Homeschool Parent Education Requirements
In order to start a home school in Colorado, one of three options must be chosen. A traditionally started and operated home school is entirely recognized in Colorado. You could also choose to enroll your child in a private school that allows for home instruction, or utilize a private tutor. No special teacher qualifications are required except when a private tutor is used. With that option, any chosen tutor must have a teaching certificate. If a child’s parent is certified to teach in the state of Colorado, then that homeschool situation can follow all of the requirements for the private tutor option.
Forms and Paperwork Required
A private school or a private tutor does not require any special paperwork or record keeping, but operating a home school does have some requirements. Any superintendent in your area must receive a notice of intent 14 days before homeschooling would start. This written letter of intent must then be refilled every year thereafter that home schooling is utilized. A home school must also keep accurate attendance records, current immunization records, and all evaluation and test results.
Kindergarten Home School Requirements
Colorado law does not require any homeschooling paperwork to be filed for any child that is under 7 years of age. Keep in mind that the law will change come July 1, 2008. At that time, the compulsory attendance age will change to 6 year old children.
Testing Requirements
Home instruction from a private school requires whatever testing the individual private school requires. A private tutor is not required to use any specific testing methods. A home school must administer the state required standardized tests fro grades 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11. A home school could alternatively choose to have a certified Colorado certified teacher, an educator with a graduate degree in education, or a licensed psychologist analyze the academic progress of the involved child without taking the actual standardized test. The results of this analysis would then be reported to either the private or public school that is involved with the particular child.
Other Useful Information
In Colorado, only families that have chosen to establish and operate a traditional home school are legally allowed to join HSLDA. All homeschooling families are able to become members of the Christian Home Educators of Colorado. You can visit their website for more information about homeschooling in Colorado. The website will also give you information on field trip opportunities, their state conference, support groups in different areas, and much more valuable information that will make homeschooling be a smooth and rewarding experience.
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