So, you have decided to homeschool your child or children. Good for you! You are beginning an exciting adventure with your family. Maybe you have been thinking of homeschooling since before your child was born. Possibly your child is having trouble in the school he or she is attending, and your family has decided that homeschooling may be a better option. HOME is here to help as you begin, and as you continue to homeschool in the future.

As you consider the option of homeschooling, you will probably ask yourself many questions. “Can we really do this? Do we have the patience, discipline, and time to teach our children?”  HOME has worked with thousands of families within our state. Most of them have asked the same questions of themselves. We are here to help you find positive answers to these questions, give you guidance in the many choices you will need to make, and encourage you along the way.

HOME recommends that you attend a Getting Started Workshop. (Visit HOME’s website at www.homeschoolersofmaine.org/events to find out the date of the next Getting Started Workshop.)  You will learn more about the laws governing homeschooling in Maine, record keeping, curriculum planning, and much more.  (See page 4 for the laws governing homeschooling in Maine.) Check the Homeschool Resource Books on page 6 for suggestions of great resource books. You will want to research the homeschooling options to see how to best meet the  needs of your family.

Be sure to subscribe to The Heart of HOME newsletter. Our state newsletter will keep you up to date with state and national news, workshops, conventions, etc. Also, sign up for HOME’s Email Updates by calling the HOME office at 763-2880 or by subscribing at our website. These two resources will provide interesting and informative articles on many topics related to homeschooling, and up to the minute announcements

Even though you are reading our Basic Issue newsletter, which lists many homeschooling resources for the new homeschooler—HOME recommends that  you go to our website and download the articles that will be of help to you. We highly recommend that you print this information and keep it handy. You will refer to it often as you make the decisions needed to begin homeschooling.

 

After reading the website articles and this Basic Issue,  you may still have more questions. Don’t hesitate to contact the HOME Regional Representative in your area or the HOME office at 763-2880. These experienced homeschoolers will answer your questions and provide assistance in fulfilling the necessary legal requirements to homeschool. 

We recommend you contact the local support groups in your area. Support groups will be your most valuable resource for practical experience and “know how”. They provide a wealth of ideas, news, encouragement, classes, activities, etc. Each group is different. Take your time, and find the group that best meets your needs. Becoming involved in the right support group will help you to maintain success in your homeschool program. (Sometimes it takes a little time to find the support group that is right for your family.)

HOME works closely with Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) located in Virginia. Over the years, this organization has provided legal information, counsel and/or defense for hundreds of Maine families. They have also helped us many times with regulatory and legislative concerns. In the spring of 2001, a bill was presented to the Maine Legislature which would have severely reduced our freedoms to homeschool in this state. HSLDA worked tirelessly to help Maine homeschoolers defeat it. In the spring of 2003, HOME introduced legislation to bring more freedom and security to homeschoolers in Maine. Once again, HSLDA sent legal expertise and guidance to ensure safe and proper passage. Seldom does a day go by when HOME does not seek counsel from HSLDA's Maine attorney regarding legal matters, legislation, etc.

HSLDA is sustained by it’s membership. We highly recommend membership for homeschooling families in Maine. Many members are fortunate enough to never need to contact HSLDA for direct intervention in their freedom to homeschool. Even so, HSLDA is working every day behind the scenes to benefit us as a state and as a nation. Check out the HSLDA website at www.hslda.org and read about the benefits of becoming a member today. (There is a 15% HOME group discount. Contact our office for more information.)

Finally, it will take time to absorb the vast amount of information provided at our website and it’s links. The decisions that need to be made concerning the law, curricula, routines, teaching methods, etc., will take time. Remember that this will be a major change for your family. It will take time for you and your children to adjust to this new experience. In spite of your best intentions, some days may present obstacles that seem insurmountable. During those times you will need to reach deep down within and remember why you chose to homeschool. We encourage you to be patient with yourself, your children, and your spouse as you make the necessary changes in your lives to accommodate your new lifestyle. Before you realize it, homeschooling will have become second nature to your family, and you will be reaping many blessings!