Reasons to Homeschool for Preschool, Whether or Not You Continue to Homeschool:

• You can give your child the individual attention and custom program that best suits their needs.
• Many preschoolers are not ready to separate easily and preschooling at home can give your child the time they need before separating.
• Removes the artificial deadline for potty training or the need to adjust nap times to accommodate school requirements.
• Preschoolers are fun and portable, so you can take them on many interesting field trips in your community.
• Spending time together preserves and strengthens the family bond formed in babyhood.
• You can delight in being with your child to witness and be a part of their discoveries.

Tips

• Don’t spend money until you have done a lot of reading. Read books and magazines and browse Web sites.
• Relax: there are no educational emergencies.
• It can be helpful to find other parents who are preschooling at home. See Virginia Homeschool Groups to find a group near you.
• Do the things you’ve always wanted to do and teach the kids as you go.
• Evaluate your method regularly and make adjustments as you see fit.
• Realize you’ll have some ups and downs—they are part of the process.
• Choosing to homeschool your child can be scary, but remember, putting them in school is no guarantee either.

Websites

Enchanted Learning: Craft ideas, “make-your-own” coloring books (animals, plants, foreign language words, etc.)

“Toddler at Home” from A to Z Home’s Cool: Reviewed links in categories such as Activities, Advice, Online, Resources. Also includes these methods: Charlotte Mason, Montessori, Unschooling, and Waldorf.

Articles

– How Do I Start Homeschooling My Preschooler by Susan McGohn

– Homeschool Preschool by Marjorie Cole

– What Should a 4-Year-Old Know? by Alicia Bayer

– Frequently Asked Questions About Homeschooling Young Children by Linda Dobson

To read more about options for homeschooling kindergarten-age kids, read Kindergarten Options.

This information is provided as a courtesy of The Organization of Virginia Homeschoolers. It is not intended as legal advice. For legal advice, contact a licensed attorney.

VaHomeschoolers is a non-profit public charity with 501(c)(3) status; your donation is tax-deductible to the extent provided by law.