Homeschooling other people's children?

Question

It it legal to homeschool someone else's child? I an watching two boys, turning 5 soon. I homeschool my 7 year old and plan on homeschooling my 2 year old when she gets a little older. The mother says she does not want to put her two boys in public school and asked if i would be willing to teach them during the day. Can I do this?

I live in Maine if that makes a difference. I just write a letter to the state saying that I am homeschooling my children every year, and send it along with the test scores. Can I do this for the other children too?

Answer 1

It would be best to check with the state about the legality of homeschooling other children. In most states you have to have special certification to teach children that are not yours. Better safe than sorry. I used to live in Maine and I knew several home schooled children and knew one gal who had a "home school" where she taught other children, but it was more of a religious school. Check with the state to be sure.

Out of curiosity, where in Maine? I am just over the border now in NH.....:)

Answer 2

I do not think homeschooling someone else's child(ren) would be a problem in a state like Illinois where homeschools are considered to be legal, private schools.  However, I do know that the Home School Legal Defense Association will not defend anyone's right to homeschool someone else's children; however, they state whether or not you can homeschool someone else's children depends upon the laws in your state.  These and other questions are answered under their Frequently Asked Questions section via the link below:

http://www.hslda.org/docs/faqs/default.a...

Also, if you decide to assist the mother with homeschooling, she should write the letter to the state saying that she will be homeschooling her children.  What you could do is provide a place for her children to be during the day, help them with work she provides for them, and help them do their work, but not "officially" take on the roll of homeschooling them.  Clarify to her that she has the ultimate responsibility for seeing that ther children are educated according to your state's laws, and you will help her in this process.

Last year, a gentleman asked me to homeschool his child, but I declined for various reasons; in my state, Illinois, it would have been legal.  Recently, a lady asked me to tutor her child who is in public school, and I am considering it.

I hope this information is helpful.

Answer 3

Sounds like you'd be running a school.

BTW, for someone who is homeschooling impressionable minds, I'd suggest brushing up on your grammar and spelling.  You made five blatant errors.

Answer 4

I am not aware of what the laws would be in the USA, Im Australian, however I was in this situation myself and dont recommend that you homeschool other peoples children.  We tried it and as a result I no longer speak to the other kids mother as she decided to try dictating to me how and what I could teach her children.  Understand, I was reluctant in the first place, was not paid at any time and was bullied into teaching them.  If she wants to homeschool them, then she needs to make the time available to do so.

*EDIT*

This woman made NO effort to participate in their education!

Answer 5

It does vary from state to state, and Maine appears to be a little vague.  I didn't see anything against homeschooling someone else's children, but I didn't see it specified that it was okay, either.  It appears that if you do it, it may be legal and you would be considered a "home instruction tutor" (see the second reference).

Answer 6

Do you belong to HSLDA(Home School Legal Defense Assoc.)? If you don't, you should. Our state is very good about Homeschooling, but we are still members. The monthly fee is low, but if trouble comes your way, they will help you. Check out www.HSLDA.org. If they do not know the answer right away, they will tell you where to call. If you belong to a group, and the group joins, the monthly rates could be even lower.

Answer 7

Well, around here, you wouldn't technically be homeschooling. You would be providing day care for a child, and the mother would be responsible for selecting a curriculum and ensuring that the children are progressing academically. You *could* help them by providing time and space at your home for them to work, but you would not be homeschooling them.

Answer 8

http://www.hslda.org/laws/default.asp?St...

Maine is one of those states that is pretty lax in their laws about homeschooling. I don't see anything that would prevent  you from teaching them. As long as all the proper paperwork is filled out to send to the state then you will be fine. The homeschool legal defense association website is the best website for getting information on laws in each state.