Homeschooling a Child with an IEP in Michigan
What happens to your child's special education services when you homeschool in Michigan, and how to reach the services that remain available.
What happens to your child's services
Your child will not have an IEP while homeschooled in Michigan. If your home school is registered and approved by the Michigan Department of Education, your child can receive some special education services through a Nonpublic School Service Plan, paid from a set share of federal funds; the district does not have to provide every service your child needs. Federal child find still requires that your child be evaluated if a disability is suspected.
Primary source: MDE Fact Sheet: Nonpublic and Home Schools; MDE, Homeschooling in Michigan; MCL 388.1766b; 34 CFR 300.111
How to access services while homeschooling
Child Find evaluation
Federal IDEA requires that all children with disabilities residing in the state be identified, located and evaluated, including homeschooled children. MDE says a homeschool parent can request testing from the local public school agency.
How to request: Submit a written request to your local public school or ISD.
34 CFR 300.111; MDE, Homeschooling in Michigan
Equitable services (Nonpublic School Service Plan)
MDE says a home school registered and approved with MDE is a nonpublic school, so an eligible child can receive some special education services through a Nonpublic School Service Plan. The district spends a set share of federal funds on these services and does not have to provide every service your child needs. MDE says approval requires a parent or legal guardian with at least a bachelor's degree or a religious objection to teacher certification.
How to request: Register your home school with MDE by completing the Nonpublic School Membership Report, then request an evaluation from your local public school. If your child is eligible, services are provided through a Nonpublic School Service Plan.
MDE Fact Sheet: Nonpublic and Home Schools; 34 CFR 300.137
Dual enrollment for services
Not provided by state law. Michigan law lets a homeschooled child enroll part time in district curricular offerings, but it does not give IEP services through part-time enrollment. MDE says Section 504 accommodations may apply during time your child is enrolled in a public school agency.
Before you withdraw
- 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.
- 3
Michigan does not require a notice to homeschool on the Home Education pathway.
- 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 Michigan?
Can my child still get special education help from the school if we homeschool in Michigan?
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Start the Michigan wizardRequirements sourced from MCL 380.1561(3)(f). Last reviewed October 2026