Curriculum -- the material taught to students -- determines what the children will learn and how many hours a day they will spend learning. Educators and parents can seek out online curriculums and home school programs. The best way to obtain information about curriculums is to search for home school programs in your area. You may have the choice of secular or religious home schooling programs, and your state's department of education can provide a list of tested resources.
Your state sets educational standards for all children, and students usually need to be registered with the education department to be eligible for home schooling. The Indiana Department of Education, for example, requires that student must have at least 180 days of home schooling instruction; curriculum planning is left up to the parent. New York requires parents to provide the state with a home instruction plan, four quarterly reports and an annual assessment for home-schooled children.
Find out what laws exist in your state on home schooling and what you are required to do, such as notifying the principal of your child's school and obtaining your child's school records, if your child previously attended public school but is now being home-schooled. You can find out more about the laws specific to your state by visiting your state's Department of Education website.
Seek out other families and associations dedicated to fostering effective home schooling by contacting home schooling associations and groups. Home schooling associations in Indiana, for example, include the Indiana Home Educators Network and the Indiana Association of Home Educators. Associations provide you with mentors or put you in contact with other families that are home schooling. This gives you someone to turn to when you are experiencing challenges or want to involve the children in social events such as field trips.
Don't be afraid to try new techniques and methods to stimulate and engage your child. Buy or borrow books on home schooling or education. Home schooling is not just about making sure that your child gets the proper educational instruction, but also strengthening the bond between you and your child. Conducting scientific experiments, planning projects, taking your child to museums and allowing your child to participate in a meaningful way will ensure that your child gets a well-rounded education.