Special education services for HSed kids?

[gwen's mom]

So we have made the decision to have our HSed DD#1 evaluated by the specialists in the school district, as we suspect that she may have some sort of learning disability. In talking to the district folks and setting up the screening appointments today they stated several times over that because DD is HSed they can provide an evaluation but they are under no obligation to provide her any sort of special education services (if warranted). I have multiple degrees in education and always thought that HSed kids had a right to everything offered PSed kids…am I wrong?

[Mama Rana]

Originally Posted by gwen's mom

So we have made the decision to have our HSed DD#1 evaluated by the specialists in the school district, as we suspect that she may have some sort of learning disability. In talking to the district folks and setting up the screening appointments today they stated several times over that because DD is HSed they can provide an evaluation but they are under no obligation to provide her any sort of special education services (if warranted). I have multiple degrees in education and always thought that HSed kids had a right to everything offered PSed kids…am I wrong?

I get the impression that different states vary on this, but I know what you mean. I'm in MD and my son has an IEP for speech from when he was in PS kindy last year. I've been told by my county that the state does not require them to provide services but they do so as a courtesy. I have to transport him, and abide by their schedule [still waiting to hear on that]. So yeah, I don't get it. Only thing I can think is to talk to a special ed. advocate to find out what you can legally push for in your area.

Good luck!

[Momma Aimee]

home schooled children are legally entitled to any services they'd get in the classroom; it is sometimes a challenge to schdule it all and fit it together -- but if you and the staff are felxiable you can do it -- i do for both my boys who i refused to enroll in pre-school for their services.

one big issue is that -- most or a lot of things in an IEP -- are accommodations in the classroom, or things for the teacher that don't always apply to the home schooled situation.

http://www.wrightslaw.com/ look here.

different districts are more or less easy to deal with -- but the legal right is there.