I can remember sitting in a meeting with my son’s kindergarten teacher, the principal, and the school’s IEP (Individualized Education Program) liaison feeling a wave of emotions as they told me my son wasn’t where he should be in a number of areas. I had always wanted to homeschool, but feeling inadequate in my ability to do so, we sent him off to public school. It turned out being what he needed at the time. However, I am so glad that we made the choice to pull him out because home is what he is needing now. Anyway, back to the story… At first, I was confused. I took him to all his doctor appointments, filled out all the forms with checklists of development, talked to the doctor about some concerns I had, and aside from a speech delay, I was told he was developing great. Surely there was a mistake. But as the meeting went on, it became very clear that things were overlooked by doctors and in reality myself. I felt so discouraged and helpless as they laid out the plan they had for him.

Academically he was fine. He was smart as a whip and was testing above grade level in reading and math. I guess that was the one positive thing I could tuck away if I needed a pick me up. But when it came to fine and gross motor skills (and still his speech) he was far behind his peers. They told me he needed physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy. He would stay in the regular education classroom. But his services would be through the special education department. I stayed in denial for a while. But eventually came to terms that my little boy needed help. I will be forever grateful for an observant teacher and school system that could provide services for him.

As I think back to this time, I have realized that my denial was due to the fact that I didn’t fully know what developmental skills young children should be accomplishing or by what age range. Children of all ages develop and grow in their own time frame. No two children will be exactly alike. Some skills will outshine others and some children will be a little ahead of the pack or some a little behind. That is normal and usually no area for concern. But if you feel your child is too far behind in one or more areas of development (and I encourage you to educate yourself on what those are), you can take steps to help them.

Something everyone can do is talk to your child’s pediatrician. Though my son’s pediatrician overlooked some major things, I do believe the majority of doctors can catch early signs of delay. They can give helpful assessments and have great resources for parents and children. Talk to them about things you have noticed, concerns you have, and ask any question you may have. If you don’t feel like your concerns were addressed or feel there is something going on, seek out another opinion. Be your child’s advocate!

Even though you are homeschooling your child, you may be able to utilize the great resources a public school system has. Because of the Child Find Mandate, school districts should have procedures in place to evaluate children, including those that homeschool. You should look up your specific states laws on this, as laws can be different state to state on what services they have to provide after the evaluation. But more often than not, some type of service can be provided to your child. Educate yourself, know your rights, and don’t be afraid to use the local school district!

While they are in school they would have an IEP. But as a homeschool student they can get an ISP (Individualized Services Plan) and be given therapy services. Again, depending on your state and school district. My son still gets speech therapy through our district. I take him to the elementary school he would have attended if he had gone to public school. I sign him in, he has a session of therapy, then we sign out and leave. It’s like taking him to a therapy appointment at a doctor’s office.

Find a local therapy office that your insurance covers and have them evaluate your child. If they find your child does have a delay, you can seek services through them. There was a period of time while my son was in public school that he was receiving services through the school and we took him to a private therapy office for outpatient services. Both options provided slightly different benefits for my son.

There are lots of great resources available for children that need extra support. Getting your child the help they need as soon as you can will allow them the best opportunity for growth. Young kids are like sponges and can absorb so much. Especially if they get direction from those that specialize in the area they need help with. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, seek out help, and advocate for your kiddo!

Your Homework:

What’s a homeschool blog without a little homework?

• Is there anywhere your child may need help developmentally?
• If so, write down the skills they may be struggling in and contact a doctor or therapist for help