You work. Or you cannot imagine yourself as a homeschool parent. Or your kids are demanding, and you don't mesh with them well. Or you have a child who has special needs you don't feel prepared to help with. Or you have a health problem that will make homeschooling challenging to impossible.
Or really, you just don't want to homeschool.
But your kids need to be out of school, and they need to be homeschooled. I hear your question: "Can somebody homeschool my kids?"
Maybe.
Step 1: Find out what's legal.
Homeschool laws differ from country to country and from state to state in the U.S. The first step is to determine what your state law allows. In some cases, the law specifically limits homeschooling to parents providing education for their own children.
There are some states that also allow certified tutors to homeschool other people's children, meaning people with a license to teach may be employed to do the homeschooling. In some states, the law does not address how children may be homeschooled, so a variety of ways exist for children to learn outside of school attendance.
In other states, parents may have to be clear that they retain the official responsibility for homeschooling their children, but they can use a variety of tutors, programs, classes, and co-ops, as long as they don't officially designate all the homeschooling responsibility to someone else.
Look for information from your state homeschool organization(s) and talk to local homeschoolers to understand the law and how it is interpreted in your state.
Step 2: Consider your options.
Depending on what's legal where you live, there are many ways you can outsource homeschooling:
- Hire a licensed teacher. The upside is that the state and your family may see this as getting "the real thing" as far as an education. The downside is that it can be expensive to pay a qualified person to provide both childcare and academic education.Some people with teaching experience also stress doing things "the school way" rather than with the flexibility of homeschooling. If you want to homeschool in order to differentiate from school, some licensed teachers (sometimes called certified tutors) may not do that, while others would jump at the chance.
- Send your kids to a cottage school. A cottage school is when a parent takes in a handful of kids to learn together in her home - her "cottage." There are states where there are informal cottage schools, with homeschool moms commonly taking in two to four extra children close to her own children's ages, so they can learn together, and the mom can earn some extra money.Cottage schools may not be mentioned in the law at all, and thus allowed unless your state has a strict provision that homeschooled kids must be homeschooled only by their parents. Using a cottage school is not as costly as hiring a licensed teacher, and homeschool moms typically have a more flexible approach to education. Not as many services are provided as in a private or public school, but it's often a situation that works well. It's similar to a family daycare, but with academics added.Many states and communities do not have cottage schools. (Sometimes "cottage" can be part of the name of a school or a homeschool friendly resource center, and it's not a family-type cottage school).
- Combine childcare and part-time educational services. You can pay childcare providers, and ask them to take your child to classes, co-ops, programs, tutoring, and activities. They're not directly responsible for the "delivery" of academics, but they provide transportation and access.They might even take on a "helping with homework" or "helping with lessons" role, but overseeing the umbrella of academics falls to the parent.
- Combine childcare and university model homeschool classes. University model classes are offered in many communities at churches or community centers that have programs for homeschoolers. Classes are commonly offered two days per week with homework in between, similar to a university schedule.University model homeschool classes are not quite a private school, but typically have more institutional trappings than a cottage school. They might have social groups, a yearbook, and activities. Some university model classes can be expensive. Your childcare provider may have to help with homework and transportation on the days that classes are offered, which may not follow a typical school schedule.
- Combine childcare and online (or "virtual") school. If you have a motivated childcare provider and/or a motivated child, your child might be able to learn through online classes. Online classes vary in approach, delivery, and quality. Some children learn to "jump the hoops" of passing a class without much retention or development of skill or knowledge, while others may absorb the information.Some online instruction provides personalized feedback to the students, resulting in individual attention and greater growth. Online instruction that is provided "free" by a public school may actually be public school at home, which means your child is still subject to public school rules.
- Pay a homeschool mom. There may be a homeschool mom who isn't interested in running a cottage school, but who would not mind adding just your child into the mix with her homeschooled kids. She benefits from the pay, and your child benefits from her experience homeschooling.The downside may be that her approach may be different from your ideas about homeschooling, and since it's working for her own kids, she's not likely to change her ways. She also may already have her hands full with her own kids' activities and enrichment.Taking on an extra child represents a big commitment, and this practice is not as common as you might think. Additionally, it takes a lot of networking in the homeschooling community to find someone who is willing and who you want your child with day in and day out. And again, it might not be legal in your state.
- Find Mary Poppins. The right nanny, licensed to teach or not, could be great at homeschooling your kids. This "governess model" is fairly rare and expensive, but might be right for some families.
While you may not be looking for someone else to homeschool your child because you are working, you will probably benefit from learning more about how parents employed outside the home work out homeschooling their kids. Read the tips from those who are working and homeschooling.
Step 3: Do some deschooling and Homeschooling 101.
Homeschooling is not school. Take some time to learn about deschooling and give your child a chance to make a transition from school to homeschooling. Take a look at all the Homeschooling 101 stuff. You'll be responsible for it, even if you delegate the day-to-day to someone else.
Step 4: Prepare for pushback.
Homeschooling is traditionally seen as an in-the-family thing, with social time, some classes, and enrichment added from the larger community. That's true both inside and outside the homeschooling community. That's the norm.
This is changing a bit as homeschooling is growing. One reason is that homeschooling is becoming a large enough market to be noticed by educational service providers. Another reason is that when critical mass is reached in specific communities, parents themselves can create co-ops and university model schools and have enough students and parent volunteers and instructors. Another reason is that charter schools and online schools in some states have changed the public perception of homeschooling.
That said, there may be traditional homeschooling families who will not welcome someone who wants someone else to homeschool the kids. The slight may not even be intentional, but the primary social group in homeschooling is a parent together with her kids, and if you overreach, you'll risk alienating yourself with the perception that you want others to be responsible for your children. While homeschoolers frequently cooperate, help one another, and trade services, the ethos is very much that families take responsibility for their children.
If your child is challenging, and that's one reason you are taking her out of school but don't want to homeschool yourself, you may find resentment if you're not present yourself to support your child in learning positive behavior. New homeschooling parents whose kids get "dropped off" everywhere without parental support may run amok in their local homeschooling community. It's a high touch dynamic.
That said, if it's legal where you live, and if you're thoughtful of others and remember that this is not taxpayer supported education that your child has a "right" to, you may be able to put together a positive scenario where somebody else homeschools your child.
Step 5: Get set and go!
After working out the pieces of your puzzle, think through the details, and give it a try. You might also continue to consider whether it's possible for you to homeschool your kids yourself. Unintended and even unwelcome homeschooling has sometimes yielded unexpected benefits to families, as parents and children work through challenging situations together. Sometimes you think you can't homeschool because of work, but further exploration may show how others have done just that.
But sometimes? Getting a child out of a negative situation is just a net positive, even if you don't deliver the educational component of homeschooling yourself.
A popular speaker at homeschooling conferences, business groups, and parents’ groups, Jeanne Potts Faulconer homeschooled her three sons in North Carolina, Mississippi, and Virginia for twenty years. Holding her Master of Arts degree in Communication, Jeanne conducted portfolio evaluations for Virginia homeschoolers for evidence of progress for many years. Jeanne is a former college faculty member, former editor for several publications, news correspondent for WCVE, and former director of Brave Learner Home. She is the contributing editor for TheHomeSchoolMom newsletter and writes the popular Ask Jeanne column addressing homeschool parents' questions here at TheHomeSchoolMom.
Hi. Long have I been thinking about the home school DEW. My kid# are already grown up but society can use more ideas. Question. Can a group of parents get together and commit to teaching a subject or two to the group’s children, while other parents teach other subjects?
Hi Nick,
Yes, what you are describing is quite common in the homeschool world. It's called a homeschool co-op. Co-operative learning and teaching can involve many families or even a one-on-one swap, as I wrote about in my article about the World's smallest homeschool co-op.
Homeschooling is a really nimble model of education, which has allowed for a lot of innovation.
Thanks for your comment and for reading at TheHomeSchoolMom.
Looking forward,
Jeanne
Hi I’m in El Paso Texas and my nephew and wife both work would it be possible for me to home school my nephews son
I’m retired and it would be great to help out my nephew and his wife. What would the requirements for this to begin
Thank you for your time I’ll be waiting for your reply.
Laws governing who can homeschool a child vary from state-to-state. Check out our local and state homeschool resources to find information about the laws where you live. Also, at the same link, look up local and state organizations with information about what is permissible in Texas.
Sounds like you could be a great resource for this family!
Looking forward,
Jeanne
Hi, I see you Home Schooled in North Carolina and I was wondering if you know if it is okay for me to Home-School my 5 year old nephew for my brother? He works 12 hour shifts and he and his wife have a 1 year old baby girl and he has a 16 year old son so they do not have time to do it themselves. I used to "teach my nephew when he was 3-4 and now he's about to turn 5 and wants to go to Kindergarten which I know he is ready for but my brother and sister-in-law are not keen on a traditional public school education. They like the work I do with him and we are trying to figure out if NC will allow me to be his teacher. The state website is a little hard to understand and navigate. Any information you can offer or suggest would be much appreciated! Thank You!
Jae
Hi Jae - This would be a good question for the NC state homeschool organization(s). Jeanne's experience homeschooling in NC was many years ago, and homeschool statutes change over time. You can find homeschool groups in your area using our Local & State link in the main navigation menu above. Good luck!
I am interested in homeschooling my son his 8 year old going to 3rd grade.
HI Monica - There is lots of helpful information in our Homeschooling 101 section linked in the navigation menu above. Enjoy the homeschooling journey!
Hi I'm looking for someone to homeschooling my 10th grader.dandridge tn
Hi Rena - - There is lots of helpful information in our Homeschooling 101 section linked in the navigation menu above. Enjoy the homeschooling journey!
I am looking for an licensed instructor, teacher, professor, and/or governance disciplinary mentor... my son is a 15 years young adult very bright, yet very distracted... I strongly believe that with an professional guidance he will be very independent, and very successful... I only want to be his father... to love him, no matter what, even if... I just dreamed to be father, and made him better than me...
Hi Wagner - Although we are unable to facilitate connections between homeschoolers and instructors, you might be able to find someone by connecting with local homeschoolers. Check the Local & State link in our navigation menu to find homeschoolers in your area.
Thank you! I am very pleased to know that there are so many learning options for my child. I know that not everyone has the opportunity for home schooling or attending a public school. I myself combine home schooling and part-time school to be able to balance work and childcare. And I keep a backup plan to hire a private teacher as in case I have to work full time.
Hello, I am a certified teacher (Elementary, Special, Early Childhood with Masters in Reading Specialist) in our state. I would like to homeschool (Prek/K) our oldest (who will be five this year) while finding others in our community to teach at the same time. We do not have to report until first grade but want to make sure I have everything lined up for protection with having other students in my home. What would you recommend I have completed for legal reasons? Or any other suggetions?
Hi. I am looking for looking for a very specialized teacher for homeschooling.
I am looking for an ESE / TVI (teacher of the visually impaired). Obviously this is a very specialized area, so the field is narrow. Hoping you may be able to help.
Did you ever find the resources you were looking for? I too have a child with special needs with vision and autism needs. Looking for done guidance.
Hi Kristen,
Since our audience is nationwide, we can't help with finding local teachers. Your best bet is to connect with local homeschoolers and ask them. We have local resources listings that may have groups in your area. Good luck!
I'm looking for someone to home school my 5 year old ( K ) & My 8 year old (3rd) sons....
Hi Esther - Since our audience is nationwide, we can’t help with finding local teachers. Your best bet is to connect with local homeschoolers and ask them. We have local resources listings that may have groups in your area. Good luck!
I am looking to pull my daughter out of a Charter school to have her homeschooled. I am happy to homeschool her but unfortunately, we do not mesh and too much resistance would challenge my efforts. She is struggling terribly and needs more one on one schooling. I am looking to hire someone to come to my home and homeschool her. I am happy to purchase an online program and curriculum to follow. I live in Davidson , NC.
Sonia, there are many homeschoolers in the Davidson, NC area. You need to network with state and local homeschool organizations and leaders to find out what's legal and if there is anyone available to provide the service you're interested in. Check with your local librarian or at the bookstore in Davidson to find the names of some local homeschoolers, so you can get your networking started.
Good luck!
Jeanne
Hello Mrs. Faulconer,
My name is Rochelle Walker I am a retired Special Education Resource Elementary School Teacher in the public school system as of June 2019 with 30 yrs. from Teacher Assistant to Certified Licensed Teacher. I have recently been looking into options of Certified tutoring either for students with learning disabilities or general education students that are home-schooled. I'm looking at providing services via online ie ZOOM or other online tool.
Thank you for the information you have provided in this article it has been very informative for me. I would like to know if you could tell me where I would go or how I can get started looking into getting the ball rolling to teach home-schooled students. I live in Fayetteville, NC and I am a Certified Special Education Resource Teacher.
Thank you for your time and any information you can provide me.
Have a Great Day!
Rochelle Walker
I have a autistic son that was missed treated by his teacher and student to I am trying to home school him I would like someone to come into my home and teach him he is 9 years old I need help please
I am a retired sped teacher in La and I still love what I do. I am trying to find parents who would want someone like me to work with their children. I see the changes in the public schools and that's why I retired in 2015. If you live in or around the New Orleans, La area, please call me. If you know any parents that are interested, please let them know.
Thanks,
Joan Mastascuso
Hi Joan,
Current and former public school teachers are often big supporters of homeschooling. Some do create or participate in businesses that cater to the homeschool niche. If you're interested in working with homeschoolers, I encourage you to check out local and state homeschool groups in your area. Be sure to follow their rules in posting in their groups on social media. Some offer advertising opportunities so you can reach homeschoolers.
Many homeschooling parents are looking for a different experience from school for their kids, so those who are most successful at building up a clientele of homeschoolers take the time to learn a lot about how homeschooling can be different from public education. You might start with Homeschooling is Not Public School at Home. Also read Ten Things Homeschoolers Don't have to Do and Benefits of Homeschooling.
Gifted teachers who also take advantage of the unique aspects of homeschooling can often connect positively with homeschool families and be a real resource for them.
Good luck!
Jeanne
Rebecca, someone else homeschooling your child may or may not be legal in your state. Get more information from your state homeschool group and ask local homeschoolers if they do know someone who could help you if it is legal. We have links to state and local resources. Also remember that your son is entitled to an appropriate education in the schools. Read our article about "push-outs" for further information. Your librarian may also be able to connect you with a local homeschool group where you can get your questions answered.
I'm so sorry to hear that your son was mistreated. Good luck homeschooling!
Jeanne
I have a Grandson that really needs help
I might have something that could help!
Vanessa, my heart goes out to you and your grandson. I hope you can find a way to advocate for him to get the help he deserves in his school, or locate homeschoolers in your community or state who may be able to give you information on how he might be able to learn outside of school.
Jeanne
Looking for someone to homeschool my first grader
Hi, i can help your child in home schooling through zoom classes
Hi
Is it acceptable for (3) families of special needs to "rent" a facility for (5) 1/2 days a week and bring in (paid) teachers and (speech) therapists for individual and group therapy. obviously this would have some "kinks" to work out to accomodate everyones needs, but we feel that the alternative has let the "world of autism" down, hard!
Hi andree’—
Sounds like you may be talking about creating a homeschool cooperative (a "co-op") created by families. In some places, state laws that govern education, child care, or health care may have specific definitions about what constitutes a private school, a homeschooling resource center, a "co-op," a childcare center, or a treatment/therapy center. There could be local zoning laws that restrict where you can rent space and for what uses. There could be regulations on how a building has to be set up when it serves a certain number of children. There could be homeschooling laws that restrict homeschooling to "the child's own parents"—though how this works in practice can vary.
In general, yes, homeschoolers do often work together to create the shared experience they need to meet their children's needs. This can include paid staff and rented space, unless prohibited or regulated in a specific state or locality. Sometimes co-ops are "drop-off," and sometimes parents have to stay while their children are there. These policies may be set for insurance purposes, to meet legal requirements, or to create the kind of parental involvement that the organizers want for their co-op.
Sorry your children's needs have not been met, and I wish you good luck in organizing what you need. What you want to do is definitely "acceptable" by homeschooling standards; you just have to do your research to find out what you can do in your state and locality. Those laws are meant to keep children safe when they are in institutional spaces; homeschoolers frequently have to determine what that means for family-based education that is branching out of a single home.
Jeanne
hhHi im looking for my 14 year old in san antonio for a one on one teacher in our home
Hi, This is Mrs. Trevino, a homeschool Tutor. My passion has always been teaching g and have 20 years of successfully tutoring homeschool children in San Antonio. You can reach me at: 220-618-3035.
Hi Kristi,
Since TheHomeSchoolMom.com is read all over the United States and internationally, you're not likely to find someone in San Antonio to homeschool your son by commenting here. I guess it's possible, but not likely. You need to connect with homeschoolers in San Antonio to see if anyone local to you has interest in doing this. I suggest checking out our state and local listings here on TheHomeSchoolMom, as well as looking for San Antonio homeschool groups on Facebook. You may also want to ask your local librarian. Good luck!
Jeanne
Hi i am looking for someone to home school my daughter. She is 12 years old. I want to give this a try.
Hi Evelyn,
Since TheHomeSchoolMom is read around the world, you'll likely not find someone to homeschool your daughter by posting here. Do some reading to find out what's legal in your state, and connect with your state and local homeschool groups. You might even ask your local librarian if she knows the homeschoolers in your area. There could be just the right family out there who would enjoy bringing a 12 year old to homeschool with their kids, or people in your area might be able to tell you of hybrid education options available to you. Good luck!
Hi - I am trying to find someone who could possibly homeschool my 14 year old daughter. We live in North Carolina in the Lake Norman area (north of Charlotte). My daughter is not doing well in the public school system. We adopted her out of the foster care system a few years ago. She deals with the affects of trauma and experiences anxiety and depression. She hates going to public school. My husband and I both work so we are not able to homeschool ourselves. Can anyone help direct me to where to start with this?
Hi Brenda,
You will want to check out the good news and bad news of homeschooling high school. While it may not be the right choice for your daughter who has some special situations going on, some kids do stay home during the day and do some school work or homeschool with parents at night and on the weekends.Your daughter may well need more support and supervision. Many parents do work and homeschool. Some do find mentors to work with. Some homeschool moms are willing to take in an extra kid during the day to earn some extra income, if that's legal in your state. You should try to connect with homeschoolers in your locality or state (I started homeschooling over 20 years ago right where you currently live, but I'm out of state now). You may find someone with interest in doing this. That said, homeschoolers are fairly sensitive to the impact an "extra kid" has on their family, so it's not that common. The truth is, there's not "infrastructure" for finding this kind of thing, so you have to keep turning over possibilities. Best of luck to you.
Hi Brenda,
What are the requirements in california to homeschool? Are we able to hire someone to homeschool our daughter?
Hi Alicia,
As stated in our article in Step 1, you will have to do some research to find out what is legal in your state. There are fifty states, and there are fifty different approaches to regulating homeschooling, including who can homeschool and how. People interested in having someone else homeschool their child need to check on their own state law. Each state has state and local homeschool groups you can find through the link in the article. Networking in your state or locality is the best way to find out what's legal and who may be available to homeschool your daughter. Good luck!
Thank you for your suggestions - very helpful!