Saskatchewan Home Based Educators

Can I do This? or How to Start?

Printable version of this page in PFD format.

Step 1: Learn
Step 2: Decide Curriculum, Resources, and Plan
Step 3: Notify and Begin
Step 4: Join
Step 5: Subscribe to Magazines and Newsletters
Step 6: Enjoy
Frequently asked question - FAQ
Audio Session from 2008 Convention

Step 1: Learn

First you need to decide if home education is the right choice for your family. If you are beginning to think about educating at home you might first want to visit our links page to discover support group contacts and online information. Also, visit your local library to obtain books and resources on home education, also referred to as Home Schooling (make use of interlibrary loan services if your branch has limited resources). Read as much as you can to make a wise decision.

Check out the FAQ page for some commonly asked questions about home education.

Talk to experienced home educators. SHBE has an annual convention in February. This can be great opportunity for those wanting to learn more about home education. In addition to other home educators, this convention also has numerous curriculum vendors who are very willing to answer questions.

Contact the and we will try to answer your unique questions.

When you are ready, learn what is legally required by viewing detailed requirements in the Saskatchewan Home Education Provincial Regulations.

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Step 2: Decide Curriculum, Resources, and Plan

How you start your program will depend on what educational approach you take. There are as many styles of home education as there are home based learning families from the very structured to the free-form, from school-at-home to unschooling. Read up on the different approaches and the philosophies behind them to create one that suits your family's needs and values. See Links: Seeker or Beginner Resources.

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Step 3: Notify and Begin

Each school division in SK is autonomous. The school division where you live will determine the resources and the services available. At your local school division office you will be able to obtain a copy of your division's policy. This must align with the Saskatchewan Home Education Provincial Regulations. This will inform you of your rights as a home educating parent. It will guide your interaction with any school division officials by outlining exactly what is/is not required for both you and your school division.

Once you have obtained a registration package from your school division, complete a Notification to Register and an Educational Plan. Submit the documents to your school division.

While there are certain requirements that must be met as outlined in the province's regulations, Educational Plans are as varied as the number of families who home educate. Your plan should express the unique educational goals and philosophy of your family. Seeker or Beginner Resources.

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Step 4: Join

Join your local home education support group. Join SHBE. Be a part of the provincial organization that is committed to supporting home educators, promoting home education, and protecting the right to home educate. Membership is $35 per year and is renewed annually. All members receive the SHBE Journal. Membership information.

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Step 5: Subscribe to Magazines and Newsletters

You will find the community of home-based learners is a generous community that is willing to share ideas and support. Once you have decided to home educate, or even prior to your final decision, help is only a or phone call away. Check out the various Home Education magazines that are available.

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Step 6: Enjoy

Now take a deep breath, relax and enjoy the time you have with your child. Home educating, while more difficult and time consuming than sending you child off to a public school, is not intended to constantly give you stress and headaches. This is a time to spend with your child and to teach them in the way that fits them best. You will know that better than anyone else. Sometimes it is easier to stick with one curriculum when beginning, but be open to and aware of your child's specific learning preferences and needs. Be creative in your teaching and learning methods. Remember: relax and enjoy!

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Frequently Asked Questions:

What Is Home-Based Education? Home-based education (also known as home schooling) is “an educational program that is started at the initiative of and is under the direction of the parent and in which the pupil is receiving instruction at and from the home of the pupil.” (The Education Act 1993)

Am I as a parent qualified to teach my children?  Homeschooling is just a natural progression of teaching your child other important things in life in preparation for adulthood. Two requirements:  1) Loving and caring deeply for them; and 2) Knowing your child:  how he learns best, when he’s ready to learn a new skill.

What about Socialization?  Socialization is learning what is acceptable behavior in all types of situations and relationships. This requires modelling by parents and interacting with various people of all ages. Strong and positive family relationships are an important key to all social adjustments.

What about Curriculum?  There is no one “right” curriculum, nor one “right” way to teach your child.  Curriculum is a tool and not a goal. There are many good curricula available and you, as the parent, have the right to choose which one you will use. You can obtain all your curriculum from one supplier or choose different subjects from different suppliers. As someone has said, The good news is that there is LOTS to choose from! The bad news is that there is LOTS to choose from!

What about Funding?  Each homeschool family registers in the school division (SD) in which they reside. Each SD is autonomous which means that they establish policy (including funding) for their own division. 

If I want to start homeschooling, what do I do first?  

1) Do Research. 
2) Complete the necessary criteria to submit to your School Division. This includes a Notification Form, and is your notice to the School Division of your intent to homeschool.  (Note that you are not applying to homeschool.) 
Prepare:
(a) your statement of educational philosophy;
(b) an education plan for your child;
(c) your choice of evaluation at the end of the year;
(d) the services you wish to receive from the School Division.  (The services provided by the School Division are as per their local policy.)

What about post secondary entrance?  Today the vast majority of post secondary institutions accept homeschooled students.

What Are Some of the Benefits of Homeschooling?  

• Parents can maintain and enjoy the position of primary influence in the developing lives of their children.
• Curriculum and pace of learning can be geared to the individual child.
• One-on-one tutoring has advantages over the typical classroom of students with many needs and differing learning styles.
• Flexibility and economy of time – it takes less time to get the work done at home and allows for adjusting family’s schedule.

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How Do I Learn More:

Browse the various links on this web site. To hear an informative audio recording of a session from our 2008 annual convention, featuring the experiences of five families homeschooling in SK click here.

Our links page will take you to various resources including:

Support Groups / Various Home Education Support Links / Beginner Resources / SK School Divisions / Post Secondary Options / Curriculum Resources / Home Education Magazines.

Check your local library for books on homeschooling.

Also, attend our annual SHBE convention! Click on the convention link on the left navigation bar for more information.

The SHBE Convention is an annual highlight for homeschoolers in SK, planned for homeschool parents by homeschool parents. The convention is packed with relevant workshops and curriculum (new and used). Take two days to connect with homeschool parents from across the province.  

The convention is YOUR OPPORTUNITY to take advantage of a great setting to talk about ALL your homeschooling questions, needs, tips, and more! with those who really care.

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