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Homeschooling a Child with an IEP in Iowa

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

What happens to your child's services

In Iowa, a child who needs special education can be homeschooled under competent private instruction, and you can request dual enrollment so the district provides the special education services your child needs. Independent private instruction does not include special education services, and requesting services means giving up the reporting exemption options.

Primary source: Iowa Code 299A.9; Iowa Admin. Code 281-31.7, 281-41.111, 281-41.130

How to access services while homeschooling

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Dual enrollment

Under competent private instruction, the parent of a child identified as requiring special education may request dual enrollment, and the appropriate special education services are determined under Iowa's special education law. Families who request these services cannot use the reporting exemption options (Iowa Admin. Code 281-31.7(5)). Not available under independent private instruction (281-31.7(6)).

How to request: Request dual enrollment from your resident public school district.

Iowa Code 299A.8, 299A.9(3); Iowa Admin. Code 281-31.7(1), 31.7(5)

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Child Find

All children with disabilities residing in Iowa, including children who attend private schools, must be identified, located and evaluated. A child under competent private instruction who may require special education must be referred for evaluation. If you do not consent to an evaluation, the agency cannot override your refusal.

How to request: Request an evaluation from your resident public school district.

Iowa Admin. Code 281-41.111(1), 281-41.300(4); Iowa Code 299A.9(2)

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Equitable services

Not available to homeschooled children. Iowa limits IDEA equitable services to children enrolled by their parents in accredited nonpublic schools. Under competent private instruction, the route to services is dual enrollment.

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

    Iowa does not require a notice to homeschool on the CPI Option 2: Standardized Testing pathway.

  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 Iowa?
In Iowa, a child who needs special education can be homeschooled under competent private instruction, and you can request dual enrollment so the district provides the special education services your child needs. Independent private instruction does not include special education services, and requesting services means giving up the reporting exemption options.
Can my child still get special education help from the school if we homeschool in Iowa?
Dual enrollment: Under competent private instruction, the parent of a child identified as requiring special education may request dual enrollment, and the appropriate special education services are determined under Iowa's special education law. Families who request these services cannot use the reporting exemption options (Iowa Admin. Code 281-31.7(5)). Not available under independent private instruction (281-31.7(6)). Child Find: All children with disabilities residing in Iowa, including children who attend private schools, must be identified, located and evaluated. A child under competent private instruction who may require special education must be referred for evaluation. If you do not consent to an evaluation, the agency cannot override your refusal.

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Requirements sourced from Iowa Code Chapter 299A (Competent Private Instruction). Last reviewed October 2026