If you are homeschooling a special needs child, you may feel like you are alone in your situation. It’s likely that many of the homeschooling ideas and curriculum that are popular online and among homeschooling groups may not be suitable for your child with special needs.
Despite knowing your child well, many parents of differently-abled children often face challenges. At times, it might seem as though parents of special needs kids don’t encounter the same difficulties. However, this discrepancy in experiences is due to individuality and can leave special needs parents feeling isolated or uncertain.
Fortunately, there is a positive update. For numerous children with special needs, homeschooling is a commendable option. This is due to the adaptable and customized education it offers, which can provide the precise level of structure required and adapt as needed, allowing their education to be specifically tailored to their strengths and weaknesses.
Tips for homeschooling a child with special needs
Homeschooling can be a beneficial option for special education, providing personalized education at home for children with conditions such as autism, dyslexia, or autoimmune diseases, allowing them to thrive in new ways.
Fortunately, we have received feedback from numerous homeschooling parents who have found happiness in educating their children with special needs and have kindly shared their perspectives with us.
While it is widely known that a child with unique needs presents specific challenges, they also bring their own unique joy. Numerous parents have expressed the privilege they feel in observing their special needs children flourish through homeschooling.
After examining numerous heartwarming testimonials shared by homeschooling parents, we have gathered the following key pointers to remember when homeschooling a child with special needs.
1. Identify your child’s needs
You have the ultimate knowledge about your child, knowing their strengths and weaknesses. This parental knowledge will serve as a strong base for comprehending what strategies are most effective and ineffective for your child.
If you haven’t assessed your child yet, it would be prudent to do so before homeschooling. Assessing your child will provide you with a better understanding of their needs and how to address them. If your child has already been diagnosed, then it is important for you to educate yourself on effective strategies to support their learning.
2. Develop an ISP or SEP
Children who have special needs and are currently attending public schools already have an Individualized Education Program (IEP). However, it should be noted that IEPs do not automatically transfer to homeschooling. The regulations concerning IEPs and homeschooling differ from one state to another (you can check your state’s laws in this regard).
Although IEP’s provide access to free services for students with special needs in public schools, it is important to note that states are not obligated to offer the same services to homeschooled students. Therefore, it is essential to be aware that fewer services may be available once transitioning to homeschooling. Developing an ISP or a SEP is a prudent approach to effectively support and advocate for your child.
In case your child should ever return to public school or require evidence of needing accommodations for college, it is advisable to keep hold of your child’s IEP.
3. Create a homeschool space in your home
Create a designated learning area in your home, serving as a classroom. It is not necessary for this space to resemble a conventional school setup with a student desk and whiteboard. Instead, you can incorporate items such as bean bags, a swing, a mini trampoline, or anything else that can contribute to your child’s learning experience.
By following a step-by-step approach, you can establish sensory centers and gather necessary crafting materials. Allocating a specific area for homeschooling will facilitate concentration on the given task and seamlessly transition between educational tasks and leisure time.
4. Find curriculum and tailor it to your child
To ensure your child receives appropriate education, complete your homework and investigate different curricula for homeschooling. Avoid hastily purchasing the initial homeschooling special needs curriculum you come across. Dedicate ample time to exploring alternatives until you discover the resources that align with your child’s requirements and preferred learning method.
Another advantage of homeschooling is the opportunity to combine various materials, allowing you the freedom to tailor the curriculum according to your child’s preferences. You are not obligated to select one option exclusively, but can freely adapt the educational content to reflect your child’s areas of interest.
5. Take a CPR class
In many states, teachers, childcare workers, and school staff are obligated to undergo CPR training in case of emergencies. While this requirement is not usually imposed on homeschooling parents, it is advisable for them to possess a fully equipped first aid kit and the knowledge of its utilization. By enrolling in online CPR and first aid certification courses, you can acquire fundamental life-saving skills and ensure readiness for any possible emergencies.
6. Leave your home
Although you are homeschooling, it is important to frequently depart from your home. Homeschooling becomes more pleasurable when you venture outside and discover the world surrounding you. Seek educational chances in which your child can delve into their interests in the actual environment.
Similarly, it is crucial for socialization that children with special needs have opportunities to interact with their peers through homeschooling field trips, co-ops, and events when leaving home.
7. Don’t forget to take care of yourself
If you are a parent of a child with special needs, you might already feel tired. When you include homeschooling, you will most likely feel even more exhausted. Therefore, it is extremely important that you prioritize self-care. It is necessary for you to find small moments throughout the day to take care of yourself.
8. Motivate, encourage, and celebrate your child
When your daily routine becomes monotonous, it can be challenging to recognize the extent of your achievements. To prevent this problem, keep a record of your child’s development.
Every day, your objective should be to motivate and inspire your child to attain the following objective. Plus, once they accomplish that objective, regardless of its size, celebrate! This will bring excitement to your days and serve as a reminder of why you initially chose to make this decision.
9. Don’t try to do it all by yourself
Homeschooling can be quite challenging, and although you are fully capable of educating your child, there may be instances where assistance is necessary. For instance, your child might require therapy, or you might benefit from the guidance of a tutor. Seeking support from professionals does not diminish the effort you put into your daily work.
10. Choose a student-led curriculum
When a curriculum allows students to work at their own pace, it alleviates the stress of meeting deadlines and avoids excessive reminders. Student-led programs or courses offer excellent flexibility and are particularly beneficial for children with additional needs.
These courses have a much lower level of stress and allow you to appreciate your achievements! Moreover, when students take charge of the curriculum, they can adapt the coursework to suit their child’s needs. Keep in mind that it’s important for the curriculum to be flexible and cater to our requirements, rather than the other way around.
11. Provide hands-on learning opportunities through exploration and discovery
Many special needs children, like those with Prader-Willi syndrome, may benefit from hands-on exploration as a more effective way of learning. When engaging in special education, it is important to create opportunities for your child to learn through their own discovery.
12. Take it slow with new programs or courses
It is important to create a safe learning environment for introducing these changes, as sudden changes can cause stress for anyone, including children with special needs. These children often require time to adjust and embrace even the smallest changes, regardless of how insignificant they may appear to their parents.
13. Create a {Flexible} routine
Having a routine can be very beneficial for families who have children with special needs. The goal is to establish a daily structure that assists in tackling specific lessons or subjects. An adaptable schedule serves two purposes: it keeps you on course and permits you to overcome challenges, while also giving your child a sense of what to anticipate throughout the day. Routines and basic schedules are advantageous for all children.
14. Join support groups
Support groups are beneficial for all parents, but special needs parents derive even greater benefits. While all parents face challenges and obstacles, the daily lives of parents with special needs children often vary significantly. Joining a support group enables them to access resources, receive ideas, make friends, engage in social activities, and find emotional support.
