What happens if I don't bring the required items to checkoff?
You will not be considered "checked off"--in compliance with Foothills requirements until you provide the missing documents. It will be your responsibility to fill in the missing information at an adjoining table or send the information by mail, or bring it in person to the Administrator or checkoff volunteer.
Do I have to Keep records for Kindergarten?
Because Kindergarten is not required by law, the parent may choose to "waive" Kindergarten by signing
a form at the school the child would be attending. However, if you register your Kindergartener as
a homeschool student through Foothills, you must keep a planbook, progress reports and samples of work
as well as attend the January and May check-off meetings.
What are the benefits of keeping a record of my homeschool?
There are many reasons you should keep good records of your homeschool. First of all, it is required by
SC State Law. Second, even though, currently, the law doesn't require that you show your records to anyone
other then your 3rd Option group, there is always a chance that the law will change. It is better to be able
to prove that you are educating you child. Without records, it is only your word that it is being done.
Third, Keeping records can help you stay on track with your homeschooling goals.
Should I keep my records and samples from previous years?
Yes. The law does not require this but it is a good practice to keep your records from the time you begin
homeschooling. You don't need to keep every piece of work but a good variety of your childs work from the subjects
covered is recommended as well as all progress reports or reports cards and your planbooks.
Do you provide curriculum?
No. It is the parents responsibility to provide curriculum that best meets the learning style and needs
of their child. It is our ability to match the curriculum to our child's individual strengths, abilities
and interests that makes home educations such a viable choice.
How do I find curriculum?
If you are online, simply type in "homeschool", "homeschool curriculum" or "christian homeschool curriculum"
and plan on spending some time perusing sites and requesting catalogs. You can also contact Children's Books
of Greer, 1-800-344-3198 or Bob Jones Educators Marketplace, 1-800-845-5731. Both are local homeschool suppliers.
How much can I expect to pay for curriculum and supplies to homeschool my child?
This figure varies widely. Many people educate their children using "real books" from their public library, and so the cost is minimal--mostly for paper, pencils, notebooks, etc. Some satellite and computerized curriculum costs exceed $1000.00 per school year. The average cost, however, for the typical homeschooler is 75.00-300.00 per year, not including any non-essential "extras", like support group fees, field trips, etc. I know several who paid nothing for their curriculum because they borrow unused books from friends or the TCHE library. It's really up to you and what your individual needs are and what you can afford or are willing to pay for.
What is a progress report?
The state law says you must provide a "semiannual progress report including attendance records and individualized documentation of the students academic progress in each of the five basic instructional areas". This is simply a written evaluation of your child's progress in each subject. It can also be a "report card" Some mothers write beautiful letters to their child telling them how well they progressed and in what ways and in what activities they participated in that semester. Some folks compile a report card or progress report every 6 or 9 weeks if they follow that system. Just bring the latest report you have done. Progress reports can contain grades ( A, B C-, 78, 95, 82, etc.) or written notes on SPECIFIC progress the child has made in that subject. You may use any form or method you desire. A number of sample forms are available on this site for your use.
What if I leave "holes" in my child's education? Won't she suffer?
Even public schools leave gaping "holes" in our children's education. Haven't you detected holes in your own public school education? There is no such thing as a "perfect" education. One benefit of homeschooling is that when we detect the inevitable worrisome gap, it can be quickly filled because of the loving one-on-one instruction our children receive.
Why is membership in a support group so important?
There are two main types of support groups: State and local. Maintaining support in a state support group not only links all the homeschoolers in the state together, and notifies us of potentially crucial legislation that would affect our ability to educate our children, but it enables us to act as a powerful, linked body when faced with issues of legislation that are detrimental to our rights as parents.
The local support groups usually serve an entirely different, but just as valuable, purpose--to link us with other homeschoolers in our town, even on our own street, and provide parent-supervised opportunities for our children to make new friends, receive loving support and friendship from like-minded homeschoolers, and academic clubs and events that we cannot participate in otherwise (Such as Science Fairs, Spelling Bees, and Student Council) Support groups are parent-volunteer run. All activities that benefit our children are possible because a parent agreed to organize it, which often merely consists of a person willing to be a "contact person"--who will contact the place being visited, and collect the number of families interested in attending. Support groups are a wonderful way to connect.
I think I'd like to homeschool my child. How do I get started?
First, download and read our document "Checklist for New Homeschoolers" and "New Homeschooler Resources". I recommend reading all you can about the subject of homeschooling, not only to prepare yourself for the responsibilities (and joys!) ahead of you, but to familiarize yourself with Homeschooling jargon and curriculums and concerns. Your public library contains many books on the subject. Just pick one and get started reading. Then, Read what the SC law has to say. A copy is available on SCHEA's website (we've included the link). You'll need to "get legal" by registering with a 2nd or 3rd Option Accountability Association, obtaining curriculum, and we strongly urge you to join a support group of local homeschoolers in order to receive encouragement for yourself and your children, as well as stay connected with current issues affecting homeschoolers.