I have two daughters, Kallie who is 9 with DS and Brittany who is 7. I have thought about homeschooling my girls but I get nervous about not being able to provide all the things Kallie gets at school at home. How does it work to homeschool a child with a disability? Any guidance would be greatly appreciated.

Christina, Mom to Kallie, 9 and Brittany 7

How does it work? You teach your child - abiding by your state laws - according to their learning style at their pace, offering as much repetition as they need to master a skill/concept. The child isn't confined by brick walls -the world is their classroom!

There are two wonderful homeschooling and Down syndrome groups:

Homeschooling and Down syndrome(generally very active):

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/homeschoolinganddownsyndrome/

Homeschooling Kids with Down Syndrome:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HKDS/

We have many parents who have pulled their children out of public schools to homeschool. I haven't heard much about what they are missing since leaving the system. For the most part, they are quite relieved to be done with it - not everyone has access to wonderful placements. Most therapies, if necessary, can be obtained in the private sector. Social activities are numerous in the homeschooling community.

The Riverbend site has some information about homeschooling:

http://www.altonweb.com/cs/downsyndrome/index.htm?page=home.html

What I meant was I know parents have to take their kids in for testing every now and then and what happens with the IEP goals. Thanks for the information. I'll reasearch it more.

Christina, Mom to Kallie, 9 and Brittany 7

It would vary from state to state. In OH we don't have to do any testing, just an assessment by a teacher before the start of the next school year.

As far as I know we don't need to do an IEP unless we are getting services from the school. We are in the process now, but won't be after Veronica turns 6. I think setting goals on your own would be the most benificial way to keep up with things.

Good luck. It is very rewarding to spend time with your kids and see them grow and change. I am so grateful to be able to homeschool both my children.

Blessings,
Christi
Wheatley(9) and Veronica(4)