Can I Homeschool My Special Needs Child?
Parents are often insecure enough about the idea of homeschooling their children in general, wondering if they truly are qualified. But, when special needs are added to the picture, the insecurity grows. Special needs considerations raise the stakes. Truly evaluating the situation, however, often proves that special needs children benefit from homeschooling even more than other children.
Even when it’s not explicitly needed, most homeschooling parents crave outside help to ensure that they have given their children the best education possible. This is no less true of special needs parents. But, that should never lead parents to believe they lack qualification to teach their children.
Points to Ponder
Here are some things to consider as you contemplate homeschooling your special needs child.
One-on-One
Special needs children benefit greatly from one-on-one teaching, which often cannot be granted in a traditional school setting.
Tailored Learning
Homeschooling allows parents to tailor teaching to a child’s learning style. This is especially important for children with learning difficulties.
Social Interactions
Special needs families often need to highly control their social interactions in order to mold the social development of their children. This can be difficult in a traditional school setting.
Parents Know Best
Parents know their children best. This alone makes them the most qualified teachers, even in special needs cases. Parents also love their children most. This love makes them patient and enduring in ways no other teacher, no matter how loving, could be.
Training
Many resources are available to train, encourage, and equip parents. Parents can evaluate and choose what they believe best suits their child. Also, many support groups are available to offer strategies, coping tips, resources, and even times of relief from the continual effort.
You're Not Alone
Even if you homeschool, you don’t have to do it alone. Therapy programs, classes, and support groups are available to offer guidance, resources, and breaks. Homeschooling simply means you are free to structure your child’s education as you consider best.
A Few More Thoughts
Special needs situations are unique. Ultimately, it is your responsibility to prayerfully consider the best educational option for your special needs child. But, this is the case with all education choices! Homeschooling may or may not be the best option for your special needs child. But, if the Lord is leading you to homeschool, he will also equip you to accomplish the task.
