About my child's program
No. Home educating parents develop or adapt a program for their child. If a parent wants a provided program then they would need to explore enrolling the child in a school of distance education.
Yes. An education advisor at the Unit will be able to offer suggestions, directions and resource information.
Yes. Be aware that this can be a costly and unnecessary approach to home education. Various commercial organisations sell curriculum materials, offer 'education certificates' and 'enrolments' and provide a range of support services for home educating families. While parents may choose to use these companies' services and purchase their materials for use as part of their child's program, it is still necessary to register for home education through the Home Education Unit. Ready made programs may not set specific goals related to a child's individual needs. It is necessary for a parent to decide, and advise the Home Education Unit, how ready made resources would be adapted to form part of the program for the child's home education.
No. We offer advice and generally refer you to materials that are available free online. The Unit may mail some resources if you do not have email or internet access.
Yes. Many programs that are submitted to the Unit have a textbook component as part of the whole program. Choosing if you will use textbooks is part of the decisions you will make as you develop a program for your child.
The parent who registers the child is ultimately responsible for the child's education. However, the actual teaching may involve many persons. For example a parent may choose to pay for swimming lessons, employ a registered teacher, a music teacher or a tutor to assist with aspects of the program. Members of the child's extended family may also play an important role in their education.
Registration is granted following the successful presentation of documentation that shows evidence that the adapted or developed educational program or learning philosophy you intend to use with your child:
- has regard to the age, ability, aptitude and development of the child concerned;
- takes account and promotes continuity of the learning experiences of the child concerned;
- is responsive to the changing needs of the child concerned;
- reflects and takes into account current understandings related to educational and other development of children;
- is responsive to the child 's need for social development;
- is supported by sufficient and suitable resources;
- is conducted in an environment conducive to learning.
Ideas about planning your child's program and the type of information that might be written to document a program can evolve through discussions with an education advisor at the Home Education Unit. It is difficult to be very specific for several reasons: some parents may feel restricted if we provide a set pro forma and too much of 'our voice' would mean that the program is not tailored by you to meet the individual needs of your child. Specific guidelines are available if you request them. A Parent Planning Guide is available on this website.
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