Intro to Homeschooling
Parents have the right to homeschool in all Canadian provinces. Here are five simple steps that will take you from thinking about homeschooling to becoming a homeschooler yourself:
Step 1 – Do some Research
Talk to anyone you know who homeschools and visit the library for homeschool books and magazines including the Homeschooler’s Guide.
In the Homeschooler’s Guide magazine and on its website can find:
- List of Suggested Reading and homeschool magazines (Canadian and American)
- Conferences & Fairs held each year
- Academic research for facts and statistics on homeschooling
- Answers to frequently asked questions
Step 2 – Contact several Support Groups
Contact support groups to discuss the rules and regulations applicable to homeschooling in your province. Each province has different laws that govern homeschooling. Some provinces require students to be registered while others do not. Some provinces offer funding while others do not. The intricacies of each province make support groups critical to homeschooling success.
In the Homeschooler’s Guide magazine and on its website can find:
Step 3 – Register with a School/Board
Where it is necessary to register with a School/Board (i.e. Alberta) you may usually do so at any time during the school year. Schools/boards who register homeschool students can be residential (the designated school in your area) or non-residential (a school that isn’t in the area in which you live). The school/board with whom you register and the procedure for registration is different for each province so be sure to follow the rules in your province.
In the Homeschooler’s Guide magazine and on its website can find:
- A list of education institutions who register homeschool students from Kindergarten to Gr.12
- A link to Home School Legal Defence Association of Canada for legal questions relating to homechooling
Step 4 – Seek out Curriculum, Field Trips and Other Educational Resources
In the Homeschooler’s Guide magazine and on its website can find:
- Join support groups: A great source of spontaneous get-togethers, play dates and field trips!
- Education resources including books and curriculum, academic tutors, music teachers and specialty needs.
- Current and past issues of the Homeschooler’s Guide magazine with activities & information in each issue!
- Internet links to fun and educational resources, including Reading, Language Arts and Math.
Step 5 – Meet people and enjoy your new lifestyle!
If you have any questions or just want to discuss your options please don’t hesitate to contact us. We are happy to help you get started homeschooling or connect you with education resources you may be trying to find. Building happy, healthy kids is what it’s all about!
In the Homeschooler’s Guide magazine and on its website you can find our contact info!
Permission is granted for this information to be reproduced or reprinted as long as it is for personal use and the Homeschooler’s Guide (www.homeschoolersguide.ca) is acknowledged as the source of the information. CLICK HERE for a printer friendly version of this text.
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