Homeschooling a Child with an IEP in Connecticut
This is general guidance based on Connecticut law. For your specific IEP, consult a special education advocate.
Having an IEP doesn't mean you can't homeschool in Connecticut. You absolutely can. Here's what you need to know about services, rights, and the withdrawal process.
What happens to your child's services
Connecticut law (CGS 10-184a) specifically states that districts are not required to provide special education services to homeschooled children. If your child has an IEP, those services end when you withdraw. Your district must still evaluate your child under federal Child Find, but is not required to provide ongoing services. You will need to arrange private therapies.
CGS 10-184a explicitly provides that special education laws shall not require any board of education to provide special education programs or services for any child whose parent has chosen to educate the child in a home school and who refuses to consent to such programs.
Primary source: IDEA — 20 USC 1412(a)(10)(A); 34 CFR 300.130-144
How to access services while homeschooling
Child Find
Available under federal IDEA; CGS 10-184a allows but does not require districts to provide services.
How to request: Contact local school district
CGS 10-184a
Dual enrollment
No statutory right to part-time enrollment for homeschooled students.
Equitable services
CGS 10-184a removes the mandate for districts to provide special education services to homeschooled children.
Therapy access
- Speech therapy:
- Not available through district unless voluntarily offered; private providers
- Occupational therapy:
- Not available through district unless voluntarily offered; private providers
- Behavioral therapy:
- Private providers only
Connecticut is one of the most restrictive states for homeschooled children with special needs.
Before you withdraw
We recommend these steps for any family withdrawing a child with an IEP:
- 1
Request complete copies of all IEP documents, evaluations, and progress reports before you withdraw.
- 2
Consider requesting an IEP meeting to discuss the transition. This is optional but can provide valuable information.
- 3
Your state does not require filing a notification to homeschool. You can begin homeschooling once you withdraw.
- 4
Arrange any private therapies or services your child needs before withdrawal takes effect.
If you want to re-enroll
Homeschooling is not a one-way door. Your child can re-enroll in public school at any time.
Re-enrollment processes vary by state and district. Contact your local school to ask what evaluation or documentation they require. Keep copies of all IEP records. They will help the district determine placement and next steps.
Keep copies of all IEP documents, evaluations, and progress reports. You'll need these if you re-enroll.
Who to call
You don't have to navigate this alone. These organizations help families with special education questions.
COPAA
copaa.org · Find a special education attorney near you
Wrightslaw
wrightslaw.com · Special education law encyclopedia
Common questions
Can I homeschool a child with an IEP in Connecticut?
What happens to my child's IEP when I start homeschooling in Connecticut?
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Start the Connecticut wizardRequirements sourced from C.G.S. Section 10-184. Verified against primary legal sources. Last verified: March 2026