How Do I Get Started in Home Education?

	Pray Be sure to stay in prayer for God's will in your home schooling endeavors!
	Don't go at it alone If you have not already done so, join a home school support group. There you will find others who "have been there" to help support and encourage your decision to educate your child at home.
	Consider joining Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) & Christian Home Educators of Ohio (CHEO) HSLDA provides legal assistance to its members in addition to the latest facts, studies and legal cases in regards to home schooling. They are our "advocate" in Washington. CHEO is our state's first line of defense against legislation affecting Ohio homeschoolers.
	Research There are plenty of resources available to research your choice to home school. Click on our LINKS page for access to various resource and information provider and curriculum publishers or on our book list below for good reading materials. Consider visiting a home school support group to discuss your concerns and options with veteran home schoolers.
	Curriculum There is no set curriculum in which you must use. Some home school parents write their own using library materials while others purchase pre-packaged curriculums. Some home educators use video instruction while other enroll their children in on-line classes. Most home educators use a combination of these choices to tailor a program to suit their child's learning needs. There is a wide variety of curriculum available, for virtually any home school method. Click on our links page for just a few of these providers.
	Notification Obtain a notification form stating your decision to home educate your child and send to the proper superintendent of your school system. It may be a good idea to send this via certified-return receipt mail so you have a record of your notification. Remember that you are simply "notifying" the school district of your decision to school your child at home -- not asking their permission. Upon notification, you may keep your child at home to school.
	What does my child need to know? There are various ways to help you keep your child on track academically. Several books are available such as: What Your Child Needs to Know When, Robin Scarlata What Your Child Needs to Know series, E.D. Hirsch, Jr. World Book Encyclopedia's website (Parent Resource Center) puts out a suggested course of study that you may fine useful.
	What about socialization? Socialization issues concerning home schooling have to be one of the most discussed and most distorted issues among new homeschoolers. For excellent critique, read HSLDA's latest article on the issue of socialization.
	How do I keep track of my child's progress? In order to have an effective written narrative done at year's end (portfolio assessment), you might want to keep samplings of your child's work showing progress throughout the school year. This also makes a great keepsake if you add photos for your child to keep.
	Must I test my child? The state of Ohio gives three options for assessing your child's education:  Portfolio Assessment/Review Standardized Testing Written Narrative
	What about high school transcripts & diplomas? This information is optional but will aid your child (along with SAT or ACT scores) if he/she plans on attending college. Contact Home School Resource Center for information on acquiring transcript forms for your child Home School Legal Defense Association is one of many providers that you may order high school diplomas from (cost is $15 for members, $20 for non-members).

Rules & Regulations*

	At what age am I required to have my child schooled? Compulsory school age in Ohio is between six and eighteen years of age
	What qualifications must I have to teach my child? High school diploma, GED, test scores showing high school equivalence, or work under a person with a baccalaureate degree until child's test scores show proficiency or parent earns diploma or GED
	How many hours must my child by schooled? 900 hours per year
	What subjects am I required to teach? Language arts, geography, US and Ohio history, government, math, health, physical education, fine arts, first aid and science The above subjects do not have to be taught all in the same year.
	Must I notify my school district of my decision to home school my child? Submit an annual notice of intent to the local superintendent
	What kind of recordkeeping must I keep? None is legally required.
	Must I test my child? Submit with renewal notification either: 1) standardized test scores, or 2) a written narrative showing satisfactory academic progress, or 3) an approved alternative assessment

Questions Specific to LIGHT

	Is child care provided at LIGHT meetings? Child care is not provided at LIGHT meetings. Every other month the meetings are geared for parents and their children, however for months that are "Parent Only", we recommend that you find a trustworthy sitter.
	My child is 5 years old, but will be turning 6 soon. May we join Keepers now? Keepers group is for children that are at least 6 years old. Please join us after your child celebrates their 6th birthday.
	Will LIGHT cancel events due to  foul weather? As a rule, if the weather is bad enough for Akron Public School System to cancel day classes (field trips) or the University of Akron to cancel its evening classes (monthly meetings, Keepers & Contenders), LIGHT of Ohio, Inc. will also cancel its meetings and field trips. Watch the LIGHT of Ohio website for cancellations.

Books The Christian Home School, Gregg Harris The Homeschooling Father, Michael Farris Home Schooling: The Right Choice The Ultimate Guide to Homeschooling, Debra Bell Christian Home Educators' Curriculum Manual, Cathy Duffy The Well-Trained Mind, Jessie Wise & Susan Wise Bauer Educating the WholeHearted Child, Clay & Sally Clarkson What Your Child Needs to Know When, Robin Scarlata You're Going to Do What? Laurajean Downs Recovering the Lost Tools of Learning, Douglas Wilson Government Nannies, Cathy Duffy Charlotte Mason Companion, Karen Andreola A Survivor's Guide to Home Schooling, Luanne Shackelford Gifted Children at Home, Janice Baker