📚 Homeschooling Resources

Your comprehensive guide to homeschooling students with Down syndrome in South Carolina

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💡 Our Approach

The DSAU does not take a position for or against homeschooling as an option for educating students with Down syndrome. We recognize that every individual family is different and has different educational needs.

We recognize that every home environment is unique and that all children learn in different ways. However, if you are considering homeschooling and are looking for suitable curricula, you will find resources below to explore.

🏫 Related Services in South Carolina

In South Carolina, homeschooled students may be eligible to receive related services such as speech, occupational, and physical therapies through their local school districts. These services are typically provided through an Individualized Service Plan (ISP), which is similar to an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) used in public schools. Eligibility and the availability of these services can vary by district.

📋 What Is an ISP?

An Individualized Service Plan (ISP) is used in private schools or homeschool settings. Its purpose is to outline special education services that a public school district agrees to provide to a student enrolled in a private school or homeschool setting.

The ISP is developed jointly by the school district, the private school (if applicable), and the parents of the child.

⚠️ Key Points

  • An ISP is governed by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), but private schools are not required to provide the same services as public schools.
  • Services provided are typically more limited than an IEP and might include speech therapy, occupational therapy, or other specific services, but not a full special education curriculum.

🎯 How Do You Qualify for an ISP?

Follow these seven steps to qualify for and implement an ISP:

1️⃣

Evaluation

Have your child evaluated and identified as having a disability under IDEA.

2️⃣

Contact District

Notify your public school district that you want your child evaluated for special education services.

3️⃣

Schedule Meeting

If eligible, a meeting will be scheduled with the district’s special education team.

4️⃣

Develop ISP

Work with the district to create goals and decide service frequency and location.

5️⃣

Implement & Integrate

Integrate services with your homeschooling curriculum and schedule.

6️⃣

Arrange Service Times

Schedule services that complement your homeschooling. Apply skills learned in sessions to lessons.

7️⃣

Maintain Communication

Stay in contact with providers. Review and update the ISP annually or as needed.

📍 Common Services Include:

  • Speech therapy
  • Occupational therapy
  • Physical therapy
  • Specialized instructional support

⚠️ Things to Keep in Mind

  • Once you withdraw your child from the public school system, the school is no longer legally obligated to implement the IEP, including providing related services.
  • Socialization is crucial for development, so it’s important to plan opportunities for social interaction.
  • Certain academic programs used by schools may not be available for home use or could be expensive to purchase independently.

✅ Potential Benefits

  • Self-paced learning with curriculum tailored to preferred learning style(s).
  • A less distracting environment helps foster greater focus.
  • Flexible scheduling allows schooling when the student is most alert and accommodates therapy appointments.

💡 Helpful Tips for Success

  • Select a well-lit room, ideally with natural light
  • Reduce or eliminate background noise
  • Ensure proper seating with back support
  • Use a book stand to prevent slouching
  • Consider a writing slant and pencil grips

🎯 Common Challenges

For Children with Trisomy 21

  • Difficulty writing on blue-lined paper
  • Struggles with text smaller than 18pt font
  • Trouble processing cluttered, detailed, or low-contrast materials

🛠️ Essential Adaptations for Successful Homeschooling

📝 Core Adaptations

  • Use the largest possible font, preferably sans serif
  • Double-space between words
  • Provide high-contrast, high-resolution images
  • Keep worksheets uncluttered
  • Avoid placing multiple tasks on one worksheet

📚 Reading & Phonics

  • Use photos of real objects rather than illustrations
  • Highlight word families, digraphs, consonant blends with color
  • Prioritize tactile manipulation over screen-based activities

🔢 Math Strategies

  • Use hands-on math tools like Numicon and Unifix cubes
  • Encourage counting with number lines
  • Teach: concrete → pictorial → numerical
  • Allow extended use of concrete supports

📖 Curriculum Options to Explore

Here are some curriculum options that may be a good fit for students with Down syndrome:

💻 Online & Interactive

📖 Reading & Language

🔢 Math Programs

🌟 General & Inclusive

🧩 Special Needs Resources

💬 Have questions about homeschooling? We’re here to help! Reach out to the DSAU for guidance and support on your homeschooling journey.

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