Help! Can Someone Else Homeschool My Child?

August 9, 2020
Written by:
Joy Capps

Making the decision to homeschool is a big commitment. It takes time, money, and sacrifice. 

What if due to circumstances you must homeschool but are not able to homeschool your children yourself? The recent COVID-19 quarantine placed learning into most parent’s hands but not everyone wants to homeschool themselves and even if they desire to, they may not be able to due to finances or other understandable reasons. 

Can someone else homeschool my children?

Find Out Your State Homeschool Laws

You may be wondering how to homeschool in the coming school year. If you find yourself in this situation the first thing you need to do is find out what the laws are in your state for homeschooling another child- Education and Homeschooling: State Laws Each state is different so you need to find out what your state allows with homeschooling another child. Some states only allow parents or grandparents to homeschool their own children but in other states, a parent can hire a certified tutor or even another homeschool family can include a student in their own homeschool. If you find that you will need to be the one responsible for your homeschool you still may be able to use tutors, co-op classes, and homeschool groups to help you in your homeschooling endeavor. 

What are some of my options for homeschooling my child?

Local Homeschooling Information Listed By State– A good place to start is to get connected with local homeschoolers and homeschool support groups. You will find a wealth of information when you talk to other homeschool families that at one time or another have been in your shoes, looking for answers. They will be a “go-to” for local homeschool laws and will be able to point you in the right direction for a successful homeschool year. It will also be a good way for your child to find other friends who also homeschool. 

Combine childcare with a virtual or online school- This would require a student that is able to learn somewhat independently and a childcare provider willing to supervise your child.  Online classes are absolutely a doable solution to learning at home. Some programs provide individual feedback to the students and may be provided “free” by the public school system. This is a little bit different from typical “homeschooling” as the student still is under the authority of the public school but it still might be an option that will work for your family. 

Hire another homeschool mom- Do you have a homeschool mom friend that is homeschooling her own children that are similar in age to yours? She may appreciate a little extra income to supplement her family’s income and her children would benefit from having a friend around. This would be a big commitment for her, you, and your child but if it is legal in your state it could be very beneficial for all.  

Hire an online tutor  – In today’s world, a lot of learning is taking place online. Tutoring is no different. Make your homeschool experience stress free by hiring an online tutor. There are so many great options out there today, visit our product reviews of homeschool tutors here.

Online resources- Maybe you work from home or have an older student that is responsible enough to stay home and do their school work? This would still require your supervision but there are tons of online resources to help your child learn more independently apart from an online school. Here are some valuable resources for independent learning-

  • Time4Learning-The automated grading and record-keeping help parents encourage independent learning, while at the same time, be aware of their child’s progress. This curriculum choice is great for preschool through high school!
  • Time4Writing– Your elementary, middle, and high school-aged children can choose from one of our 15 eight-week courses to build their writing skills in areas such as grammar, sentences, paragraphs, essays, and more. Courses can start at any time.
  • Free Science Resources to Supplement Your Homeschool– Even if you’re not a budget homeschooler, it is always helpful to find free resources to supplement your course of study. Thankfully, there are plenty of online science resources for homeschooling parents! 
  • Easy Peasy All-in-One Homeschool– This homeschooling resource enables families to homeschool who thought they couldn’t because of a lack of finances, a lack of time, or a lack of know-how. This is an excellent resource for K through high school. 

Advice on How to Homeschool

After making this important decision it is time to get down to the nitty-gritty and get started. A good place to begin is by taking a look at these helpful resources on how to homeschool your child. It will take some time for adjusting but with patience and a dose of fortitude you will be on your way to homeschooling success.

Summer Learning Resource Guide

How to Avoid Summer Learning Slide

Free Summertime Survival Guide and Planner

Free Joyful Homeschooling Book and Journal!

5 Reasons to Use Portfolios in Your Homeschool

Homeschool Help Printable Pack

How to Homeschool Art

50 Awesome Learning Activities for High School!

50 Exciting Educational Activities for Young Children!

Scheduling Your Homeschool Calendar

3 Simple Homeschool Planning Strategies To Prevent Burnout

Considering Homeschooling

Absolute Beginner’s Guide To Homeschooling High School

What Are You Afraid Of? Homeschooling High School – The Process

Accelerated Graduation and Finishing High School Early

Coronavirus and Homeschooling: Looking for Temporary Educational Alternatives?

Common Questions About Homeschooling

How to Help Your Child Transition to Homeschooling

 

Joy CappsJoy Capps – Volunteer Contributor

Joy Capps is a homeschool bookworm residing in the mountains of western North Carolina. The only one who loves books more is her daughter. They both enjoy perusing old bookstores for treasures and sniffing books. Her son who has special needs is the social butterfly of the family and has never met a stranger. Although she is originally from South Dakota she now calls North Carolina her home and she and her family love exploring the great outdoors. Her family has been homeschooling since 2005.