I was looking at my states regulations on homeschooling, as I may decide to homeschool my son (and future baby/babies), when I discovered a few things.
They require that the parent has a teaching certificate or Bachelor's degree. But they do not require you to register your child with the district as homeschooled. They also require specific subjects (and it states for which grades), but do not require any testing except what the parent chooses.
Because of this, I'm a bit confused. I don't have a teaching certificate or BA, and won't before my son is school-aged. Could I get into trouble from straying from their rules?
What are the laws like where you are?
DS #1 - 12/10/11

DS #2 - 4/2/14
Re: State Regulations on Homeschooling
I'm in Ohio and our regulations aren't too strict, but also aren't too lenient. There are no requirements on education for the parent and you are able to let people other than the parent homeschool your children.
We are required to notify the state of our intent to homeschool every year. Technically, we aren't asking for permission, but just notifying, however we still have to get a stamp of approval from the local superintendent, so it still feels like seeking approval to me. When you notify you have to provide a rough outline of your curriculum and materials you will be using. Then, the next year when you notify, you have to provide an assessment - either a written portfolio that is checked by a certified teacher or scores from a standardized test. If your child falls below a 25% on the test, the superintendent can request remediation.
We are lucky in Ohio that we are not required to log hours or anything. It could be a lot worse for us.
DS #2 - 4/2/14
From what I understand, you don't even have to notify at all. So, you are only technically required to have the degree or license if you voluntarily notify, and even if you do, there are religious exemptions which can allow you to homeschool without the required degrees.
It does actually say on another section of that literate that you do NOT need any special degree to homeschool your child, just that you have to be the legal parent/guardian of the child. So you're fine. We're very lucky to live in a state that is so lenient on their guidelines and doesn't make a lot of hurdles to jump through.
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge Him,and He shall direct your paths.
Proverbs 3:5-6
"The annual registering of a home school to the Michigan Department of
Education (MDE) is voluntary. It is not required unless the student has
special needs and is requesting special education services from the local
public school or intermediate school district. It is recommended that if
special education services will be requested, the parent first submit a
completed Nonpublic School Membership Report to MDE. "
"A parent or legal guardian that registers with MDE is qualified to teach
their child if they have a teaching certificate or a bachelor’s degree."
Exemption (f) Home School
380.1561(3)(f) states:
A child shall not be required to attend the public schools in the following cases:
(f) The child is being educated at the child's home by his or her parent or legal guardian in an organized educational program in the subject areas of reading, spelling, mathematics, science, history, civics, literature, writing, and English grammar.
If a home school family chooses to operate under exemption (f), the conditions listed below apply:
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge Him,and He shall direct your paths.
Proverbs 3:5-6
DS #2 - 4/2/14
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge Him,and He shall direct your paths.
Proverbs 3:5-6
I am thrilled that Michigan is so lenient now!
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge Him,and He shall direct your paths.
Proverbs 3:5-6
Thanks. I should have read the law myself before replying, all I read above was that it was required so my comment was based on the understanding that it was really a requirement.