Fillable Homeschool Letter of Intent Document for the State of Delaware

• Affidavit of Intent to Homeschool: This document serves a similar purpose as the Homeschool Letter of Intent. It is a formal declaration by parents stating their intention to educate their children at home. Both documents require basic information about the child and the educational approach the family plans to take.
• Durable Power of Attorney: In Arizona, a Durable Power of Attorney is crucial for individuals who want to ensure their financial and medical matters are managed according to their wishes if they become incapacitated. For more information, you can refer to the Arizona PDFs.
• Curriculum Plan: A curriculum plan outlines the educational materials and subjects that will be taught. Like the Homeschool Letter of Intent, it provides insight into the educational framework and goals for the student, ensuring that parents are organized and focused on their child's learning.
• Notice of Intent to Withdraw: When a child is being removed from a public or private school to begin homeschooling, this notice is often required. Similar to the Homeschool Letter of Intent, it formally communicates the parents' decision to change the child's educational setting.
• Educational Portfolio: This document collects samples of a child's work, assessments, and progress reports. It parallels the Homeschool Letter of Intent by demonstrating the educational journey and achievements of the student throughout the year.
• Attendance Record: Keeping a record of days of instruction and attendance is essential in homeschooling. This document is akin to the Homeschool Letter of Intent in that it tracks the commitment to education and helps fulfill state requirements.
• Assessment Results: Many states require periodic assessments to ensure educational progress. These results can be compared to the Homeschool Letter of Intent, as both documents reflect the educational standards and accountability measures parents are adhering to.
• Statement of Educational Philosophy: This document articulates the parents' beliefs about education and their approach to teaching. It is similar to the Homeschool Letter of Intent because it provides context and rationale for the homeschooling decision, helping to clarify the family's educational objectives.

Delaware Homeschool Letter of Intent - Usage Steps

Once you have decided to homeschool your child in Delaware, it's important to formally notify the state by submitting a Homeschool Letter of Intent. This letter serves as your official declaration of intent to provide home education. After submitting the form, you will receive further instructions and guidelines to follow for compliance with state regulations.

1. Obtain the Delaware Homeschool Letter of Intent form. You can find this on the Delaware Department of Education website or through local education offices.
2. Fill in your personal information, including your name, address, and contact information. Ensure that all details are accurate and up to date.
3. Provide your child’s full name and date of birth. Double-check the spelling and dates to avoid any mistakes.
4. Indicate the educational year for which you are submitting the letter. This is typically the upcoming school year.
5. Sign and date the form at the bottom. Your signature confirms your intent to homeschool your child.
6. Make a copy of the completed form for your records. Keeping a copy is important for your personal documentation.
7. Submit the form to your local school district office. You can do this by mail or in person, depending on your preference.

When parents decide to homeschool their children in Delaware, they often need to complete several forms and documents in addition to the Homeschool Letter of Intent. These documents help ensure compliance with state regulations and facilitate a smooth homeschooling experience. Below is a list of commonly used forms and documents.

• Curriculum Plan: This document outlines the educational plan for the school year, detailing subjects to be taught and instructional methods to be used.
• Attendance Record: A log that tracks daily attendance, ensuring that educational requirements are met throughout the year.
• Assessment Records: Documentation of student progress, including standardized test scores or evaluations, which may be required for certain grade levels.
• Portfolio of Student Work: A collection of completed assignments, projects, and assessments that showcases the student's learning and progress over time.
• Notification of Withdrawal: A form that may be needed if a child is transitioning from public or private school to homeschooling, formally notifying the school of the withdrawal.
• Promissory Note: A written promise to pay a specified amount of money to a designated person or entity at a defined time, often required for loans and financial agreements. For the Promissory Note form, ensure all terms are clearly detailed to protect both parties involved.
• Health Records: Documentation of immunizations or health screenings that may be required for students, depending on age and state regulations.
• Educational Philosophy Statement: A brief description of the educational philosophy guiding the homeschooling approach, which can help clarify the family's educational goals.
• Extracurricular Activity Forms: Applications or registrations for participation in sports, clubs, or other activities outside the home that may require specific documentation.
• High School Transcript: A record of high school courses completed, grades earned, and credits obtained, which is essential for college applications or job opportunities.
• Graduation Requirements Checklist: A list outlining the necessary courses and credits needed for high school graduation, ensuring that students meet state educational standards.

Completing these documents helps parents maintain compliance with Delaware homeschooling laws and supports the educational journey of their children. It is important to stay organized and keep records up to date throughout the homeschooling process.

1. Incomplete Information: One of the most common mistakes is failing to provide all the required information on the form. This includes not only the name and address of the student but also the name of the parent or guardian. Omitting any details can lead to delays or complications in the approval process.

2. Incorrect Age Documentation: Parents sometimes miscalculate the age of their child. In Delaware, the law requires that the child be at least 5 years old by August 31 of the school year. If the age is not accurately represented, the application may be rejected.

3. Missing Signature: It's easy to overlook the need for a signature on the form. Without a signature from the parent or guardian, the letter of intent is considered incomplete. This simple oversight can cause unnecessary delays in the homeschooling process.

4. Not Submitting on Time: Each year, the letter of intent must be submitted by July 15. Failing to meet this deadline can result in the loss of the opportunity to homeschool for that year. Planning ahead and setting reminders can help avoid this issue.

1. What is the Delaware Homeschool Letter of Intent?

   The Delaware Homeschool Letter of Intent is a formal document that parents or guardians must submit to notify the state of their decision to homeschool their child. This letter serves as a declaration of intent to provide an educational program outside of the traditional school system.

2. Who needs to submit the Letter of Intent?

   Any parent or guardian who wishes to homeschool their child in Delaware must submit this letter. This includes children of all ages, from kindergarten through high school. It is essential to file the letter before beginning the homeschooling process.

3. When should the Letter of Intent be submitted?

   The Letter of Intent should be submitted at least 10 days before the start of the homeschooling program. If you plan to begin homeschooling at the start of a new school year, it’s best to submit the letter well in advance to ensure compliance with state regulations.

4. What information is required in the Letter of Intent?

   The letter typically requires basic information such as the name and address of the parent or guardian, the name and age of the child being homeschooled, and a statement indicating the intention to homeschool. While the specifics can vary, it’s important to ensure all required details are included to avoid delays.

5. Is there a specific format for the Letter of Intent?

   While there is no strict format mandated by the state, the letter should be clear and concise. It’s advisable to include all necessary information in a straightforward manner. Many families choose to follow a simple template to ensure they cover all required elements.

6. What happens after submitting the Letter of Intent?

   Once the Letter of Intent is submitted, the state will acknowledge receipt. Parents can then begin their homeschooling program. It’s important to keep a copy of the letter for personal records and to stay informed about any additional requirements that may arise during the homeschooling process.

7. Are there any ongoing requirements after submitting the Letter of Intent?

   Yes, after submitting the Letter of Intent, parents must maintain educational records and provide annual assessments of their child’s progress. Delaware law requires parents to demonstrate that their child is receiving an adequate education, which can involve standardized testing or portfolio reviews.