Homeschooling a Child with an IEP in Vermont

This is general guidance based on Vermont law. For your specific IEP, consult a special education advocate.

Having an IEP doesn't mean you can't homeschool in Vermont. You absolutely can. Here's what you need to know about services, rights, and the withdrawal process.

What happens to your child's services

Vermont does not guarantee special education services for homeschooled children, though some districts provide services on a case-by-case basis. Your home study enrollment must describe any special services or adaptations for your child's disability. Contact your district to discuss available options.

Children with IEPs who withdraw for home study may lose access to district-provided services. Students in Home Study Programs generally not entitled to special education supports. Some districts provide services case-by-case.

Primary source: IDEA — 20 USC 1412(a)(10)(A); 34 CFR 300.130-144

How to access services while homeschooling

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Child Find

LEAs must conduct Child Find for all children including home study students.

How to request: Contact local school district

IDEA — 20 USC 1412(a)(3); 34 CFR 300.111

Dual enrollment

At district discretion; no guaranteed right to enroll part-time for services.

Equitable services

Some districts provide funding on case-by-case basis but not guaranteed.

Therapy access

Speech therapy:: May be available at district discretion; not guaranteed
Occupational therapy:: May be available at district discretion; not guaranteed
Behavioral therapy:: Primarily private providers

Home Study enrollment notice for child with disability must include special services or adaptations. Vermont Family Network provides advocacy support.

Before you withdraw

We recommend these steps for any family withdrawing a child with an IEP:

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 but can provide valuable information.
3
File your homeschool notification with the state as required (our wizard will generate this for you).
4
Arrange any private therapies or services your child needs before withdrawal takes effect.

If you want to re-enroll

Homeschooling is not a one-way door. Your child can re-enroll in public school at any time.

Re-enrollment processes vary by state and district. Contact your local school to ask what evaluation or documentation they require. Keep copies of all IEP records. They will help the district determine placement and next steps.

Keep copies of all IEP documents, evaluations, and progress reports. You'll need these if you re-enroll.

Who to call

You don't have to navigate this alone. These organizations help families with special education questions.

COPAA

copaa.org · Find a special education attorney near you

Wrightslaw

wrightslaw.com · Special education law encyclopedia

Common questions

Can I homeschool a child with an IEP in Vermont?

Yes. Parents in Vermont have the right to withdraw their child from public school regardless of disability status. No IEP team can block your withdrawal. However, the IEP itself typically does not transfer to the home setting. Run our free wizard to see exactly what services are available in Vermont.

What happens to my child's IEP when I start homeschooling in Vermont?

In most cases, the IEP, which is a contract between your family and the school district, ends when you withdraw. However, federal Child Find obligations still apply, meaning the district must evaluate your child if requested. Some states offer additional protections. Use our wizard to see Vermont's specific provisions.

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 16 V.S.A. Section 166b (Home Study Program). Verified against primary legal sources. Last verified: March 2026