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Homeschooling a Child with an IEP in California

What happens to your child's special education services when you homeschool in California, and how to reach the services that remain available.

What happens to your child's services

If your child has an IEP and you leave public school for a home-based private school, PSP, or private tutor, the IEP does not follow your child. The California Department of Education says nothing in state law prevents a child with disabilities from being enrolled in a private school, including a home-based private school, and a public school at the same time, and the child is then educated under the IEP. Home-based private school and PSP students can also be considered for IDEA equitable services, and your district must still evaluate children who may have a disability. Independent study students remain public school students, and the IEP team decides whether independent study can work for your child (EC 51745(c)).

Primary source: EC 48222, 51745(c), 56170-56177; 34 CFR 300.111, 300.130, 300.137; CDE equitable services guidance

How to access services while homeschooling

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Dual enrollment for services

The California Department of Education says nothing in state law prevents a child with disabilities from being enrolled in a private school, including a home-based private school or PSP, and a public school at the same time. While enrolled in public school, your child is educated under the IEP, which can set a shorter school day than the usual minimum. Independent study students are already public school students; a child with an IEP can take part only if the IEP specifically provides for it (EC 51745(c)).

How to request: Enroll your child in your public school district while keeping your home-based private school or PSP. The IEP team sets the services and the school day.

CDE, Equitable Services for Students with Disabilities (FAQ 6); EC 51745(c)

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Child Find evaluation

Federal Child Find rules require that children with disabilities living in California who may need special education, including private school children, be identified and evaluated (34 CFR 300.111).

How to request: Request an evaluation in writing from your local school district.

34 CFR 300.111; EC 56300

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Equitable services (IDEA proportionate share)

The California Department of Education says California recognizes home schools as private schools, so children in a home-based private school or PSP are treated like other children placed by their parents in private schools and can be considered for IDEA equitable services. There is no entitlement to the services they would receive in public school; the district where the private school is located decides which services to offer (EC 56174.5). Private tutor students are not covered.

How to request: Write to the school district where your home-based private school or PSP is located to have your child considered for equitable services.

EC 48222, 56170-56177; 34 CFR 300.130, 300.137

Before you withdraw

  1. 1

    Request complete copies of all IEP documents, evaluations, and progress reports before you withdraw.

  2. 2

    Consider requesting an IEP meeting to discuss the transition. This is optional.

  3. 3

    File your homeschool notice as your state requires. Our wizard prepares it for you.

  4. 4

    Arrange any private therapies or services your child needs before withdrawal takes effect.

Keep copies of all IEP documents, evaluations, and progress reports. You'll need them if you re-enroll.

Special education help

COPAA

copaa.org · Find a special education attorney near you

Wrightslaw

wrightslaw.com · Special education law encyclopedia

Common questions

What happens to my child's IEP when I start homeschooling in California?
If your child has an IEP and you leave public school for a home-based private school, PSP, or private tutor, the IEP does not follow your child. The California Department of Education says nothing in state law prevents a child with disabilities from being enrolled in a private school, including a home-based private school, and a public school at the same time, and the child is then educated under the IEP. Home-based private school and PSP students can also be considered for IDEA equitable services, and your district must still evaluate children who may have a disability. Independent study students remain public school students, and the IEP team decides whether independent study can work for your child (EC 51745(c)).
Can my child still get special education help from the school if we homeschool in California?
Dual enrollment for services: The California Department of Education says nothing in state law prevents a child with disabilities from being enrolled in a private school, including a home-based private school or PSP, and a public school at the same time. While enrolled in public school, your child is educated under the IEP, which can set a shorter school day than the usual minimum. Independent study students are already public school students; a child with an IEP can take part only if the IEP specifically provides for it (EC 51745(c)). Child Find evaluation: Federal Child Find rules require that children with disabilities living in California who may need special education, including private school children, be identified and evaluated (34 CFR 300.111). Equitable services (IDEA proportionate share): The California Department of Education says California recognizes home schools as private schools, so children in a home-based private school or PSP are treated like other children placed by their parents in private schools and can be considered for IDEA equitable services. There is no entitlement to the services they would receive in public school; the district where the private school is located decides which services to offer (EC 56174.5). Private tutor students are not covered.

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Requirements sourced from EC Section 48222 (Private School Exemption). Last reviewed October 2026