Failure to file a letter of intent HELP

[twobears]

Hi, I hope some of you can offer me some advice.

I decided to give homeschooling a try this year. My daughter went to a pre- k last year and would have started Kindergarten this past September. I did not send a letter of intent or IHiP because from my understanding kindergarten is not mandatory. Just a few days ago I found out that a letter should have been sent, due to the fact that my daughter turned 6 a few days before the cutoff date. What should I do? What happens when theses things are not submitted on time? I am so worried, please any info would be greatly appreciated!

[Mittsy]

I would send in the letter of intent asap, and just mention that you're a first time homeschooling mama who accidently misread the requirements and it won't happen again. I don't have much more advice than that. Good luck!

[laohaire]

If I understand you correctly, you just happened to find this out - rather than receiving a threatening letter about it or something, right?

Either way, the only thing to do really is to submit the letter now. You're submitting this letter to a human being - probably your local superintendent. It will probably be just fine. The worst that can happen is that they give you a hard time and you get off on the wrong foot with the super. I would calmly (not super apologetically or anything) explain the reason for the late declaration in one sentence and then just focus on the rest of the letter. "I am writing to declare my intent to homeschool [name] for Kindergarten. I understand that Kindergarten is not mandatory in this state, but upon further research, now see that we need to declare now as [name] was/will be age 6 by [cutoff]." And then just go into the letter. That's my advice, anyway.

[twobears]

Thanks for the advice! 

[tankgirl73]

I don't know where you are, but I've never heard of anyone being in trouble for filing a letter of intent late.  The worst case scenario is that you get a WARNING if you're 'found out'.  The warning might be more scary or more friendly, depending on where you are, but I've never heard of a case of someone not filing and then having their kids taken away without any warning, or anything.  There would have to be a notice received first, something like "if you do not submit to our laws by such and such a date, then these actions will be taken."  

At least in our neck of the woods, I know of tons of people who don't file their letters 'on time'.  As long as they file them at some point during the school year, they've had no problems.  Again, some places might be different, with more stringent crackdowns or whatever.  But if you have not received any warnings or threatening letters, then you have nothing to worry about.  Just file the letter.  If you wish, include the note as suggested above, acknowledging that it's late but you now understand blah blah blah.  

Heck, even filing your taxes late doesn't get you evicted or your salary revoked or anything.  You get a warning and maybe a fine.  Government offices are used to 'whoops, sorry we're late' in all kinds of situations and they don't have to resources to chase down and criminalize every single instance.  Most homeschool legislation, where letter of intents are mandated, don't even specify what the "or else" consequences are anyway!  

[twobears]

Thanks tankgirl73 your post really helped ease my mind! I'm going to send out letter of intent hopefully next week.

[mattemma04]

If it is close stop by and drop it off. I often went in person to speed up the process. Either way you should be fine.Does your state require testing or a teacher evaluation at the end of the year(to be submitted in the next years letter of intent)? I did IOWA testing when I had my kids at home.Got the tests through Piedmont in NC.

[teastaigh]

I'd send the letter and then RELAX! Many people are late with these things as they are with their bills, etc. Your intentions are good. You have nothing to hide. You're fine.

peace,

teastaigh