Homeschooling a Child with an IEP in Illinois

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

Having an IEP doesn't mean you can't homeschool in Illinois. 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 full IEP ends when you withdraw to homeschool in Illinois. However, you have two options: (1) Under 105 ILCS 5/14-6.01, your child can attend public school part-time for at least one subject and receive IEP services while in attendance. (2) As a parentally placed private school student, your child may qualify for limited equitable services through your district's proportionate share funding (typically an ISP, not a full IEP). Speech therapy is the most commonly available proportionate share service. Contact your district's special education department to discuss both options.

A full IEP ends when you withdraw to homeschool. However, Illinois offers a partial path back: under 105 ILCS 5/14-6.01, special education-eligible homeschoolers may attend public school part-time (at least one subject) and receive IEP services for the time they are in attendance. Additionally, proportionate share equitable services may be available.

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 for services

Per 105 ILCS 5/14-6.01, special education-eligible private school students (including homeschoolers) may attend public school part-time and receive IEP services. Student must attend for at least one instructional subject. Services may be less than for full-time students.

How to request: Contact your local school district's special education department to discuss part-time enrollment and an IEP.

105 ILCS 5/14-6.01

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Child Find evaluation

Districts must identify and evaluate children suspected of having disabilities.

How to request: Submit a written request to your local school district's special education department.

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

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Equitable services (IDEA proportionate share)

LEAs must use proportionate share funding for parentally placed private school students, including homeschoolers.

How to request: Contact your local school district about their nonpublic school services program.

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

Therapy access

Speech therapy:: Most commonly offered equitable service through district proportionate share
Occupational therapy:: May be available through proportionate share at district discretion
Behavioral therapy:: Limited; primarily private providers

ISBE has published Nonpublic Proportionate Share Services Guidance. Speech and reading support are most commonly provided.

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 Illinois?

Yes. Parents in Illinois 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 Illinois.

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

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 Illinois's specific provisions.

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Requirements sourced from 105 ILCS 5/26-1. Verified against primary legal sources. Last verified: March 2026