The 411—Homeschooling on the Spectrum 

In my last column, I weighed the pros and cons of homeschooling a child on the autism spectrum. One disclaimer: Dear readers, I would love for you to weigh in on any subject I pen in this column. For example, Congressman Charles Rangel sadly left us this past Memorial Day. Rangel, known as the “The Lion of Lenox Avenue,” of Harlem, as quoted in “Amsterdam News”: “Following Saint Matthew’s teaching, he was a stalwart champion for the ‘least among us,’ dedicated to improving the lives of working families, fighting for jobs and education, and advocating for equality and justice.” Though, I didn’t quite relate to many of Congressman Rangel’s political stances, I applauded his passion to elevate his community, including those with special needs. So, here we are with the topic about “Homeschooling on the Spectrum.” Another disclaimer, autism is—again—a spectrum. I still hold on to the belief that our children are the X-Men, each equipped with awesome powers, but different in how these said powers are released and appreciated by mankind. So, what works for your child, may not work for mine.

Homeschooling is when parents teach their children at home instead of sending them to a public, charter, or private school. Parents or guardians are responsible for their child’s education, including choosing materials and setting the schedule. The NYS Education Department (NYSED) requires families to teach specific subjects and submit documentation annually. Teachers from NYC public schools do not provide instruction and homeschooled students do not receive resources like computers, textbooks, or access to most school-based programs, including sports and extracurricular activities.

To be considered for homeschool by the NYC Department of Education (DOE) for the upcoming new school year, a letter of intent has to be sent to the DOE by June 1. If your child has a disability and you plan to homeschool, you must request services in writing from the NYCPS Committees on Special Education (CSE) by June 1 for the next school year. Also, factor in students with a 12-month program, meaning they still attend school and receive services during the summer months (July to August).

In NYC, homeschooling a child with special needs requires specific procedures, including filing an Individualized Home Instruction Plan (IHIP) and requesting special education services from the Committees on Special Education (CSE) by June 1 for the following school year. Through homeschooling, the child remains eligible for special education services, which are provided through the district of residence, and an Individualized Education Services Program (IESP) is developed. Note for homeschooling, what many of you may recognize as the IEP, is now termed the IESP. The CSE will also determine the location where special education services will be provided. For example, say your zoned high school is Channel View School for Research (located: 100-00 Beach Channel Drive), the student can receive speech, occupational and physical therapies, and more onsite.

If you are unsure about homeschooling, it is recommended that you do not submit your Letter of Intent until you are able to make a fully informed choice. Only a parent or legal guardian may submit the Letter of Intent. The homeschool year is July 1 to June 30 of the following year. Children in NYC must attend school or be homeschooled from age 6 until the end of school year they turn 17. Students with special needs can continue until age 21. Note that homeschooled students do not receive a NYS diploma, which, depending on their level of education, students with special needs also do not receive.

Q&A:

• Do you need specific teaching credentials to homeschool your special needs child? No.
• Do you have to create your own IESP? No. That is co-created with input from the district.
• Funding? The school district provides the special education services and funding for the IESP, not the parents.

For additional information, visit: https://www.schools.nyc.gov/enrollment/enrollment-help/home-schooling. For questions regarding home instruction for students with disabilities, email: speced@nysed.gov

Join RBAF at our next monthly family support group meeting today, Thursday, May 29, 7 p.m. at 175 Beach 96th Street. There’ll be two guest speakers: Sam Jackson of Sail Rockaway presenting about summer sailing adventures for special needs families. Plus, Inclusive Instruction Essentials LLC (IIE) is back fielding questions about special education and services they provide to school staff and parents. For more info, visit: Rockaway Beach Autism Families on Facebook/Instagram.