Some people who home school barely hear from their school districts and merrily go about their educational path until they stop home schooling. But for others, dealing with the board of education is a nightmare. Although home schooling your child is your right, protected by the 14th amendment, the board of education does not necessarily see it this way.
Now let me say that for every person who is harassed by social services or the board of education, there are about 10 more who are not. However, for those families who have had problems with these agencies, the experience is stressful to say the very least. Did you know that if you are accused of educational neglect, the charge can stick in the central registry for 1-2 years depending on where in the country you are? It is my understanding, also, that the registry doesn’t necessarily list WHY you are listed as an abuser or child neglecter–just that you are! With that said, here is a list of things to keep in mind if you ever have issues:
1. Keep up with Your Paperwork.
You really want to avoid getting social services involved in your lives. Districts make mistakes and so keeping up with your paper work is not fool proof. On the other hand, CPS is a lot less likely to find you if your paperwork is turned in and is turned in on time.
2. Get a Return Receipt for Whatever You Send
This is common sense, but most people assume that it will get there. If you deliver it in person, get a person to sign a piece of paper that says they received your paperwork. If they refuse to sign anything, then you need to call a lawyer.
3. Keep copies of Your Paperwork
Keep copies of everything! I keep copies of everything I send, on a CD. This way, it won’t take up quite so much space but I still have all my records. Keeping a copy of a transcript, an evaluation, or something is a good idea anyways.
4. Know the Law
You will do yourself a huge favor if you know the law. A lot of problems can be fixed with the district before CPS gets involved with a simple phone call. No need to be pushy or rude, you can simply state what section of the law you are operating under.
5. Don’t Believe the Board of Education
If you live in a state that is highly regulated, it is fairly common for officials within the Board of Education to give you a false list of things to do. In most cases, these false “to do” lists are a result of someone having a meeting without referring to your state’s regulations. Just because someone at the board of education says you have to do it. . .don’t do it unless it fits within your understanding of the law. If you’re not sure, contact a state home schooling support group.
6. If CPS Comes Over–Be Rude and Don’t Answer the Door
You are not required by law to open the door to anyone without a search warrant. There are a few cases where a social service worker may be very pushy, but you don’t have to let them in. If you don’t know how to answer them, you don’t even have to open the door.
7. Don’t Give them Too MuchAgain, the board of education at times asks things that are simply not required. It is a favor to the home schooling community if we stick together and follow the regulations, but not hand in more than we have to. This makes it easier for families to comply with regulations and helps the district to follow state laws rather than make up their own.