Homeschooling Laws Ontario - What You Need to Know
Homeschooling has emerged as a compelling alternative for families seeking a personalized and flexible approach to learning. The decision to educate children at home comes with its own set of considerations and responsibilities, so this Homeschooling Laws Ontario guide is crucial for a successful journey.
In this Homeschooling Laws Ontario comprehensive guide, we delve into the core aspects of homeschooling, from its definition to the legal intricacies in Ontario. Whether you are a seasoned homeschooling family or considering this educational path for the first time, this exploration will provide you with the essential knowledge needed to navigate homeschooling laws Ontario.
Click on the corresponding links to get your homeschooling questions answered:
For some excellent homeschooling resources, contact us at EZ-Teach!
Homeschooling Laws Ontario - A Guide
1. How do I Legally Homeschool in Ontario?
Homeschooling in Ontario can provide flexible scheduling and curriculum!
Parents who decide to homeschool in Ontario must follow all the homeschooling laws provided by the Ontario government. They can all be found in this article, but here are some summative and important points about Homeschooling Laws Ontario:
A) Proper Procedure
Parents who decide to homeschool in Ontario should notify the school board in their jurisdiction of their intent in writing and provide the following:
name
gender
date of birth of each child who is receiving home schooling
the telephone number and address of the home.
The letter should be signed by the parent(s). Here is a sample letter provided by the Ontario government that you can use! If parents choose to homeschool in subsequent years, they are to update any contact information and give notification to the school board each year prior to September 1st.
B) Expectations
The Ontario government is flexible in the way that homeschooling is delivered to children. The only requirements in the Education Act are that children must attend school from the age of 6 to 16, but they do expect you to have the following for satisfactory homeschooling instruction:
a plan for educating your child
plans to ensure literacy and numeracy at developmentally appropriate levels
plans for assessing your child's achievement
The homeschooling laws Ontario are flexible in terms of schedule, curriculum, subjects, activities, field trips, materials, techniques, and community resources.
C) Resources from the Ontario Government
The Ontario Government provides resources for parents providing homeschooling for their child(ren). Your child can still participate in provincial tests and assessments in grades 3, 6, and 9 and the literacy test in grade 10 without any fee. If you would like to do this, you are to contact the school board by September 30 (or another date specified by the school board) of the year in which the assessments/tests are being conducted for information about the dates, times, and locations.
Parents can also enrol their child(ren) in the Independent Learning Centre (ILC) by submitting an enrolment form along with a letter from the school board confirming the child is not excused from school and is attending homeschool.
2. Does the Canadian Government Pay for Homsechooling?
In Ontario, homeschooling is considered a private educational choice, and as such, it is not funded by the Canadian government. Families opting for homeschooling are responsible for covering the costs associated with educational materials, resources, and any additional learning opportunities. While there is no direct financial support from the government, there are various resources available to assist homeschooling families in creating a well-rounded educational experience.
3. Online Homeschooling Resources
An example of curriculum provided by EZ-Teach!
Homeschooling laws in Ontario are flexible, but there are still provincial outcomes that need to be met in each subject and grade. The following are resources and curriculum that can help:
https://www.dcp.edu.gov.on.ca/en/ - Parents need to have an informed and reasonable plan to ensure their child meets these learning outcomes. This is an excellent resource where you can search for the expectations for each subject by grade. Of course, you can add in different subjects that you think are relevant to your child(ren)’s learning.
Guide for new homeschoolers - This resource is provided by the Ontario Government and is a quick guide for those looking to start homeschooling for the first time.
Ontario Homeschooling Community Groups - This is an extensive list of community groups that may be a good resource for you as you begin to homeschool. These community groups can be good for the socialization of children and support for you as the homeschool teacher, both of which are incredibly important for your child(ren)’s learning experience.
EZ-Teach Curriculum - Browse our selection of curriculum you can use for homeschooling!
EZ-Teach Teaching Resources - Browse our list of resources for teachers.
EZ-Teach Online Courses - If you are homeschooling a high schooler, here are some courses they can take online.
Homeschooling can be a big undertaking, contact EZ-Teach for curriculum!
4. What is Homeschooling?
Continue to read about the homeschooling laws Ontario!
Homeschooling is an alternative education method where parents or guardians choose to educate their children at home rather than sending them to a traditional public or private school. This approach allows for a more personalized and flexible learning experience tailored to the individual needs and pace of the student. Refer to this article for the pros and cons of homeschooling vs. public schooling!
5. What Does Homeschooling Entail?
Contact EZ-Teach for homeschooling resources!
Homeschooling involves a comprehensive educational program conducted within the home environment. Parents take on the role of educators by:
planning and implementing lessons
assessing progress,
and providing a well-rounded education that includes core subjects such as:
mathematics,
science,
language arts,
and social studies.
It’s important to know the laws on homeschooling in your province to ensure the child meets the expectations and can graduate as expected. Beyond academics, homeschooling often incorporates various extracurricular activities, field trips, and hands-on learning experiences.
Choose EZ-Teach for your Homeschooling curriculum!
Homeschooling in Ontario is a viable educational option, but it requires adherence to specific regulations outlined by the Ministry of Education. By understanding the legal requirements, aligning with provincial learning outcomes, and utilizing online resources, families can create a successful and enriching homeschooling experience for their children.
Now that you know what you need to know about Homeschooling Laws Ontario, contact EZ-Teach for curriculum!
