"A Love for Learning"

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY BEFORE EMAILING ME WITH QUESTIONS.

Where do the homeschool evaluations take place?

--I recently began meeting with families on Sunday afternoons at the public library in Casselberry.  I book appointments online. If Sunday afternoon absolutely does NOT work for your family, contact me directly and we will work something out.

ONLINE APPOINTMENT SYSTEM

What must I bring to the evaluation?

At the minimum, I need to see what the State of Florida requires:

1) a log of educational activities that is made contemporaneously with the instruction and that designates by title any reading materials used

This means the list of reading materials used should be integrated into the log of educational activities if possible, and all entries should be clearly dated. Some parents save their library receipts as part of their "list of reading materials used" throughout the year. Remember that
most older children are able to keep up with their own reading lists.

Think outside the box when keeping your log of educational activities.  You can use a calendar or teacher's planbook to record or plan your child's activities for the day. You may also use software such as Homeschool Tracker.  Remember to include non-traditional
educational experiences--not just assignments from textbooks and workbooks. Include some note of field trips, classes, science experiments, nature excursions, and other experiences that enhanced your child's learning.  

2) Samples of any writings, worksheets, workbooks, or creative materials used or developed by the student.  

I prefer to see a little of each subject so I can get a good picture of your approach to homeschooling and your child's progress.I ask homeschooling parents to provide work samples that show *growth* because this is what the State asks me to look for during the
evaluation. I must confirm that your child has made growth "commensurate to his/her ability" in the letter or form that you'll submit to your county. I am comfortable evaluating children who are "unschooled" but, as with any child, I need to see evidence of their learning in order to complete the evaluation.

Pictures of projects, brochures from trips taken during the year, lapbooks, stories, pen pal letters, and so forth are all examples of "work samples" that may be included when a child-led, hands-on approach is used.  Remember that no two portfolios are alike!

What does the evaluation process entail?

Relax! The evaluation is based on the child’s portfolio and any other documentation provided by the parent. I'll spend forty-five minutes or so going over the portfolio with the parent, asking for clarification when necessary. A brief interview with the child will be conducted as well, but this will not be a test or quiz on content. It will simply be a conversation about the child's favorite project, field trip, or book.   

As a homeschool consultant, I will also answer any questions you might have and help point you in the right direction if you have specific concerns. If I have suggestions that might benefit your child, I will share them with you, along with any links or other resources that may be helpful.

What is the fee for the evaluation?

1st Child: $40     Additional Children: $20  (cash or Paypal, please)

How long will the appointment take?

For one child, the appointment will take 50 to 60 minutes. For two children, you should expect a 90 minute appointment. 

Who submits the form to the county office?

YOU DO! If your county provides a form for the evaluator to sign, please bring it with you. Otherwise, print this one instead.

What if I don't live in Central FL?

I will try to help you locate a homeschool evaluator in your area.

What if I'd like to have my child evaluated for special needs?

I highly recommend calling Alicia Braccia at the Center for Health, Learning & Achievement.  She is an educational psychologist who works with a fantastic team of occupational therapists, speech therapists, tutors, and more. For speech services, I've had good experiences with Florida Speech. For OT services, I recommend  Kim at Achieve Pediatric Therapy.

What if I want help choosing curriculum, finding local groups, and/or meeting my
child's individual needs?  

Just call me or send me an email.  I do face-to-face meetings as well as phone consultations. My fee is $40 per hour. Please also see the section on my website that is dedicated to consultations.  If you'd like to book an appointment, please use the same online booking system that I have set up for evaluations.

DISCLAIMER: It is the parent's responsibility to know the FL laws regarding
homeschooling and what is required of them.  See HSLDA and FPEA for more info.