Saskatchewan
Home Based Educators
Can I do This? or How to Start?
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
Video on how to get started. Video recorded August 2020.
Q&A from same session
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 SHBE brochure "Getting Started". SHBE also has a helpful brochure entitled "Legal Information" which outlines your rights as parents.
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 SHBE help desk 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.
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.
Step 3: Notify and Begin
SHBE has a brochure explaining the process of filling and reporting.
You are required to notify the school division that you live in that you intend to register as a home based educator. This is done by filling out the form entitled Notice of Intent and Registration of a Home-based Education Program form.
This form must be accompanied by an Educational Plan. According to the Saskatchewan Home Based Education Policy Manual:
"Although a home-based educator has the freedom to structure his or her written education plan in accordance with the philosophical approach of the program, the plan must contain a statement or a description of:
- the reason for and the philosophical approach of the proposed home-based education program;
- a minimum of three broad annual goals in each of the four areas of study for each home-based learner – language arts, science, social studies and mathematics;
- the means of assessing and recording the educational progress of the homebased learner in the program pursuant to the Annual Progress Report (see Policy B.6); and
- the services that the home-based educator intends to access from the services provided to home-based learners by the board of education/conseil scolaire according to the regulations and policies.”
The three broad goals may be taken from the Goals for Saskatchewan Education which can be found here.
SHBE has worked with the Home School Legal Defence Association of Canada (HSLDA) to develop some forms that you may wish to use to write your educational plan. Many homeschoolers have found these greatly simplify the process. We have some suggested Annual Progress Report forms on the Government Resources Page.
Each school division in SK is autonomous. The school division where you live will determine the resources and the services they make available to home based students. You can find this policy online on your school division’s website, or your local school division office will be able to give you a copy of your division's policy. This policy must align with the Saskatchewan Home Education Provincial Regulations.
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; SHBE Bylaws.
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 click or phone call away. Check out some of the various Home Education magazines that are available.
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!