Do you live in New York and want to start homeschooling? Are you not sure where to begin? I have organized all the information here to help you prepare and go step by step to begin your homeschooling journey.
Homeschooling in New York
Homeschooling in New York can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. The scariest part about it is that we haven’t done it yet; once you begin, you will get into a rhythm and gain comfort and confidence in filling out homeschool paperwork and homeschooling.
Getting Started
Want to know what you need to know to get started on homeschooling? I have outlined all the details on beginning homeschooling in New York.
Individualized Home Instruction Plan
After you send in your letter of intent, you must send in your IHIP or individualized home instruction plan. This is a syllabus for how you plan to teach your child. It is a lot easier than it looks. I have filled one out on camera so you can see how easy it can be.
Deschooling
For the letter of intent, you need to choose a curriculum,m but before you do that, let’s talk a little about deschooling, why it’s essential, and how it can help you find the best curriculum for your child.
Choosing Curriculum
I often get asked what the best curriculum is; this is a hard question to answer and one that only you can answer with your child. You know your child best; all I can give you are tips on choosing and reviews of what we have used.
Filling Out Quarterly Reports
Once you begin homeschooling, you must fill out quarterly reports each quarter; these are report cards for your children.
Standardized Testing / End-of-the-Year Assessment
Standardized testing is limited to an end-of-the-year assessment, which is beneficial in seeing if your children are reaching their learning goals according to grade level. They begin in New York in 5th grade and can be taken every other year. Once your child enters the ninth grade, they must take a yearly test.
Finding Support as a Homeschooler
Homeschooling can feel isolating, but it is always a good idea to get some support.
Homeschool Classes and Opportunities
I often get asked what is the best curriculum; this is such a tricky question to answer and one that only you can answer alongside your child. You know your child best; all I can give you are tips on choosing and reviews of what we have used.