6 Ways for Your Homeschool Co-op to Be Special Needs Friendly
In “6 Ways for Your Homeschool Co-op to Be Special Needs Friendly” episode #116, Meredith Curtis gives practical ways to cultivate a culture that welcomes families with special needs. Parents, children, and teachers can all work together to be welcoming and supportive. Since our homeschool co-ops are filled with special needs children, often that we are unaware of, this is an important topic as homeschooling continues to grow exponentially.
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Show Notes
As we are coming out of the Covid-19 Lockdown, we have become more health conscious. How can we stay healthy? Boost our immune system? Avoid getting sick? Well, the answers are very simple and old-fashioned. You might think your listening to your Grandma when I share these things. However, they work and I will explain why.
Sleep
Sometimes special needs are obvious—a young boy in a wheelchair or a severely autistic little girl. Other times, we don’t realize that Johnny is diabetic or Suzi has dyslexia. Because we often gather only a few times a month, we often don’t know all the details of special needs.
I’m not saying that families can’t keep special needs private, but I want to lay out some ways that homeschooling co-ops can be special needs-friendly and cultivate an environment where ALL students, parents, and teachers thrive.
What is a Homeschool Co-op?
For those who are new to homeschooling, a homeschool co-op is a group of homeschooling families that come together to share their expertise in teaching courses and are blessed by other families who do the same.
Examples.
Cultivate a Culture of Truth and Kindness
Truth: All people are value because they are made in the image of God. God has a special purpose for each person, regardless of their challenges. (Psalm 139, Eph. 2:10)
Kindness is a heart issue.
Good manners is on the outside.
Model. Teach. Inspire. Praise. Devotional Times. Address bad behavior.
Address Special Needs at Information Meeting
Mention special needs at that first information meeting at the start of every homeschool co-op year. Share that you value all families, including special needs families. Share any ways you are set up to meet the needs of special needs families. Make those families feel welcome.
Ask Teachers About Alternatives for Special Needs Students in Their Classes
When they fill out forms to teach.
E.G. Laura give oral tests in biology. Pastor Mike extending deadlines. Allowing audio books.
Homeschooling Special Needs Online Conference
I’m speaking at the first-ever Homeschooling Special Needs Online Conference, to be held July 21! One of the keynote speakers is Temple Grandin, a world-famous autism advocate! So excited to encourage and inspire parents homeschooling their special needs children/teens! Just $22!
Meredith’s talks.
Participants will receive LIFETIME access to all the sessions and keynotes, plus coupons, printables, and freebies in the digital swag bag, and access to a private media group.
Have a Special Needs Section in the Registration Packet
Gives families the opportunity to share those special needs.
Approach Families with Special Needs
Leaders can approach special needs families and get the conversation going.
What are your needs?
What do we do if Micah has a seizure in class?
Make Sure the Physical Environment is Special Needs-Friendly
Can Johnny Move around in his wheelchair?
Is there a place Susie can test her blood sugar privately if she feels unwell?
Is there room for Lynda’s service dog?
The Big Picture
Our culture is getting more and more evil and one thing that terrifies me is the idea that some lives are more valuable than others. It is so important as Christians that we stand firm for LIFE! All life is precious to God: from the womb to old age. Those with special needs, especially severe, are a gift to us to remind us that all life is precious in God’s sight—and, ours, too.
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Resource: Online Conference on June 21
Have you been looking for a conference geared to parenting special needs children and teens, not even hoping for the near-impossibility of finding one focused on homeschooling special needs kids? You can stop looking! Join over 20 speakers for the first ever Homeschooling Special Needs Online Conference as they presents over 30 sessions on autism, ADHD, apraxia, and more! Best of all,
Featuring keynotes from renowned autism advocate Temple Grandin, homeschooling encourager Durenda Wilson, and sessions from powerhouse special needs homeschooling educators Peggy Ployhar, Judi Munday, Heather Laurie, and more, this conference will encourage and inspire homeschooling parents of special needs children and teens.
The Homeschooling Special Needs Conference will launch on Tuesday, July 21, 2020. Participants will receive LIFETIME access to all the sessions and keynotes, plus coupons, printables, and freebies in the digital swag bag, and access to a private media group. For more info, or to register, visit
Registration is only $22.
Resources for Cultivating Truth & Kindness
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Special needs require special focus. Many parents must focus a great deal on their child with special needs, and rightfully so. Yet, how does the situation of having a special needs sibling affect the other children in the house? All family members of children with ADD, ADHD, dyslexia, developmental delays, CAPD, Autism, syndromes, and genetic disorders of all types are affected by these complicated issues. Are there particular ways that parents can help their other children through the ups and downs of daily life with a special needs family member?
oped into joining the podcast occasionally to give dad’s point of view. And a wild menagerie of lazy cuddle craving cats and a chocolate lab.
