If you are new to homeschooling and you want to start, here are 5 easy steps describing how to start:

1) If your child is in a school, take your child out of the school. The law does not require parents to provide the school with any paperwork. From a courtesy point of view it is advisable to inform the school that you have decided to home school your child, and request a transfer certificate. If they do not provide a certificate, do not be concerned about this.

2) The SA Schools Act requires parents to register their children for education at home. In practice  however,  most  provincial departments do not have the administrative capability to register children for home education. Some of the larger provincial departments have limited administrative capabilities to register children for  home education.  Unfortunately the  officials  in  those  departments have  a limited understanding of home  education and the law on home  education. Due to this, these officials often require parents to meet all sorts of requirements that are not stipulated by the law. As a result of this situation, more than 90% of homeschooling parents do not register with the department. It is advised  that  parents  read  the  document named “Legal issues on homeschooling” on the website of the Association for Homeschooling (select “Legal” tab) and contact the Pestalozzi Trust.

3) Educate yourself on home education. A good starting point would be the Beginners Guide on the website of the Association for Homeschooling. Visit www.sahomeschoolers.org , select the “Getting Started” option from the menu and click on “Beginners Guide”. (You must join the website to get access to this) Attend workshops on home education.

4) Choose a homeschooling approach and curriculum that suits the needs of you and your child. Details on curriculums are available on the website of the Association for Homeschooling under the “Curriculums” menu option. You can also visit a homeschooling curriculum expo. Details can be found by selecting the “Events” menu option on the website. Click here for an article with advise on how to select a homeschooling curriculum.

5) Join homeschooling support and discussion groups and interact with other homeschooling parents. Details on these groups can be found by selecting the “Support” menu option on the website.

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