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In Florida, families who choose to educate their children at home must complete the Intent To Homeschool form to comply with state regulations. This form acts as an official notification to the local school district that a home education program is being established. It requires essential information, such as the child's name, birthdate, grade level, and details about the last school attended. Although the submission of Social Security numbers is optional, providing the child's race and gender is mandated for statistical purposes by the Florida Department of Education. The parent or guardian must also provide their contact information, including mailing address, phone numbers, and optionally, an email address. Crucially, the form includes an acknowledgment by the parent or guardian of their understanding of the relevant statutory provisions and policies. It also contains a reminder that neither the local school district nor Florida Virtual School issues high school diplomas. This document serves not just as a legal requirement but as a pathway for families to set up a personalized educational environment that caters to their children's unique needs.

Intent To Homeschool Florida Example

HOME EDUCATION

In compliance with Section 1002.41 (a), Florida Statute, this serves as the written notice of intent to establish and maintain a home education program for my child(ren). Please provide the following information required by law and/or necessary to maintain your records. Information on sex and race is being requested by the Florida Department of Education for statistical use only.

CHILD’S NAME (Please Print)

BIRTHDATE

GRADE

RACE/

LAST SCHOOL ATTENDED

SSN (Optional)

GENDER

 

 

 

 

 

Parent/Guardian Name: (Please Print)

Mailing Address:

 

 

Number, Street, or P.O. Box

 

City/State

Zip Code

Street Address:

 

 

 

 

 

 

(If Different)

 

Number, Street, or P.O. Box

 

City/State

Zip Code

Home Phone:

(

)

Work Phone:

(

)

 

Cell Phone:

(

)

E-mail Address:

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Optional)

 

 

 

I have read and fully understand the provision of Sections 1002.41, Florida Statutes and Lake County School District policies pertaining to compliance and enforcement of Home Education. The information contained herein is accurate and true to the best of my knowledge and belief.

I understand that neither Lake County Schools Home Education nor Florida Virtual School award high school diplomas._____________

 

 

PLEASE INITIAL HERE

Signature of Parent/Guardian

Date

Date your program will begin

Send to: Jan Tobias

Additional Comments (if needed)

 

Student Services

 

 

512 S. Palm Avenue

 

 

Howey-in-the Hills, FL 34737

 

 

PHONE#: (352) 742-6920

 

 

FAX#: (352) 742-6921

 

 

 

 

Revised: July 2010

Form Characteristics

Fact Name Fact Details
Governing Law The intent to homeschool form is governed by Section 1002.41 of the Florida Statutes.
Purpose of the Form This form serves as a written notice of intent to establish and maintain a home education program for children.
Required Information Parents must provide their child's name, birthdate, grade, race, last school attended, SSN (optional), and gender.
Parent/Guardian Details The form requests the name, mailing address, and contact information of the parent or guardian.
Confidentiality of Information Information on race and sex is requested solely for statistical purposes by the Florida Department of Education.
Understanding Compliance Parents must indicate that they have read and understand the provisions of Section 1002.41 and Lake County School District policies.
High School Diplomas Neither Lake County Schools Home Education nor Florida Virtual School award high school diplomas.
Submission Information The completed form should be sent to Jan Tobias at the specified address in Howey-in-the-Hills, FL.
Date Requirements Parents must include the date their home education program will begin when submitting the form.

Guidelines on Utilizing Intent To Homeschool Florida

Before you begin the process of filling out the Intent to Homeschool form for Florida, it's essential to gather the necessary information and documents. This will help ensure that you provide complete and accurate details. You'll be asked for information about your child and your contact information, among other things. Once you gather everything you need, you can proceed with the following steps.

  1. Start by printing the form clearly.
  2. In the section labeled "CHILD’S NAME," write your child’s full name. Ensure you print clearly.
  3. Under "BIRTHDATE," input your child's birth date in the format requested.
  4. Next, indicate the "GRADE" your child is currently in.
  5. Fill in "RACE" as requested. This section is for statistical purposes only.
  6. Please provide the name of the "LAST SCHOOL ATTENDED" by your child.
  7. You may enter your child's "SSN" (Social Security Number), though this is optional.
  8. Indicate your child's "GENDER." This information is needed as well.
  9. In the section for "Parent/Guardian Name," print the full name of the parent or guardian.
  10. Provide your "Mailing Address," including the street number, street name, city, state, and zip code.
  11. If your street address differs from your mailing address, fill in the "Street Address" section with that information.
  12. Next, provide your "Home Phone," "Work Phone," and "Cell Phone." Ensure that area codes are included where relevant.
  13. Optionally, you may enter your "E-mail Address." This is not mandatory.
  14. Read the statement regarding understanding the provisions and policies about Home Education. This helps ensure you know the legalities involved.
  15. Initial the provided space to confirm your understanding of the aforementioned provisions.
  16. Sign and date the form in the designated areas under "Signature of Parent/Guardian" and "Date."
  17. Indicate the "Date your program will begin." Be sure this is clear and in the correct format.
  18. If needed, add any additional comments in the "Additional Comments" section.
  19. Finally, submit the form to Jan Tobias at the provided mailing address. If you prefer, you can also use fax or contact the phone number for any further inquiries.

What You Should Know About This Form

What is the Intent To Homeschool Florida form?

The Intent To Homeschool Florida form is a document that parents must submit to establish a home education program for their child(ren). It serves as written notice to local school districts, complying with Florida Statute Section 1002.41. This form includes essential information about the child, such as their name, birthdate, grade, and other relevant details, to maintain accurate records for the educational program.

Who needs to fill out this form?

Parents or guardians of children who plan to homeschool in Florida must complete this form. It signifies the intent to provide a home education program. Each child being homeschooled will require their information documented on the form.

What information is required on the form?

The form requires information about the child, including their name, birthdate, grade, race, and gender, as well as details regarding the last school attended. Additionally, the parent's or guardian's name, mailing address, and contact information must be included. While a Social Security Number is requested, it is optional.

Is it necessary to provide demographic information on the form?

Yes, the Florida Department of Education requests demographic information, such as race and gender, for statistical purposes only. This information helps educational authorities gather data on homeschooling trends and demographics across the state.

What happens if I do not submit the form?

If a parent or guardian does not submit the Intent To Homeschool form, they may not be in compliance with state law. This could result in the child being considered truant, potentially leading to legal implications. It's crucial to submit the form timely to avoid such issues.

Can I change my mind after submitting the form?

Yes, parents can choose to discontinue home education at any time. However, if you decide to enroll your child in a public or private school after submitting the form, ensure to notify the local school district and follow the appropriate enrollment procedures.

Where do I send the completed Intent To Homeschool form?

Completed forms should be sent to Jan Tobias at Student Services, located at 512 S. Palm Avenue, Howey-in-the-Hills, FL 34737. You can also contact them via phone at (352) 742-6920 or fax the form to (352) 742-6921 for submission confirmation.

Common mistakes

Completing the Intent to Homeschool form in Florida requires attention to detail. One common mistake occurs when parents fail to provide the child's full legal name. Using nicknames or shortened versions can lead to confusion. It is imperative to clearly state the child’s name as listed on their birth certificate to avoid discrepancies in future records.

Another frequent error is neglecting to include the child’s birthdate. This information is vital for determining appropriate grade levels and tracking educational progress. Omitting this detail can delay the processing of the form and cause complications for record-keeping.

Some parents forget to list the last school attended. This section helps school officials understand where the child is coming from academically. Providing accurate information about the child’s prior educational experiences is essential for proper placement and support.

When filling out the form, many overlook the gender and race sections. Though demographic data collection is primarily for statistical purposes, providing this information accurately helps schools comply with state requirements. Ignoring these fields can result in an incomplete submission.

Another mistake involves the initialing section. Parents must confirm their understanding of the home education provision. Skipping this step can lead to questions about the parent’s knowledge of their obligations. Ensure that this area is completed to avoid potential misunderstandings.

Inaccurate or missing contact information is a common pitfall. Parents should double-check the mailing address, telephone numbers, and optional email. If the school needs to contact the family for any reason, having correct information is essential.

Some individuals also forget to sign and date the form. This step is crucial. A signature confirms that the information provided is true to the best of their knowledge. Submitting an unsigned form may lead to rejection, necessitating resubmission.

Parents should also be mindful of the start date for the home education program. This date must be written clearly and accurately. Misunderstanding or misrepresenting when the program will begin can cause issues with record-keeping.

Finally, providing additional comments or leaving the comments section blank can be a missed opportunity. This section allows parents to communicate any specific considerations or context for the educational approach. Including relevant details can foster better communication with educational authorities.

Documents used along the form

When pursuing a home education in Florida, submitting the Intent to Homeschool form is just the first step. Several other documents accompany this process, each serving a unique purpose in ensuring compliance with educational requirements. Understanding these supplemental forms can help streamline your homeschooling journey while fulfilling state mandates.

  • Educational Plan: This document outlines the educational goals and specific subjects you will cover for your child. It acts as a roadmap for both the parent and the school district, helping them visualize the learning path for the academic year.
  • Attendance Record: Keeping a log of your child’s daily learning activities and attendance is essential. This record verifies that your child is engaged in consistent educational endeavors, as required by state law.
  • Annual Evaluation Report: At the end of each academic year, you must submit an evaluation of your child's progress. This report can include standardized test scores, a portfolio of work, or results from an evaluator, demonstrating your child’s advancement in learning.
  • Notice of Termination: Should you decide to withdraw your child from the homeschooling program, this form notifies the school district of your intent. It ensures that the school is aware of the change in your child’s educational status.

By familiarizing yourself with these additional forms, you'll be better prepared to navigate the requirements of homeschooling in Florida. Engaging with these documents not only ensures compliance but also enriches the educational experience for both parent and child.

Similar forms

  • Notice of Intent to Enroll in Private School: Similar to the Intent To Homeschool form, this document notifies the school district of a family's decision to enroll their child in a private educational institution. It typically requires similar child information, such as name, date of birth, and the last school attended.
  • Application for Educational Services: This form is often used when a parent seeks specific education services from the school district. Just like the Intent To Homeschool, it gathers essential details about the child and parent, ensuring that the school system has a record of the child's educational enrollment.
  • Withdrawal Form from Public School: When a child is being withdrawn from public school for homeschooling, this form officially changes the child's enrollment status. It requires basic information about the child and serves as a formal notice to the school, similar to the Intent To Homeschool form.
  • Educational Plan Submission: After an intent to homeschool is declared, parents may need to submit an educational plan outlining their proposed curriculum. This document, much like the Intent To Homeschool, collects vital information about the student and the intended educational approach, ensuring compliance with educational guidelines.

Dos and Don'ts

When filling out the Intent To Homeschool Florida form, it's essential to approach the task with care and attention to detail. Here’s a list of what to do and what to avoid during this process:

  • Do read the form thoroughly before you start. Understanding each section will help you provide accurate information.
  • Do provide clear and accurate information regarding your child's name, birthdate, and other required details.
  • Do ensure that you list the correct grade and last school attended for your child. This information is crucial for maintaining proper records.
  • Do sign and date the form before submission. Your signature indicates that you agree to comply with Florida’s homeschooling laws.
  • Do consider including your email address. Although it's optional, it may help school officials reach you for any correspondence.
  • Don't leave any required fields blank. Each section of the form needs to be filled out to meet legal obligations.
  • Don't provide false or misleading information. Doing so could lead to complications or issues with your homeschooling program.
  • Don't forget to keep a copy of the submitted form for your records. Having a backup ensures you can reference it if needed later.

Misconceptions

Understanding the Intent To Homeschool Florida form can help prevent misunderstandings for parents looking to homeschool their children. Below is a list of common misconceptions related to this form.

  1. The form is optional. Some believe that submitting the Intent To Homeschool form is optional. In reality, it is a legal requirement in Florida to inform the school district of your intent to homeschool.
  2. Personal information is required for all fields. There is a perception that all requested information must be completed. However, the Social Security Number (SSN) is optional, and families can choose not to provide it.
  3. The school district will provide a curriculum. Many assume that once they submit the form, the school district will assign or provide a curriculum. In fact, parents are responsible for selecting and implementing their own educational programs.
  4. All homeschool programs must begin in August. Some believe that homeschooling can only start at the beginning of the school year. This isn’t true; families can initiate their homeschooling program at any time during the year.
  5. Homeschoolers cannot receive any support from public schools. There is a myth that homeschooled students have no access to public school resources. In Florida, homeschoolers may participate in certain school district programs and activities.
  6. Submitting this form guarantees a high school diploma. It is a common misconception that completing the Intent To Homeschool form automatically leads to a high school diploma. Homeschool students receive diplomas from their families, not from the school system.
  7. Failure to submit the form leads to automatic truancy. Some parents think that missing the submission deadline means their child is considered truant. While timely submission is important, schools typically work with families to address any oversight.
  8. The state monitors homeschooling closely. Many believe that there is constant oversight of homeschooling. In reality, the state of Florida has minimal intervention unless concerns arise about the education being provided.
  9. Changing the homeschooling approach requires re-filing the form. Some individuals think they must re-submit their Intent To Homeschool if they change their educational methods. This is not necessary unless they change their address or their intent significantly.
  10. Parents must have teaching credentials. There is a misconception that parents need teaching certificates to homeschool. In Florida, parents are not required to hold specific qualifications or credentials to direct their own child’s education.

Clarifying these misconceptions can help families navigate the homeschooling process more effectively and confidently.

Key takeaways

Here are key takeaways about filling out and using the Intent To Homeschool Florida form:

  • The form serves as a written notice of your intention to start a home education program.
  • You must provide details for each child. This includes their name, birthdate, grade, race, last school attended, and optional social security number.
  • Information on parent/guardian details is also essential. Provide your name, mailing address, and contact numbers.
  • Your signature and date are crucial to validate the form. Remember to initial the section acknowledging your understanding of the relevant laws.
  • Submit the completed form to the specified address, ensuring it reaches Jan Tobias at Student Services.
  • Keep a copy for your records. It’s important to document your submission in case of any inquiries.
  • Be aware that neither Lake County Schools Home Education nor Florida Virtual School provides high school diplomas.