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Homeschooling a Child with an IEP in Rhode Island

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

What happens to your child's services

Your child keeps access to special education after you start homeschooling. RIDE says that once your at-home instruction program is approved, the IEP team meets to plan how your child will receive special education services and drafts an updated IEP for the new setting.

Primary source: RIDE Homeschooling guidance; 200-RICR-20-30-6.5.3(A); 200-RICR-20-30-6.5.1(J); 34 CFR 300.111

How to access services while homeschooling

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Child Find

Each district must identify, locate and evaluate all children ages 3 through 21 who live in the district and may need special education (200-RICR-20-30-6.5.1(J); 34 CFR 300.111).

200-RICR-20-30-6.5.1(J); IDEA, 20 USC 1412(a)(3); 34 CFR 300.111

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 Rhode Island?
Your child keeps access to special education after you start homeschooling. RIDE says that once your at-home instruction program is approved, the IEP team meets to plan how your child will receive special education services and drafts an updated IEP for the new setting.
Can my child still get special education help from the school if we homeschool in Rhode Island?
Child Find: Each district must identify, locate and evaluate all children ages 3 through 21 who live in the district and may need special education (200-RICR-20-30-6.5.1(J); 34 CFR 300.111).

Get your personalized compliance checklist

Our wizard generates a step-by-step plan for your family, including IEP-specific guidance for your chosen pathway.

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Requirements sourced from R.I.G.L. Section 16-19-2. Last reviewed October 2026