how do I find a group in my area (eastern PA)?

[kangamitroo]

my 7yo dd loves her Montessori school, but starting next year my intention is to homeschool.  part of the reason is I want us to be out in the community together more regularly. 

I'd like to find a homeschool group.  I hope this could help me (1) learn legal requirements (2) share/swap resources (3) possibly have others to do activities with (if we have similar interests), since most people I know in my area would be in school buildings during the day.

I know there are lots of blogs....in fact, the info online can be daunting.

If you happen to be in PA, I live in northeast Berks County, just south of the Lehigh County line.  (Pottstown to the south, Emmaus and Allentown to the north, and I am completely unfamiliar with Reading and environs.)

[4evermom]

Try Yahoo Groups.  You'll need to sign up for a yahoo email account.  Then do a search for yahoo groups with terms like "Berks Co Homeschool."  Try nearby towns/cities, as well.  Here's a few.  The last is a state wide site.  You can ask any questions you have on there. 

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Berks-Homeschool-Cafe/

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/thevalleyhomeschoolers/

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/PA-HomeEducators/?yguid=257583870

Make sure to check out the AskPauline website.  It's an invaluable how-to resource for homeschooling in PA made by a homeschooling parent.

http://home.comcast.net/~askpauline/index.html

Some of the Ys and rec centers have homeschool "swim and gym" programs once a week during the school year.  Some libraries have homeschool programs.  You can ask next time you stop into yours.

Good luck and happy homeschooling!

[Reebekah]

i live in another part of PA.  i agree, the askpauline.com site is filled with valuable info.  i also got good info from the sites of hslda, chap, pa homeschoolers, and pa dept of ed. 

i found a local online yahoo group, and i've met homeschoolers through that.

do you have any younger children?  i've met many homeschooling moms at my local MOPS (mothers of preschoolers) group.