New Homeschooler Information
Monthly New Homeschooler Informational Meeting
The monthly New Homeschooler Informational Meeting is at the Library Center on the second Thursday of each month from 6:30-8:30 PM. The New Homeschooler Information Meeting is for parents considering homeschooling or those who have already decided to homeschool.
Topics covered: how to get started, most frequently asked questions, state law requirements, and common homeschool approaches.
It is against library policy for children to be left unattended in the library. If you need to bring your children, please keep them with you. There is no charge and no childcare.
Location: 4563 S. Campbell Ave, Springfield, Mo
Inclement weather cancellations will be posted as soon as possible on the SHEM website and/or the SWMOHE Loop. SHEM accepts NO responsibility for bad weather. Attendees are responsible for their decision to attend events in poor weather.
Reasons to Homeschool
Brandon Staggs: Biblical Reasons to Homeschool
Little Bears Reasons to Homeschool
Love to Learn - Reasons to Homeschool
Research Homeschooling
Attend the New Homeschooler Information Meeting sponsored by SHEM
Talk to other homeschooling families about their experiences including curriculum choices, activities, successes and failures, etc.
Each state has its own regulations for homeschooling. Find out what your state's homeschooling laws and regulations are. Contact the Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA - write: P.O. Box 3000, Purcellville, VA 20134 or call: (540) 338-5600).
Read the booklet First Things First available from Families for Home Education(FHE), the state homeschooling organization which lobbies for homeschoolers in Jefferson City.
Subscribe to magazines about homeschooling: Practical Homeschooling, Homeschooling Today, The Teaching Home, The Old Schoolhouse Magazine, Home Educating Family Magazine
Attend homeschool the SHEM Homeschool Convention.
Check your local library for books about homeschooling, doing a subject search on "home schooling".
Start researching homeschool curriculum companies and ordering their catalogs. Find out if there are any homeschool workshops and/or curriculum fairs in your area and state. Mark your calendar for these events. Contact a state or local support group for more information.
Legalities of Homeschooling
Homeschooling laws vary from state to state. Missouri has favorable homeschool laws. Note: The law states that you "may" submit a declaration of intent to homeschool to the recorder of deeds. This is not mandatory or recommended.
Read the Missouri State Law regarding homeschooling.
Read the legal analysis of the Missouri State Law.
First Steps
Join Families for Home Education (FHE) for only $10 per year.
Download the Sample Withdrawal letter if you are removing your child from public school.
Sign up for the local email loop at Yahoogroup SWMOHE
Look into joining the National Homeschool Legal Association (HSLDA)
Decide on record-keeping, methods & materials here.
Download a helpful spreadsheet: Hours Tracking Spreadsheet
