organic growth and development.

Homeschooling should be enjoyable for everyone and gives parent’s a chance to slow down and relax so they learn to appreciate the different learning styles of their family members. Parents allow children to explore and learn at their own pace by providing the tools kids need to progress within specific subject areas.

Parent responsibilities typically involve facilitating instruction, encouraging emotional regulation, driving kids around, documenting progress, and communicating future community involvement.

Conclusion

Some states have strict guidelines compared to others with low to zero regulation. Parents are typically not required to have a higher education, although some states prefer some college credits. There are tons of online curriculums to choose from and many ways to provide assessments. You don’t have to be a teacher or instructor or have any special certification to homeschool.

Sources

• 6 Reasons Why Homeschooling Is Growing So Rapidly – Mission Momplex
• Am I Qualified to Homeschool? | Homeschool.com
• Elizabeth Bartholet | Harvard Law School
• Law School professor says there may be a dark side of homeschooling – Harvard Gazette
• Homeschool Laws By State (hslda.org)
• Homeschooling & Child Abuse – Coalition for Responsible Home Education (responsiblehomeschooling.org)
• Homeschooling: Which Model Is Right for You? – TheBestSchools.org
• HSLDA – Making homeschooling possible
• Homeschooling: The Research, Scholarly articles, studies, facts, research (nheri.org)
• Is Homeschool Harder Than Public School? – Mission Momplex
• Meeting Your State’s Legal Requirements – Coalition for Responsible Home Education (responsiblehomeschooling.org)