Starting Out

It can be a terrifying experience when you first decide to homeschool your child. Many questions begin to swirl around in your mind. Can I do it? What resources are out there for me? What laws do I need to know about? What will family, friends or neighbors think? Where is a step-by-step guide? Unfortunately, these questions (and the dozens more that are likely driving you insane) have no simple answers. However, there are a few things I would like you to consider before we go further down this path:

• Why are you interested in homeschooling? The "why" can often direct your initial homeschooling experiences and plans.
• Would you be any less concerned if your child was in public school? Often homeschool parents stress and worry about every education choice. However, if you think about it - if the child was in public school the parents would be worrying over each grade, how much homework the child has, parent/teacher conferences, behavior at school and any potential negative influences the child may be exposed to at school.
• How much time do you have to devote to homeschooling? Being a busy parent does not limit the ability to homeschool but it does direct some of the initial options and choices (i.e. carschooling may be something you want to take a closer look at).
• Do you know various homeschool terms/vocabulary? Like many other social niches, homeschoolers have developed their own vernacular. To learn more check out the CCHE homepage (http://www.cchomeeducators.com/vocabulary.htm). Understanding these terms can really make a difference when it comes to exploring your options.
• Do you know of any local homeschool support groups? CCHE is based in a fairly rural area - the Upper Peninsula of MI. Yet, there are several homeschooling groups within driving distance. Our main website also has links to various homeschooling groups (http://www.cchomeeducators.com/resources.htm)

Here are some other excellent resources for the new-to-homeschooling parent:

• http://www.michigan.gov/documents/home_schools_122555_7.pdf - Michigan Department of Education's Summary Letter on Homeschooling.
  
• http://www.youcanhomeschool.org/starthere/default.asp?bhcp=1
  
• http://www.homeschoolcentral.com/new.htm
• http://www.hsc.org/pubs/EmpoweringFamilies.pdf - Note: Based on California Laws (not Michigan)
• http://www.homeschool.com/new/
• http://www.homeschoolinfo.org/ - Note: Not sure I agree with everything on this site. I think it has some great information but it is written from the perspective of homeschooling in a state where there are more requirements and from a very structured perspective.

Regardless of whether you decide to homeschool your child or not, I encourage you to research the options you have for your child's education. Check out CCHE's website for more information or visit Michigan's Education Website at http://www.michigan.gov/mde/

This article was written by:
Valarie Juntunen