Homeschooling a Child with an IEP in District of Columbia
This is general guidance based on District of Columbia law. For your specific IEP, consult a special education advocate.
Having an IEP doesn't mean you can't homeschool in District of Columbia. You absolutely can. Here's what you need to know about services, rights, and the withdrawal process.
What happens to your child's services
When you homeschool in D.C., your child's IEP becomes a more limited Services Plan. Contact the DCPS Central IEP Team at (202) 442-5475 to discuss what equitable services your child may receive. Services will be more limited than a full IEP.
IEP does not follow the child into homeschooling. Homeschooled students served by DCPS Central IEP Team. May receive a Services Plan (ISP) with limited equitable services.
Primary source: IDEA — 20 USC 1412(a)(10)(A); 34 CFR 300.130-144
How to access services while homeschooling
Child Find
Through OSSE or DCPS; Central IEP Team handles homeschool referrals.
How to request: Contact centralIEPteam@k12.dc.gov or (202) 442-5475
IDEA — 20 USC 1412(a)(3); 34 CFR 300.111
Equitable services
DCPS provides approved equitable services during school day through ISP.
How to request: Contact DCPS Central IEP Team at (202) 442-5475
IDEA — 20 USC 1412(a)(10)(A); 34 CFR 300.130-144
Dual enrollment
No explicit statutory right to part-time enrollment for homeschooled students.
Therapy access
- Speech therapy:
- May be available through ISP/equitable services at district discretion
- Occupational therapy:
- May be available through ISP/equitable services
- Behavioral therapy:
- Unclear; access through DCPS on part-time basis uncertain
Services Plans do not offer full range. Contact DCPS Central IEP Team for homeschool-specific guidance.
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
File your homeschool notification with the state as required (our wizard will generate this for you).
- 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 District of Columbia?
What happens to my child's IEP when I start homeschooling in District of Columbia?
Related guides
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Start the District of Columbia wizardRequirements sourced from D.C. Code Section 38-202. Verified against primary legal sources. Last verified: March 2026