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Homeschooling a Child with an IEP in Pennsylvania

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

What happens to your child's services

Your home education program for a child needing special education must address the child's specific needs and be approved by a certified special education teacher or a licensed clinical or certified school psychologist, with written notice filed with your affidavit. You may request services from your school district or intermediate unit; they are provided when both of you agree, in a public school or a licensed private school (24 P.S. 13-1327(d)).

Primary source: 24 P.S. 13-1327(d); 34 CFR 300.111

How to access services while homeschooling

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Child Find evaluation

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: Submit a written request to your local school district's special education department.

IDEA, 34 CFR 300.111

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Services by mutual agreement

As supervisor, you may request that the school district or intermediate unit provide services that address your child's specific needs. When both agree, services are provided in the public schools or in a licensed private school (24 P.S. 13-1327(d)).

How to request: Send your request for services to your school district or intermediate unit of residence.

24 P.S. 13-1327(d)

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 Pennsylvania?
Your home education program for a child needing special education must address the child's specific needs and be approved by a certified special education teacher or a licensed clinical or certified school psychologist, with written notice filed with your affidavit. You may request services from your school district or intermediate unit; they are provided when both of you agree, in a public school or a licensed private school (24 P.S. 13-1327(d)).
Can my child still get special education help from the school if we homeschool in Pennsylvania?
Child Find evaluation: 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 by mutual agreement: As supervisor, you may request that the school district or intermediate unit provide services that address your child's specific needs. When both agree, services are provided in the public schools or in a licensed private school (24 P.S. 13-1327(d)).

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Requirements sourced from 24 P.S. Section 13-1327.1 (Home Education Program). Last reviewed October 2026