Last year I withdrew my son from Kindergarten because he has severe food allergies and decided to home-school?

Question

because the school proved to us on the first day that they weren't able to provide a safe place for our son to receive an education. Since I withdrew him, do I need to register him with the state of Texas, or do we just mind our own business and do our own thing with this? I don't want to get into any trouble, but as far as I can see, in the state of Texas they really don't ask anything from homeschool parents. Am I wrong about this? Please let me know if I am supposed to be keeping any type of record on the work that we do daily, or if it even matters. Do I have to "check in" with anyone? Thanks for the serious answers!

Answer 1

There are actually LAWS to protect homeschooling in Texas. You are not monitored. Although at your son's age he should be around other children as it is a critical point in building social bonds. The resources  are linked below:

http://homeschooling.gomilpitas.com/laws...

http://austin.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsi...

Answer 2

You are able to do your own thing in Texas.  I really think it's a good idea to keep some records of what you've done just in case someone butts into your business and social services gets involved.  HSDL isn't a bad idea to join either.

Because there are lots of homeschoolers in Texas, I believe there are lots of groups you can get involved with for field trips and whatnot as well.

Answer 3

I just want to thank you for doing the common sense thing in home-schooling your child.  I am not normally a fan of homeschooling, as I have seen too many bad end results, but in your case it is warranted.  I am tired of schools having to resort to total bans on some items because one or two kids may have allergies.  Have you tried asking your school district for information?  In MO we have homebound student programs for students unable to attend due to medical problems.  I believe these are used mainly for temporary situations, but it would be worth checking out.

Answer 4

I think it is crucial for your child to interact with other children. i disapprove of homeschooling the same way i disapprove with one on one tutoring, when a child is put in a classroom situation from a one on one basis, they et nervous and do bad. that's why many tutoring centers have groups. i understand if your child is doing bad but then at 330, u can take their books or ask the teacher to send the material for the day (which they are very kind about doing or you can complain which can question their ability to multi task and help students) and help them with that at the end of the day. Children need to be around other children to develop. i see kids around adults all the time and they think its cute that they're acting all grown up til their 15 and u can't tell them anything because they think they know it all.

As for food allergies, if you express to the school that your child has allergies and anything happens and they assure you that they can meet your standards, that will be their problem. we have a kid thats allergic to peanut products and he eats lunch with me and i disinfect and keep wipes around to make sure everything is clean and clear. that's what a GREAT teacher does. they make a child feel welcomed not infected.

Answer 5

Texas still has open enrollement for k12 if you hurry, they are almost full. They will provide you with a computer, printer, books, supplies and everything you need for your child to start school including a teacher for help.

http://www.txva.org

We had the same problem with my youngest son years ago but he wasn't allergic to food he was allergic to the school itself. Apparetly most schools today are older buildings and have some type of issue with mold. Where I live it is a HUGE thing,. my son is highly allergic and would go to school and be sick within an hour of being there. By the time we removed him he was on 11 medications a day ..once he was removed he was fine. The school tried to blame my son saying that they " believed he had a school phobia" They simply didn't want to deal with the problem.

My son has been at an online charter school now for 7 years. My oldest son graduated from one and now attends a private university with scholarships and majors in physics. Home schooling can be great !

Answer 6

Check out www.hslda.org .  This is the Home School Legal Defense Association. They have links to state laws and requirements, as well as links to local support groups.  Homeschooling is HUGE in Texas. Lucky for you, they also have some of the most liberal laws for homeschoolers compared to other states.

Answer 7

You don't have to register in Texas. There is lots of information available on homeschooling in Texas. Just do a search in Yahoo for Texas homeschooling. You'll find out about recommended records and everything.