New to Homeschooling?
This section is a resource for families who are trying to decide if homeschooling is the right decision for them or for those who are ready to start, but not sure how.
Follow these 7 steps to learn and get started:
1. Learn
2. Notify the State
3. Join CCHE (or your local support group)
4. Join NCHE
5. Decide on curriculum and resources
6. Plan
7. Enjoy
Step 1: Learn
First you need to decide if homeschooling is the right choice for your family. To learn about homeschooling, talk to experienced homeschoolers, attend classes, and read. NCHE has an annual conference and book fair in May. This can be very helpful to those wanting to learn more about homeschooling. Reading is always a good way to learn about homeschooling. As you read, your philosophy of education will develop. You need to invest some time in reading good books on the subject. Some suggested books are:
■ Better Late Than Early, The Successful Homeschool Family Handbook (formerly titled Home School Burnout), Raymond and Dorothy Moore
■ Homeschooling for Excellence, David and Micki Colfax
■ Homeschooling the Early Years, Linda Dobson
■ Homeschooling the Middle Years, Shari Henry
■ Learning All the Time and Teach Your Own, John Ho
■ The Three R’s Series and You Can Teach Your Child Successfully, Ruth Beechick
■ The Ultimate Guide to Homeschooling, Debra Bell
■ The Whole Hearted Child, Clay and Sally Clarkson
Step 2: Notify the State
If your child is at least 7, but not yet 16, or 16 and over and planning to obtain a driver’s license, you will need to file with the state a “Notice of Intent to Operate a School.” Visit the DNPE website for all rules and requirement at: www.ncdnpe.org/homeschool.aspx. You can also contact the N.C. Division of Non-Public Education (DNPE) at (919-733-4276). You will also need to locate your high school or college diploma, or an equivalent. When the form is filed, DNPE will send an email to acknowledge its receipt. It is important to keep this email. Save and Print this email and keep in a safe place. Your school is now in compliance with the law.
Click here for NC's Homeschool Guidebook
Step 3: Join a Local Support Group
This is where CCHE will come into your plan. To join, download a CCHE Membership Application and mail, along with dues to the address indicated on the membership form. Our group is designed to help and support you through support meetings, classes offered outside of the home, and to help you get connected to other home schooling families in the area. If you have any other questions, search the rest of our website or contact us via the contact form on the site.
Check out Davidson County Homeschoolers of NC Facebook page for local homeschoolers. The page has tips, local info, and encouragement for anyone who homeschools. No membership needed to join.
Step 4: Join North Carolinians for Home Education (NCHE)
Be a part of the state organization that is committed to supporting homeschoolers, promoting home education, and protecting the right to homeschool. Charge for joining NCHE is now free due to difficult times for many, but donations are needed and gladly accepted, as your budget allows. You can join NCHE by going to their website at www.nche.com
Step 5: Decide on Curriculum and Resources
This may be the most difficult part of your preparation yet. You will need to decide on a philosophy of education before you decide what curriculum and resources to use. A wide variety of resources are available. The closer your choices fit your family’s philosophy and style, the more successful you will be. Most families piece together their own curriculum by picking and choosing the best for their family from different publishers. It is usually best to start small and add later. By attending the NCHE conference and book fair, you can see what curriculums are available and also purchase you choices. The conference features about 100 vendors of curriculum and educational materials. Below is a list of some commonly used curricula. It is also helpful to ask other homeschoolers what they use and what they recommend.
Step 6: Plan
Now that you have determined what resources you will be using you will need to develop short and long-term goals, and establish a tentative calendar and schedule.
Step 7: Relax and Enjoy
Now take a deep breath, relax and enjoy the time you have with your child. Home schooling, while more difficult and time consuming that sending your child off to a public school, is not intended to constantly give you stress and headaches. This is time to spend with your child and to teach them in the way that fits them best. You will know that way better than anyone else. Sometimes it is easier to stick with one curriculum when beginning, but be open to and aware of your child's specific learning preferences and needs. Be creative in your teaching and learning methods. Remember: relax, trust the Lord, and enjoy!