Is Homeschooling Your Child with Special Needs Right for Your Family?
In my last post, I talked about 7 compelling reasons that homeschooling your child with special needs might be a good choice for your family. However, it is important to count the cost and consider the unique factors of your family that as you make this important decision.
Finances – Are you going from a dual income to a single income? As soon as possible, begin planning areas where you can downsize or cut back. You will be purchasing all of your child’s curriculum now. Children with special needs may need a specialized curriculum or consulting services. Consider ways that you might be able to bring in income while staying at home.
Socialization – Unfortunately it can be hit or miss trying to find a homeschool group that is accepting of your child and it may take some time and energy to find other families to do things with. Contact your state’s homeschool organization to find other special needs families who are homeschooling. Use social media to your advantage to connect with other local families such as MeetUp and Facebook.
Demands on Your Time and Energy – Prayerfully consider if you are you ready to be Mom, Teacher and Therapist on a daily basis. Do you have a chronic health condition? Are you homeschooling other children? Is your spouse supportive of homeschooling?
Sourcing Needed Therapies – Depending on your state, you may or may not be able to access therapies through the public school system. Check what your insurance will cover. (I was able to access speech therapy through Florida’s state insurance program for children.) Look into a program such as ICan that will give you an in-home neurodevelopmental program to work with your child.
Every family is different and must prayerfully assess their situation to determine how their child will be best served. For our family, while we felt homeschooling our two struggling learners were the best option, we chose to send our son with Down Syndrome to school as it has a very supportive staff, a positive peer group, lots of fun and field trips as well as the structure that he needs.
Make your decision and stand strong in the direction that God has led you. Where He guides, He will provide.
Check out these articles from other members of the Schoolhouse Review Crew!
Kym @ Homeschool Coffee Break ~ Ordinary Homeschooling
Lisa @ Farm Fresh Adventures ~ Our Favorite Family Recipes
Dawn @ Double O Farms ~ Helping Your Struggling Learner
Gena @ I Choose Joy! ~ Homeschooling Middle School
Christine @ Our Homeschool Reviews ~ Free and Frugal Homeschooling
Monique @ Living Life and Learning ~ Homeschooling with Lapbooks
DaLynne @ For the Display of His Splendor ~ Diagramming the Proverbs
