My son is 5 & has been diagnosed with ADHD & being a holistic practitioner I have opted for natural therapies for him. One of these is that I want to homeschool him so he doesnt have to be subjected to the ridicule that can often happen with these special children in public schools. However, I have heard a couple things that would be obstacles for me & I would like some feedback on them. First do I need to have a teaching degree (I am in California)? And second how likely is it that I could pull it off being a single mom? I am interested in the "unschool" program. Does anyone know much about that? Thank you.
Well, because I am just getting my career off the ground I am going to attempt regular school this year, but at the first sign of problems I will start homeschooling. It will pretty much depend on him & how well he does. If I was not a single mom it would be no question, however I am not sure at this point how I could work & homeschool at the same time.
No, you don't need a teaching credential in CA to homeschool. Nothing has changed for homeschooling in this state. You just go through the private school channel. Teachers do not have to be credentialed in private schools. Hmmm...the whole idea of unschooling is that there is no "program". It's more a child-led learning environment. To get more info on homeschooling, go to http://www.californiahomeschool.net . Good luck!
Kindergarten is not mandatory. You can unschool Kindergarten without going through any program. Unschool means that you don't repeat or replicate school...education can be done in many other fun ways. You will get to be creative in teaching to read, do math, learn science.
There is a technical way to get around the credential issue. If you sign up with a homeschool program, you will have a credentialed teacher assigned to you. You still do most of the teaching. The credentialed teacher is there to guide you.
Some public schools have their own programs. Or you can use a district wide or a private school program.
Here's a link to one district.
http://chep.ocde.us/about_chep.htm
Also, there is a K12 program. go to k12.org
As for the ADHD, (my daughter was diagnosed with ADD, she's easily distracted but not hyper) you teach a little at a time in the way he would learn. Like push him on a swing to practice counting. Spell on a sidewalk. Make up verbal stories while talking a walk.
Good Luck!
Its my understanding you DO need to be a credentialed teacher in order to homeschool. (Not sure when that goes into effect, but legislation was just passed) That means you must be connected to a program where a credentialed teacher is "in charge" of overseeing your child's education.
First of all, I have worked with MANY children with ADD/ADHD and (other special needs). Most of them,ADHD, really need extra support in school provided by "specialist" teachers, called Resource Teachers. They are trained to teach organization skills, techniquest to work with ADHD, academics, etc. I would highly recommned you do not keep him from the resources available to him; otherwise, he will get farther and farther behind. Most kids with ADHD, unless there are other problems too, are in a typical classroom and only get pulled for an hour a day. It's not bad at all!
By the way, they are looking at making it mandatory for homeschoolers to have teaching credentials. I'm not sure when it will go through, but it most likely will happen.
I think it's only fair to your son to ensure he is getting all the support you can for him to help him succeed.
Sounds like you are a great mom and trying to do the right thing. Has he been in school yet? Preschool or kinder? Have the teachers noticed any academic or language concerns? If he's homeschooled, he won't be aroudn other teachers who can possibly identify other problems, if there are. They may not be!!
GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR DECISION.
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