Homeschooling a Child with an IEP in Maine

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

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

What happens to your child's services

Maine's special education obligations to homeschoolers are unclear. Your best option is to dually enroll your child in public school to access IEP services. Your district must evaluate your child if you suspect a disability, but ongoing services are not guaranteed.

Children with IEPs who withdraw for home instruction may lose access to district-provided services. IDEA treatment of homeschoolers is ambiguous since homeschools are not classified as private schools.

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

Can dually enroll in public school for IEP services

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Child Find

LEA where child's parents reside responsible for evaluations

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

Equitable services

Ambiguous; some districts serve under parentally placed provisions, some do not

Therapy access

Speech therapy:: May be available through dual enrollment or at district discretion
Occupational therapy:: May be available through dual enrollment or at district discretion
Behavioral therapy:: Limited; primarily private providers

Treatment of homeschoolers under IDEA is inconsistent across districts. Dual enrollment is most reliable path.

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 Maine?

Yes. Parents in Maine 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 Maine.

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

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 Maine's specific provisions.

Get your personalized compliance checklist

Our wizard generates a step-by-step plan for your family, including IEP-specific guidance for your chosen pathway.

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Requirements sourced from 20-A MRSA Section 5001-A. Verified against primary legal sources. Last verified: March 2026