CA homeschoolers: credential and homeschool support questions

[3babiesmommy]

We are possibly moving from a state that requires no homeschool reporting whatsoever to CA. If I have a valid credential from CA, do I just file an affadavit every year and that's it? Also, anyone know about the homeschooling community in Orange County?

Thanks!

[FlockOfSillies]

You can file an affidavit with or without a credential. And yeah, that's pretty much it. You're supposed to keep attendance and vax records, IIRC, and that's about it.

[Hen Jen]

I'm in Orange County, there are so many groups here, and there are so many outside class opportunities. Our cities are pretty close together, so it is easy to find an art class in once city, fencing in another, science in another and it won't take long to get there, unless it is during evening traffic...even then, there are ways to deal with it if you know the roads.

I did a post on my blog about the legal aspects, basically it is a very easy state to homeschool in, we are considered a private school homeschool state, you file your homeschool as a private school each year, the form is short and basic and no approval is needed, you just inform them. No portfolios, no testing, no meetings, no approval of curriculum.

here's my post
homeschooling in Ca (http://homeiswhereyoustartfrom.blogspot.com/2009/08/homeschooling-in-california.html)

There are many support groups, and many umbrella groups (who file the form as a private school and keep your records, grades and sometimes offer classes). We have our highschool dd in an umbrella school, she is taking Science, yearbook and photography there.

A good place to network to find out about park days, field trips and classes is The California Homeschool Network yahoo group message boards. Go to yahoo and search for California homeschool network.

if you know where you are going to be, and are looking for a specific class or group, please feel free to pm or email you and I'll try to find the info for you.

[Laurel-in-CA]

We're in north orange county. Lots and lots of homeschool options - co-op type schools, park play days, field trip groups, etc. You can file an affidavit to start your own private school WITHOUT a credential. If you have a valid credential for the grades you will be teaching you can file under the private tutor option. Or you can join a private school "cover program" or a charter school or CHEP (county home education program for K-8th).

Three major statewide homeschool organizations: California Homeschool Network (CHN)--secular & inclusive, Homeschool California (HSC)--don't know much about them, Christian Home Educators of California (CHEA)--focused on the private and christian homeschooler. Each has a yearly statewide conference and there are also other, smaller local events and support groups. I'd suggest calling the CHN contact person for Orange County...or PM me and I'd be glad to answer what I can, as I'm sure Jen would!

[3babiesmommy]

Thanks so much for the info ladies! I lived in OC most of my life so I know the area, but my oldest was only 3 when we moved 5 years ago, so I had no idea of the homeschool options. Sounds line if we do move back, there will be tons of things to get involved with. Thanks again:)

[DTR]

Anyone on this thread know of any homeschool networks/groups in Temecula?