Homeschooling a Child with an IEP in California
This is general guidance based on California law. For your specific IEP, consult a special education advocate.
Having an IEP doesn't mean you can't homeschool in California. You absolutely can. Here's what you need to know about services, rights, and the withdrawal process.
What happens to your child's services
CDE recognizes homeschools as private schools under IDEA. Pathway 4 (public independent study) and charter homeschool programs preserve full IEP.
If your child needs IEP services, Pathway 4 (enrolling in a public charter school independent study program) is the only homeschool-like option that preserves full special education rights. Pathways 1-3 end your child's IEP. California's Child Find law still requires your district to evaluate your child if you suspect a disability.
Pathways 1-2 (Home-Based Private School, PSP): No IEP transfer. Pathway 3 (Private Tutor): Same. Pathway 4 (Independent Study through Public/Charter School): Child retains full IEP and all special education rights.
Federal protections
- ✓Child Find: Your district must evaluate your child for disabilities if you request it, even while homeschooling.
- ✓Proportionate share: The district must set aside a share of federal special education funding for children in private schools, including homeschools.
Primary source: CA Ed Code 56170-56177 (equitable services), AB 130 (independent study + IEP)
How to access services while homeschooling
Child Find evaluation
Districts must identify children with disabilities in their jurisdiction, including those in private schools.
How to request: Submit a written request to your local school district's special education department.
EC 56300 et seq.
Equitable services (IDEA proportionate share)
Limited services for Pathways 1-3 under IDEA proportionate share funding. Significantly less than a full IEP.
IDEA — 20 USC 1412(a)(10)(A); 34 CFR 300.130-144
Dual enrollment for services
Not available for Pathways 1-3. Pathway 4 provides full access to all IEP services through the enrolling school.
Therapy access
- Speech therapy:
- Pathway 4: provided by school per IEP. Pathways 1-3: private providers
- Occupational therapy:
- Pathway 4: provided by school per IEP. Pathways 1-3: private providers only
- Behavioral therapy:
- Pathway 4: per IEP. Pathways 1-3: private providers, insurance, or Regional Center
Charter funding ~$2,200-$3,800/year. California Regional Centers provide services for developmental disabilities regardless of school enrollment.
Where services are typically delivered: Location varies (school, home, or another setting depending on the service)
Before you withdraw: step by step
These are the steps we recommend before withdrawing from California public schools.
- 1
Request complete educational records (district must provide within 5 working days per Ed Code 56043(n))
- 2
Request copies of all evaluations, IEPs, and progress reports
- 3
Consider requesting a transition IEP meeting (district must hold within 30 days of written request)
- 4
If choosing Pathway 4 or charter, coordinate with receiving school before withdrawing
- 5
File PSA with CDE if choosing Pathway 1
Important deadline: PSA filed Oct 1-15 annually (late filings accepted). Withdrawal from public school anytime.
Starting mid-year? If using charter or independent study, coordinate with receiving school to ensure IEP services are in place before withdrawal.
If you want to re-enroll
Homeschooling is not a one-way door. Your child can re-enroll in public school at any time.
In California: Same SELPA: comparable services without delay. Different SELPA: comparable services for up to 30 days (Ed Code 56325). New assessment if needed: 60 calendar days from consent to IEP meeting.
Re-enrollment from homeschool (Pathways 1-3) is treated as new enrollment in practice. If child had a prior IEP, district should convene a meeting.
Keep copies of all IEP documents, evaluations, and progress reports. You'll need these if you re-enroll.
Know your rights
Some districts push back when families withdraw children with IEPs. Here's what California families have encountered and what the law actually says.
The district says: “You can't homeschool a child with an IEP”
The law says: No law prevents it. Parents have the right to withdraw.
What to do: File PSA or enroll in charter. Document the claim in writing.
The district says: “We need to review your curriculum before approving withdrawal”
The law says: Districts have no authority to approve or review homeschool curriculum for PSA filers.
What to do: Decline. File PSA directly with CDE.
The district says: “We won't release records”
The law says: Records must be provided within 5 working days (Ed Code 56043(n)).
What to do: Put request in writing. File complaint with CDE if refused.
Who to call
You don't have to navigate this alone. These organizations help families with special education questions.
Disability Rights California (DRC)
1-800-776-5746 · disabilityrightsca.org
State disability rights organization
DREDF (Northern/Central CA PTI)
1-800-348-4232 · dredf.org/vertical/pti
Parent training and information center
COPAA
copaa.org · Find a special education attorney near you
Wrightslaw
wrightslaw.com · Special education law encyclopedia
Common questions
Can I homeschool a child with an IEP in California?
What happens to my child's IEP when I start homeschooling in California?
Can my child still get therapy through the school if we homeschool in California?
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Start the California wizardRequirements sourced from EC Section 48222 (Private School Exemption). Verified against primary legal sources. Last verified: March 2026