Homeschooling a Child with an IEP in Washington
What happens to your child's special education services when you homeschool in Washington, and how to reach the services that remain available.
What happens to your child's services
Washington does not treat home-based instruction as private school for special education, so IDEA equitable services do not apply (WAC 392-172A-04000). Instead, your child can enroll part time in your resident district for special education or related services, and the district shall permit part-time enrollment and provide ancillary services such as speech and hearing therapy, counseling, and psychological services (RCW 28A.150.350; WAC 392-172A-01135; WAC 392-134-005).
Primary source: RCW 28A.150.350; WAC 392-172A-01135, 392-172A-02040, 392-172A-04000; chapter 392-134 WAC
How to access services while homeschooling
Dual enrollment
A home-schooled student eligible for special education may be enrolled part time in the resident school district for special education or related services (WAC 392-172A-01135). The district shall permit part-time enrollment and provide ancillary services, such as counseling, psychological services, testing, remedial instruction, and speech and hearing therapy, to part-time students who would otherwise be eligible for full-time enrollment (RCW 28A.150.350; WAC 392-134-005).
How to request: Enroll your child part time in your resident school district for the special education or related services your child needs.
RCW 28A.150.350; WAC 392-172A-01135; chapter 392-134 WAC
Child Find
Child find activities extend to students residing within the school district boundaries whether or not they are enrolled in the public school system (WAC 392-172A-02040).
How to request: Request an evaluation in writing from your resident school district's special education office.
WAC 392-172A-02040; 34 CFR 300.111
Equitable services (private school students)
Washington does not count students receiving home-based instruction as parentally placed private school students, so IDEA equitable services do not apply to them (WAC 392-172A-04000). Part-time enrollment is the route to services.
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 Washington?
Can my child still get special education help from the school if we homeschool in Washington?
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Start the Washington wizardRequirements sourced from RCW 28A.200.010. Last reviewed October 2026