I truly believe that all parents are their kids’ first teachers. However, there are some parents that take that role to an entirely different level and decide to be the primary educational teachers of their students. According to a recent article on DNAinfo.com, home schooling in New York City is on the rise. “The number of parents choosing to home school — or even “unschool” their children — climbed to nearly 3,000 students, according to New York City Department of Education.” If homeschooling is your choice for your family, then below are some great resources for homeschooling in NYC:
1. The Central Office of Homeschooling
333 Seventh Avenue, 7th Floor
New York, NY 10001
If you are intending to home school your child, then you need to make sure that you remain in compliance with NYC guidelines. This is the office that will help you to do just that. Information regarding submitting mandatory compliance items (letters of intent, Individualized Home Instruction Plan (IHIP), four quarterly reports, and an annual assessment) can also be found at this office.
2. New York State Education Department (NYSED)
In addition to remaining in compliance with the city’s guidelines, it is equally important that homeschooling parents are aware of the (New York) state requirements. On this site, you will find information such as New Requirements for the Provision of Special Education Services to Home-Instructed (“Home-Schooled”) Students, Regulations of the New York State Commissioner of Education and Key Laws Relating to Home Instruction. This page also provides a link to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about home schooling in New York that covers topics such as Individualized Home Instruction Plans, Evaluation, Commencement of Home Instruction During the School Year, College Entrance (for home schooled students) and Suggested Strategies.
3. New York City Home Educators Alliance (NYCHEA)
While the legal and compliance homeschooling issues are important, the social aspect is equally important. That is why resources such as NYCHEA, a support and social organization for home schooling kids (0-18) and their parents/guardians, are essential. Monthly meetings, family fairs and field days, “Not Back To School” Picnics, a monthly newsletter and email discussion groups are just some of the benefits that homeschoolers receive as members of this group. Currently, membership dues are only $36 per year.
4. HomeschoolNYC.com
Founded by prominent home educator and veteran homeschooler Laurie Block Spigel, this website provides a wealth of information for homeschooling families. Books and resources; Fun, free family activities (like you can find here on Mom in the City!); and the Q&A section are especially popular areas of the site. I especially like the Social Networking page on this site, because it includes links to a variety of blogs (including those from homeschooled teens).
5. The Homeschool Buyers Co-op
Although this resource is not housed in New York City, I think that it deserves special mention. It is the largest purchasing cooperative for homeschooling families and offers discounted homeschooling curriculum and programs. I am so impressed with this site. Not only does the co-op offer a variety of discounts, but it also has a large FREE Homeschool Curriculum & Other Resources page. (I intend on using it to supplement my sons’ public school education.) Did I mention that it is totally FREE to join this co-op? It is!
{Post image courtesy of The Homeschool Buyers Co-op.}
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