Moving Your Child from the Special Education Classroom to a Homeschool Setting

Deciding to homeschool your child with special needs can feel like standing at the edge of a cliff - you see the wide possibilities ahead, but the first step feels daunting. Though they try, limitations in traditional classrooms aren't always able to provide the individualized support your child might need, and many parents turn to homeschooling as a way to give their child a personalized, nurturing environment. The good news? You don’t need to be a certified teacher, and you don’t have to know everything before you begin. Homeschooling is a journey, and the first steps are about building a foundation, and not a perfect one.

Here are a few things to think about and work through before your begin this new journey!

1. Define Your “Why” for Homeschooling

Every successful homeschool environment starts with a clear “why.” Ask yourself: What are the main reasons I want to homeschool my child?

For some parents, it’s about reducing anxiety their child experiences in a traditional school setting, or being able to provide more 1:1 support throughout the day as needed. Maybe it's to provide more outside therapy opportunities or it might be to support your child with a learning disability who may need more time in the classroom or more support that is being provided. Whatever your reason, try to get clear on your purpose.

Tips for clarifying your “why”:

• Write it down. Having a written statement of your motivation helps on hard days.

• Share it with supportive friends or family, so they understand your goals.

• Revisit it regularly to help you stay clear and focused on your why.

Your “why” is your anchor. It will guide how you choose curriculum, structure your days, and measure progress.

2. Research Your State’s Homeschooling Laws

Homeschooling is legal in all U.S. states, but the rules vary widely from state to state. Some states simply require you to notify your school district, while others require testing, portfolios, or evaluations. If your child has an IEP (Individualized Education Plan), your state may offer, or require, additional steps.

Action steps:

• Visit the HSLDA website for a state-by-state breakdown.

• Join local homeschool groups on Facebook or other social outlets to hear real-life experiences.

• Keep a simple binder where you collect required forms, letters, and documentation.

Pro tip: Laws may feel intimidating, but most families quickly find a rhythm. Don’t let fear of paperwork hold you back.

3. Gather Resources and Curriculum Options

Homeschooling doesn’t mean you have to reinvent the wheel. There are hundreds of curriculum options, online programs, and hands-on materials tailored for different learning needs.

Questions to ask when choosing resources:

• Is the curriculum simple enough for me to adapt to my child's needs?

• Does the curriculum fall in line with our beliefs, ideas and goals?

• Does it include multisensory components (visual, tactile, auditory)?

• Can I supplement with therapy activities, life skills, or real-world projects?

Examples of options:

• Online homeschool programs that follow your intended approach. Here is an article on different homeschool programs from the HSLDA website.

• Unit studies, which allow your child to explore topics of interest across multiple subjects.

• Pulling resources and materials from various places to create a curriculum that works for you. A great place to start is Teachers Pay Teachers and even Etsy! Here is a link to my personal store: Reaching Exceptional Learners

• Local bookstores can also be a great option! We have "McKays" where I live and they have a ton of workbooks!

• I don't have any real experience with them but Time4Learning advertises to be a great adapted curriculum for children with special needs.

  
  

Remember: you don’t have to find the “perfect” curriculum. Think of it as a toolbox that you’ll add to, adapt, and sometimes remove from as you discover what works best for you and your child.

4. Create a Flexible Daily Routine

Children with special needs often thrive on consistency, but rigid schedules can create frustration and be hard to follow from home. A flexible routine provides both predictability and freedom.

Sample day:

• 9:00–9:30 Morning warm-up (reading or movement activity)

• 9:30–10:15 Language arts (phonics, spelling, or writing)

• 10:15–10:45 Sensory or movement break with a snack

• 11:00–11:45 Math with manipulatives or games

• Lunch & downtime

• Afternoon: Hands-on projects, therapy exercises, life skills (cooking, chores, community outings)

Visual supports like picture cards, token boards, first/then boards etc can make transitions smoother. If a day doesn’t go as planned, don’t stress. Flexibility is your superpower. And don't forget to get out of the house to take some field studies!

5. Start Small and Build Consistency

Many new homeschoolers try to do too much at once, leading to burnout. Instead, ease into it. Start with one or two subjects, and keep lessons short. A 15-minute reading session that ends positively is far more effective than an hour-long struggle.

Over time, you’ll find your rhythm. Your child will also adjust to the new structure, making it easier to add more learning activities gradually.

Parent tip: End lessons on a high note. Stop before frustration builds. This keeps participation present and motivation alive.

6. Build Your Support Network

Homeschooling can feel isolating, but there are thousands of families walking the same path. Seek them out.

Where to find support:

• Local homeschool co-ops - some offer inclusive classes or support groups for kids with special needs.

• Online communities (Facebook groups, forums, podcasts) focused on special needs homeschooling.

• Therapists, occupational or speech specialists, who may be willing to coordinate with your homeschool goals.

• Community centers, local museums, zoo's, libraries may all offer homeschool sessions.

A supportive community can provide encouragement, fresh ideas, and even playdates or group activities for your child.

7. Focus on Progress, Not Perfection

In traditional schools, progress is often measured by standardized benchmarks. In homeschooling, your child’s growth is the yardstick.

With this intimate environment you're able to celebrate all of the small wins:

• Your child learned a new sight word.

• They made it through a math activity without tears.

• They built confidence by helping prepare lunch.

• They were able to cut a craft independently.

• They made independent communication requests.

These victories are just as meaningful and more than the traditional test scores that measure their success in traditional school. Homeschooling allows you to meet your child where they are and celebrate their unique journey.

8. Set Up a Learning Space at Home

A dedicated space will help create a boundary between “home time” and “learning time.” For children with special needs, this predictability can lower anxiety and increase focus. It will also help you to stay organized and focused.

• Consistency matters: Even if you don’t have a separate room, choose a corner or table that’s always the learning spot. Over time, your child’s brain associates that space with focus.

• Adapt to your child’s sensory needs: Some kids need bright light and a clear desk; others may need soft lighting and a cozy chair. Notice what calms or energizes your child and design accordingly.

• Portable options: If your child learns best on the move, try a rolling cart with supplies or a backpack “homeschool kit” so you can easily move from the kitchen table to the backyard.

• Personal touches: Involve your child in decorating the space with their artwork, favorite colors, or visual schedules.

Pro tip: Avoid turning the space into a “mini classroom.” You’re not recreating school—you’re creating an environment that works best for your unique child in the comfort of your home.

9. Gather Basic Supplies

Having the right supplies makes homeschooling smoother and less stressful. Start small - you don’t need to buy everything at once.

• Academic basics: Notebooks, pencils, erasable markers, a dry-erase board, and a printer for worksheets.

• Art & creativity: Markers, paints, construction paper, and play-dough can double as fine-motor practice.

• Organization tools: Rolling carts, bins, or color-coded folders to keep subjects separate and tidy.

• Adaptive tools: Pencil grips, weighted pens, slant boards for handwriting, or adaptive scissors. These can make a big difference for kids with fine-motor challenges.

• Technology aids: A tablet or laptop can open up access to audiobooks, speech-to-text apps, or interactive math programs. Noise-canceling headphones can block out distractions during lessons.

• Communication device: Your child should always have this on hand. It is their voice.

Parent hack: Keep a “homeschool basket” stocked with daily essentials. When it’s time to start, everything you need is already in one place.

10. Don’t Forget Sensory Tools & Breaks

Planning for sensory needs can be the difference between a productive homeschool day and a meltdown. Building in sensory support is just as important as math or reading.

• Movement tools: Small trampoline, yoga ball, resistance bands, or a swing. These help kids regulate energy before sitting down for lessons.

• Fidgets: Stress balls, therapy putty, or fidget cubes can keep hands busy while the brain focuses.

• Calming tools: Weighted blankets, noise-canceling headphones, or a cozy corner with pillows and soft lighting can help during moments of overwhelm.

• Routine breaks: Instead of waiting for frustration, schedule short sensory breaks every 20–30 minutes. Even a 5-minute walk outside can reset focus.

Parent tip: Experiment. What calms one child may overstimulate another. Observe and adjust until you find your child’s “sweet spot.”

11. Keep a Simple Planner or Journal

Tracking your days doesn’t have to be overwhelming. In fact, a simple system helps you stay consistent and see progress over time.

• Daily log: Write down what you did in each subject, no need for paragraphs. “Read 2 pages of Frog and Toad” is enough.

• Behavior notes: Record how your child responded. Did they focus well after a movement break? Did handwriting feel too hard today? This helps you spot patterns and adjust.

• Celebrations: End each week by writing down at least 3 wins. This keeps morale high for both you and your child.

• Parent reflection: Use one line a day to jot down your own feelings. “Today was tough” or “We laughed a lot during science.” Looking back reminds you how far you’ve come.

  
  

Some parents use planners, others prefer digital apps, and some just keep a simple notebook. The format doesn’t matter, the habit does.

12. Plan for Real-Life Learning Opportunities

Homeschooling shines because learning isn’t confined to a desk. Special education homeschooling especially benefits from hands-on, real-world practice.

• Cooking: Teaches fractions (measuring ingredients), sequencing (following steps), and life skills (meal prep).

• Shopping trips: Practice money math, reading labels, making choices, and using social skills at the checkout line.

• Nature walks: Observe wildlife, collect leaves, or measure how far you walked. Great for science, P.E., and sensory regulation.

• Community connections: Visit the library, volunteer at an animal shelter, or participate in adaptive sports programs. These experiences build confidence and social awareness.

• Chores as education: Folding laundry teaches sorting, sweeping builds motor skills, and gardening teaches science and responsibility.

Pro tip: Keep a list of “everyday learning” opportunities on the fridge. On days when academics feel too heavy, pick one of those activities because it still counts as a school day!

13. Measuring Progress Without the Pressure of Standardized Tests

One of the biggest fears parents have when homeschooling is, “Am I doing enough?” Traditional schools measure growth through grades and tests, but for special needs learners, we know those methods often don’t reflect true ability. At home, you can track progress in ways that highlight your child’s growth and strengths.

Use Portfolios and Work Samples

• Keep a binder or digital folder of your child’s work over time (worksheets, drawings, writing samples, photos of projects).

• Compare work from a few months ago with today’s efforts. The progress is often more visible than you realize.

Keep Observational Notes

• Jot down skills your child demonstrates in daily life such as tying shoes, reading signs, completing chores independently.

• Record “aha!” moments (like solving a math problem without prompting). These notes become a meaningful record of growth.

Set Individualized Goals

• Instead of comparing your child to grade-level standards, set small, realistic goals.

  • Example: “Write a full sentence without reminders” or “Add two-digit numbers with manipulatives.”

• Revisit these goals every 6–8 weeks and celebrate progress, no matter how small.

Use Checklists and Visual Trackers

• Sticker charts, checklists, or progress bars make growth visible for both you and your child.

• Visuals can also motivate children by showing them how far they’ve come.

Celebrate Life Skills as Progress

• Recognize that progress isn’t only academic. Improvements in social skills, communication, independence, and emotional regulation are just as important.

• Did your child stay at the table for 15 minutes longer than last month? That’s progress!

Optional Outside Evaluations for Special Education Homeschool

Some families choose to have periodic evaluations from therapists, tutors, or educational psychologists. These can provide reassurance and fresh insight, but they’re not required for every family. Progress in special education homeschooling is about growth, not grades. Tracking skills through portfolios, observations, and daily victories paints a much fuller, and kinder, picture of your child’s learning journey.

Getting started with homeschooling your child who is currently in a special education setting isn’t about mastering everything at once. It’s about taking the first step, defined your “why,” knowing the laws, gathering tools, and building a routine that works for you and your child. With time, flexibility, and support, homeschooling can become a rewarding experience that nurtures not only your child’s academic growth but also their confidence, life skills, and love of learning.

Remember, you don’t have to have it all figured out today. Start small, stay consistent, and give yourself and your child grace along the way.

If you have any questions about getting started, need any resources or materials I might be able to provide, or anything else, please reach out to me at reachingexceptionallearners.com

LeCha with Reaching Exceptional Learners