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Homeschooling a Child with an IEP in North Dakota

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

What happens to your child's services

If an assessment team finds your child needs special education, you can keep home educating by filing a services plan with your superintendent, developed privately or through your district, that shows qualified persons are addressing your child's needs (NDCC 15.1-23-13). For a child with a developmental disability, the plan can be developed and followed by your district and you, and progress reports are due November 1, February 1, and May 1 (NDCC 15.1-23-14, 15.1-23-15). Federal Child Find also covers your child, so your child can be evaluated (34 CFR 300.111).

Primary source: NDCC 15.1-23-13 to 15.1-23-15; 34 CFR 300.111

How to access services while homeschooling

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Child Find

Federal Child Find covers all children with disabilities living in the state, including home-educated children, who must be identified, located and evaluated (34 CFR 300.111).

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

IDEA, 34 CFR 300.111

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Services plan

If a multidisciplinary assessment team finds your child needs special education, you file a services plan with your superintendent, developed privately or through the district, showing your child's needs are addressed by persons qualified to provide special education or related services (NDCC 15.1-23-13). For a developmental disability, the plan is developed and followed by your district and you, or by a services plan team you select and pay (NDCC 15.1-23-14).

How to request: File the services plan with your school district superintendent.

NDCC 15.1-23-13 to 15.1-23-15

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 North Dakota?
If an assessment team finds your child needs special education, you can keep home educating by filing a services plan with your superintendent, developed privately or through your district, that shows qualified persons are addressing your child's needs (NDCC 15.1-23-13). For a child with a developmental disability, the plan can be developed and followed by your district and you, and progress reports are due November 1, February 1, and May 1 (NDCC 15.1-23-14, 15.1-23-15). Federal Child Find also covers your child, so your child can be evaluated (34 CFR 300.111).
Can my child still get special education help from the school if we homeschool in North Dakota?
Child Find: Federal Child Find covers all children with disabilities living in the state, including home-educated children, who must be identified, located and evaluated (34 CFR 300.111). Services plan: If a multidisciplinary assessment team finds your child needs special education, you file a services plan with your superintendent, developed privately or through the district, showing your child's needs are addressed by persons qualified to provide special education or related services (NDCC 15.1-23-13). For a developmental disability, the plan is developed and followed by your district and you, or by a services plan team you select and pay (NDCC 15.1-23-14).

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Requirements sourced from NDCC Chapter 15.1-23 (Home Education). Last reviewed October 2026