The Network of Iowa Christian Home Educators is a group whose mission is to provide Christ-centered events, communications and resources resulting in better informed and equipped Iowa home school families. This organization offers its members a newsletter, homeschooling magazine, an Honors Society, graduation ceremonies and opportunities to purchase used curricula.
Members of NICHE receive a discount on membership in the Home School Legal Defense Association. The NICHE website has links to support groups throughout the state and overviews of Iowa's homeschooling laws. NICHE is operated by a board of directors who serve two-year terms. All members of the board have experience with homeschooling in Iowa. The members of this board of directors sign statements of faith, but this is not required for general members. Membership is open to all Iowa home educators.
NICHE
Box 158
Dexter, IA 50070
(800) 723-0438
homeschooliowa.org
IDEA stands for Iowans Dedicated to Education Alternatives. This group offers support for home school families in Iowa and neighboring states. They are a homeschooling support group that focuses mainly on the practice of unschooling. This method of teaching involves learning through a variety of experiences in an informal environment.
This is a nonprofit organization that does not endorse any particular religious or political beliefs. The group offers weekly park days for all members at Fort Des Moines Park in Des Moines. The website links to information on unschooling as well as the Iowa homeschooling laws. Membership is open to all Iowans involved in homeschooling. The group has an active Yahoo! group where members can network with each other and share information on upcoming events
The Burlington, Iowa, public library has a wide selection of materials available for homeschooled children and their parents. Materials range from how-to guides that will assist parents with getting started homeschooling and give ideas for curricula and course materials. Course materials are in science, social studies, math, grammar and reading. The library has subscriptions to magazines geared toward homeschoolers that patrons can check out or browse through during a visit.
The library has children's, teen and adult book sections and a large selection of audio books. There are frequent used book sales and a summer reading program. Library patrons may request an item through an interlibrary loan program if it is not available at the facility.
Burlington Iowa Public Library
210 Court Street
Burlington, IA 52601
(319) 753-1647
burlington.lib.ia.us