Special Needs Homeschooling

Many parents find that homeschooling offers numerous benefits for their child with special needs. Home education provides a safe, nurturing atmosphere which has been proven to enhance learning. Homeschooling also can offer much more flexibility to teach to their child’s strengths than what is found in a public school setting.

Children who are struggling learners, including those with ADD/ADHD, autism, dyslexia, and other situations, can thrive in a homeschool environment. Parents find that support and encouragement from other parents and organizations goes a long way towards a successful home education experience.

Homeschooling itself can be an overwhelming experience when you first begin the journey. The term “special needs” has so many facets that it is not possible to give a one-size-fits-all answer that would benefit every family. There is no standard curriculum. However, NCHE offers advocacy and support to families who are homeschooling children with any kind of learning difference. Meet our special needs liaison, look over the frequently asked questions, and check our the resources on this page. 

Watch this free NCHE webinar
Focus on the Ability: Homeschooling Those with Special Needs
and Learning Differences

FAQs

Can I homeschool a child with special needs in North Carolina?

Yes. Parents in North Carolina can homeschool children with special needs, including children with learning disabilities, developmental differences, physical disabilities, and other unique learning needs. Homeschooling can give families greater flexibility to adapt instruction, pacing, curriculum, and the learning environment to their child. Individualized attention—as well as the security of the home environment—often allows children to progress faster and further than they would in a exceptional learning classroom.  

Is homeschooling a good option for a child with special needs?

For many families, it can be. Homeschooling allows parents to build an educational experience around their child rather than expecting the child to fit a particular classroom model. Parents can adjust schedules, provide additional repetition or breaks, pursue a child’s strengths and interests, and choose teaching methods that work well for their individual learner.

Do we still have to test if we have a special needs child?

Yes. There are no exceptions or special provisions in the NC homeschool law for children with any kind of learning difference or disability.  However, it is helpful to remember that there is no requirement in the law for testing a child in a particular grade level – you may test them at the grade level you believe most appropriate.  There are also tests geared specifically for students with learning differences – the Woodcock Johnson and the Brigance are two of these. For more information on testing see our Testing and Testing Services page.

How do I choose homeschool curriculum for a child with special needs?

Start with your child rather than the curriculum. Consider your child’s strengths, challenges, learning preferences, attention span, developmental level, and any accommodations that may help. You may find that one curriculum does not work well for every subject—and that’s okay. One of the advantages of homeschooling is the freedom to combine resources and approaches.

Does my homeschooled child need an IEP?

A parent-directed homeschool does not need to create or maintain an IEP. However, if you plan to apply for North Carolina’s Education Student Accounts (ESA+) scholarship, your child must have a current Eligibility Determination documenting eligibility for special education. An IEP itself is not required for ESA+; the Eligibility Determination issued by a North Carolina public school is the required document. For new applicants, that determination must have been issued within the previous three years.

Can ESA+ help pay for services or resources for my homeschooled child with special needs?

Yes. North Carolina’s ESA+ scholarship provides eligible students with disabilities funding that can be used for approved educational expenses. Homeschool families can use their scholarship funds for allowable expenses such as curriculum, educational technology, tutoring, educational therapy, and certain transportation services. Approved educational therapies include services such as speech, occupational, physical, and applied behavior analysis therapy when provided by appropriately credentialed providers enrolled with the ESA+ program. For homeschool families, the full scholarship amount is available for allowable expenses rather than tuition. Families should review current ESA+ rules and approved expenses through the North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority (NCSEAA), since program requirements can change from year to year.

How can I tell if my homeschooled child may have a learning disability or learning difference?

Persistent difficulty in areas such as reading, writing, math, language, attention, memory, or processing may lead parents to seek additional information. Because children develop at different rates, difficulty in one area does not necessarily indicate a disability. Parents who have concerns can discuss evaluation options with an appropriate qualified professional.

How can I connect with other homeschool parents raising children with special needs?

Connecting with parents who understand both homeschooling and special-needs parenting can be an important source of encouragement and practical ideas. NCHE’s Special Needs community helps families connect with other homeschool parents, share resources, ask questions, and find support along the way.

Where can I get help homeschooling my child with special needs?

You do not have to figure everything out on your own. NCHE provides resources, community connections, and support to help parents make informed decisions for their children. Our goal is to help you find an approach that works for your unique learner and homeschool with greater confidence and joy.

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