Does it make sense to homeschool my special-needs child?
Yes, of course it does! Homeschool can be just the thing your child needs. Although it’s a huge time and energy commitment you probably already spend more time on a daily basis with your child than a teacher in most traditional public schools would. You know what works best for your child’s needs, you're aware of their strengths and weaknesses, and you're more sensitive to their personalities.
That said, you're probably thinking that even though the home environment is where your special-needs child is most comfortable, you're afraid that you don't have the proper credentials to school your child. After all, as a special-needs student, your child may need professional assistance.
Right again!
But... Does that mean that you have to send your kid to public school in order to receive that professional touch? Maybe - but probably not.
Why Public School Doesn't Always Work...
- Most public schools lump all their special-needs students into one classroom. That means that, as in my case, my blind son could be in the same classroom with hearing impaired children. Though I'm sure all of the kids would get along just fine, the teaching adjustments necessary to teach one kid may not help another. The special-needs teachers are usually spread too thin to be of the best service to your child.
- Funds are often short and special-needs resources slim in many public schools. You may think you're sending your child to school so they can get the professional help they need, but more often than not, that professional help is only showing up once a week. Research your local schools and see what types of programs are available for your child before you decide to homeschool. This will help you make a full well-researched decision about your child’s education.
- Much of the "school day" can be wasted for children, especially ones with special-needs. First they have to travel to school, and then there are often long transitional periods between activities and actual learning. Before you make any decisions, spend a couple of days observing your local school's special needs environment and find out how much time is spent actually learning. If you feel there is not enough time spent on educational activities, then save your child's precious time and your own by going thru the state to get a therapist to visit your child at home or take your child to them individually to help compensate for the lack of professional touch.
Why Public School Can Sometimes Be the Answer...
There is always an exception to the rule! Let’s face it, special needs teachers are not in it for the pay! Teaching is not a glamorous position as all of us who homeschool already know! Those who decide to make it their life’s work do so because they have a genuine interest in educating and bettering the lives of others. I have a friend that teaches special needs kids in a public high school. She knows every one of her children and spends one-on-one time with them every day as part of their school day. She knows what they are capable of sometimes more than their parents do.
She relayed a story about a student that had been described as “slow”. Upon meeting this girl, my friend knew that wasn’t the case at all. Throughout the course of the school year, my friend discovered that the girl was not “slow”, she just needed a person that was willing to learn how to teach her. There are people out there who care about your children and also want the best for them. If homeschooling your student doesn’t fit your family, don’t fret. There are public and private schools that do a good job with special needs students. Don’t make this or any decision about your child’s education without researching schools, tutors, therapists, support groups, and anyone else that could add something to your child’s life.
Why Homeschool Sometimes Works...
If public school isn't the answer, does that mean that the home is? It can be! Here are some resons why homeschooling can really benefit a special-needs student...
- Depending on the severity of your child's disability, it can make the most sense to teach them basic life skills yourself. Some children may never be able to grasp college algebra, but they can learn how to shop for themselves and interact with their peers and adults. Knowing your child’s capabilities will aid you in deciding curriculum.
- Many special-needs children need more attention and one-on-one time than other kids. This can be hard to find in a classroom and who's to say the teacher and environment will do anything to better your child? Who better to provide that much-needed attention than you?
- Many kids with ADD- or ADHD-type disorders can really just be bored in school. Homeschoolers all over the country will stand up to support this. Many parents have discovered that just removing them from the rigid (and often uninteresting) school system can completely turn them around! There are stories of children practicing their spelling words while on the trampoline or reciting their multiplication tables with roller skating! Homeschool is school anywhere you want or need it to be.
How do I get started?
Here are some tips to help get you on your way to teaching your special-needs child at home. Really, most of what you will be doing at home will be similar to any other homeschooler, but here are some special considerations to keep in mind...
- Find Support! Whether it's online, through an email group, or in person meeting at a friend's house, you need to get together with other parents dealing with the same issues that you are. Fellow parents are an endless source of ideas, inspiration, and help.
Here is a site I found that has a good list of homeschool special needs support groups in each state: Nathan.com
Here is a list of special needs homeschool support groups on yahoo groups, a supportive network I’ve found very useful!
Yahoo Groups for Special Needs Homeschoolers
- Find a Professional. Your state is required to help you educate your special-needs child. And if your child is deaf or blind, they're required to begin assisting you from birth. Contact your Department of Health or Department of Education to find out what your state can offer (from Physical Therapists to educational specialists). You may find yourself visiting your local public school once a week to meet with that professional you thought you could only get through the school system. Isn't it better to stay home with your child the rest of the week?
- Learn a New Skill! Why not become you're own professional? I know quite a few mothers of blind children that went on to become vision specialists themselves. Read a few books, take a course, and you're well on your way to being that professional your child needs!
- Know the Basics. All homeschoolers have to begin at the beginning. Read our Ask-a-Mom on getting started homeschooling for some great advice.
Good luck to you in homeschooling your special-needs child! You know that having a special-needs child is difficult and that homeschooling takes commitment, but you also know that you and your family have dealt with so much more than most and that you're up to any task! Draw from that strength and you'll do just fine.
Happy Homeschooling!
