Homeschooling a Child with an IEP in Colorado

This is general guidance based on Colorado law. For your specific IEP, consult a special education advocate.

Having an IEP doesn't mean you can't homeschool in Colorado. You absolutely can. Here's what you need to know about services, rights, and the withdrawal process.

What happens to your child's services

Your child's IEP services end when you begin homeschooling in Colorado. However, you can enroll your child part-time in your district to access special education services. The district will issue a formal notice explaining what services your child will no longer receive.

IEP services end upon withdrawal. District will issue Prior Written Notice explaining loss of services. Part-time enrollment required to access services. CRS 22-33-104.5.

Primary source: IDEA — 20 USC 1412(a)(10)(A); 34 CFR 300.130-144

How to access services while homeschooling

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Dual enrollment

Must enroll part-time to receive IEP services

CRS 22-33-104.5

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Child Find

Districts must identify and evaluate children suspected of having disabilities

IDEA — 20 USC 1412(a)(3); 34 CFR 300.111

Equitable services

Related services only if district agrees or child is part-time enrolled

Therapy access

Speech therapy:: Available if district agrees or if child is part-time enrolled; otherwise private
Occupational therapy:: Available through part-time enrollment; otherwise private
Behavioral therapy:: Primarily private providers

IEP teams issue Prior Written Notice when parents choose to homeschool.

Before you withdraw

We recommend these steps for any family withdrawing a child with an IEP:

1
Request complete copies of all IEP documents, evaluations, and progress reports before you withdraw.
2
Consider requesting an IEP meeting to discuss the transition. This is optional but can provide valuable information.
3
File your homeschool notification with the state as required (our wizard will generate this for you).
4
Arrange any private therapies or services your child needs before withdrawal takes effect.

If you want to re-enroll

Homeschooling is not a one-way door. Your child can re-enroll in public school at any time.

Re-enrollment processes vary by state and district. Contact your local school to ask what evaluation or documentation they require. Keep copies of all IEP records. They will help the district determine placement and next steps.

Keep copies of all IEP documents, evaluations, and progress reports. You'll need these if you re-enroll.

Who to call

You don't have to navigate this alone. These organizations help families with special education questions.

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 Colorado?

Yes. Parents in Colorado have the right to withdraw their child from public school regardless of disability status. No IEP team can block your withdrawal. However, the IEP itself typically does not transfer to the home setting. Run our free wizard to see exactly what services are available in Colorado.

What happens to my child's IEP when I start homeschooling in Colorado?

In most cases, the IEP, which is a contract between your family and the school district, ends when you withdraw. However, federal Child Find obligations still apply, meaning the district must evaluate your child if requested. Some states offer additional protections. Use our wizard to see Colorado's specific provisions.

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Requirements sourced from C.R.S. 22-33-104.5. Verified against primary legal sources. Last verified: March 2026