Separate three different legal questions
First ask what the state requires to establish and maintain a homeschool. Second ask how the state classifies the setting under IDEA and which LEA is responsible for child find. Third ask what, if any, service process is available. Federal rules for covered parentally placed private-school children distinguish child find from an individual entitlement to services.
34 CFR § 300.130: parentally placed private-school children with disabilities34 CFR § 300.131: child find for parentally placed private-school children34 CFR § 300.137: equitable services determined
Original planning tool: state verification ledger
For each row, record the controlling authority, document title, effective year, access date, contact, answer, and follow-up. Mark a question unknown until the responsible authority answers it.
| Question | Authority to check | Evidence to save |
|---|---|---|
| Notice and enrollment | State homeschool office or designated local authority | Current rule page, form, submission receipt |
| Child find and evaluation | State special-education office and responsible LEA | Written procedure and named contact |
| Possible services | Responsible LEA or service-plan contact | Eligibility/process explanation; no assumed promise |
| Testing and records | State homeschool authority and program administrator | Current requirements and dates |
| Funding or scholarship | Official program administrator | Current handbook and expense-specific answer |
| Re-entry and credits | Receiving school or district | Current placement, credit, and record procedure |
Treat a services plan and an IEP as different documents
For a covered parentally placed private-school child selected to receive equitable services, IDEA describes a services plan tied to the services the LEA will provide. That does not mean every homeschooled child receives a services plan or the same services as a public-school student.
34 CFR § 300.138: equitable services provided34 CFR § 300.137: equitable services determined
Recheck time-sensitive answers
Save the date and version of each rule. Recheck before withdrawal, a new school year, a funding purchase, a formal evaluation request, or re-entry. Do not rely on an undated summary when an official source is available.
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Sources for this page
The federal sources supply definitions and boundaries; each state and district must be checked for the actual homeschool classification and procedure. The planning tool is original editorial material, not a validated assessment or official form. This revision remains pending educator review; verify individual recommendations and current state, district, program, and provider requirements before acting.
Ledger access date: 2026-09-10
Official checks before you act
Because homeschool law, special education services, and funding rules vary, verify requirements with your state education department, local district, official ESA or scholarship program, and qualified providers. Keep screenshots or PDFs of official guidance with your records.
Frequently asked questions
Can this page tell me my state’s homeschool requirements?
No. It shows which questions to verify and where to start. Use the current state, district, and program sources for the actual answer.
Is child find the same as guaranteed ongoing services?
No. The cited federal provisions treat child find and equitable services as separate duties and do not create an individual right to all public-school services for covered parentally placed private-school children.
Should I rely on a verbal answer?
A verbal answer can help, but ask for the current written procedure or a follow-up email when possible and record the date and contact.