Homeschooling a Child with an IEP in Nebraska
What happens to your child's special education services when you homeschool in Nebraska, and how to reach the services that remain available.
What happens to your child's services
In Nebraska, a child with a disability in an exempt (home) school stays eligible for a free appropriate public education, with an IEP, from your resident school district, so special education does not have to end when you withdraw. Your district must also evaluate your child if a disability is suspected, and your child may enroll part time in district courses under Neb. Rev. Stat. 79-2,136.
Primary source: 92 NAC 51-015.03; NDE Rule 51 guidance on services to children in non-public schools (2024); NDE Guidance on Serving Homeschool, Exempt Students with Disabilities; Neb. Rev. Stat. 79-2,136
How to access services while homeschooling
Dual enrollment
Each school board must allow part-time enrollment, for all courses selected, of resident students who are also enrolled in an exempt school. Special education does not depend on part-time enrollment; your child is eligible for FAPE from your resident district either way.
Neb. Rev. Stat. 79-2,136(1)
Child Find
Your district must locate, identify and evaluate all children with disabilities ages 3 to 21 who are parentally placed in nonpublic schools or home schools within the district.
NDE Guidance on Serving Homeschool, Exempt Students with Disabilities; 34 CFR 300.111
FAPE from your resident district
Your child is eligible for a free appropriate public education, with an IEP, from the school district where you live while enrolled in an exempt (home) school.
How to request: Write to your resident school district's special education office to request an IEP meeting.
92 NAC 51-015.03A2; NDE Rule 51 guidance on services to children in non-public schools (2024)
Equitable services
Not the route for a home-based exempt school. NDE says a child in an exempt home school located within the resident district is entitled to FAPE from the resident district instead. Equitable services apply only to a child attending a nonpublic or exempt school located outside the resident district.
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
File your homeschool notice as your state requires. Our wizard prepares it for you.
- 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 Nebraska?
Can my child still get special education help from the school if we homeschool in Nebraska?
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Start the Nebraska wizardRequirements sourced from Neb. Rev. Stat. 79-1601. Last reviewed October 2026