Let’s Talk About: Getting Started
Beginning Homeschooling is easy in Ontario! So you’ve made the decision to homeschool- welcome to our wonderful world!! Now you’re wondering what your next steps are.
What Do I Have to Do for the Government?
- In Ontario, we have a very easy system. You are asked to send a Letter of Intent to provide Home Education to the school board in which your child has been registered, and that is all.
- You can find a template to print and fill out of the Letter of Intent here: The Ontario Federation of Teaching Parents » The Ontario Federation of Teaching Parents » Letter of Intent to Homeschool (ontariohomeschool.org)
- You do not need to fill out any other forms, submit a learning plan, or anything else. If you are asked to do anything more, please contact the Ontario Federation of Teaching Parents for advice before proceeding.
- Most of us also send a copy or CC the principal of the school the child has been attending. This is a courtesy that gives the school earlier notice, so they know your child won’t be joining them when they plan classes, etc. There can be a delay in the school board processing the Letter of Intent and notifying the school, so if you don’t notify the principal yourself, you could hear from the administration team about absenteeism in the first couple of weeks.
What Am I Required to Teach?
- You are not required to teach anything specific in Ontario.
- You do not need to use a premade curriculum unless you want to.
- If you think your child may be returning to public school in the future, you may choose to follow a curriculum that is Canadian and similar to the Canadian public school structure, but that is your choice.
- If you want a Canadian curriculum that aligns with the Ontario government standards, you can shop Schoolio here: Schoolio.io | Homeschooling Canadian Curriculum Support for Parents
What Records Am I Required to Keep?
- You do not have to keep any records!
- You don’t have to prove to anyone what you taught, or they learned this year in order to re-enroll next year.
- You are not required to do any formal planning in advance or to work on any set schedule. If you’re interested in using planning and scheduling in your homeschool for your own personal organization, you can find a lot of tips and free templates here: Welcome: Schoolio Planning Freebies – Schoolio.io | Ontario Curriculum Homeschooling Home Learning
- You do not need to provide any sort of Report Card to the school or school board. If you want to give your kids a Report Card just for fun and personal feedback, check out this alternative Report Card for Homeschoolers here: Homeschooling is about more than the “3Rs – Schoolio.io | Ontario Curriculum Homeschooling Home Learning
Is There Funding for Homeschoolers?
- There is no funding for homeschoolers in Ontario.
- You cannot write off any of your homeschooling expenses on your taxes.
- Homeschooling does not exempt you from paying school taxes.
- Homeschooling does not have to be expensive. Read more about the costs of homeschooling here: Let’s Talk About: Finances – Schoolio.io | Ontario Curriculum Homeschooling Home Learning
Where Can I Get More Help and Advice?
- There are several great resources available for new homeschooling parents in Ontario!
- The Schoolio page has information in the Blogs section from planning to finances to socializing to Kindergarten: Blog – Schoolio.io | Ontario Curriculum Homeschooling Home Learning
- Covid Homeschooling- Canada is a facebook community dedicated to helping new homeschoolers in Canada: Covid Homeschooling- Canada | Facebook
- The Canadian Homeschooler has a wealth of resources for the new to veteran homeschooler: Home – The Canadian Homeschooler
- The Ontario Federation of Teaching Parents can offer any advice you need, including legal advice, whether or not you are a member: The Ontario Federation of Teaching Parents » You CAN educate your child at home! (ontariohomeschool.org)
