Problems with Registering to Homeschool in Miami-Dade County?

The author of this email has asked that it be forwarded to all who may be affected by recent problems with Miami-Dade county:

Dear Home School Families:

If you are in my address book, I have included you in my email today. Please share and forward to others, this information.

Many of you are aware that Miami-Dade County Schools is trying to require that when a person in this county decides to home educate their child, and they send in their Letter of Intent, that a phone call response will be returned to you. The caller will tell you that you are required to come in person, in other words, submit your Letter of Intent, in person, with a photo ID, and an original birth certificate of each child you are beginning to home school.

I have been in contact with the County Attendance Services office, but finally hit a brick wall.

I spoke with our HSLDA (Home School Legal Defense Association) Attorney a couple of hours ago. Here are his recommendations for you.

  • Send your Letter of Intent — use the HSLDA Form or the FPEA Form, or simply write that you are beginning a home education program, and the date you are starting. Include your child’s name, birth date, home address, parent signature.
  • Mail it “Delivery Confirmation (cheaper than Return Receipt) You will get an email receipt.
  • When you get the phone call from the Attendance Services office,  just listen, don’t commit, don’t argue, be courteous. You may state: I have submitted what is required under FL Law, please send other requirements in writing. Then, we will have it in writing. You can forward it to me, please.
  • In the meantime, HSLDA will be handling this issue with the County.

I hope that you feel as good about this as I do. Please pass this on to your group immediately, so that everyone works together. Please remain calm and vigilant. If you have the other requirements in writing from the County, (even email) forward it to me.

Thank you for your attention in this matter.

Sandy Wagner
Florida Parent Educators Association
District 14 Director
Serving Miami-Dade and Monroe counties
305 251-8703
district14@fpea.com

About 

A homeschooling mother of 5, home education advocate, and former classroom teacher. She is a writer, blogger, and poet. "I just want to encourage, and be encouraged. Inspire, and be inspired. Teach a little, and learn a lot," is her approach to life.

Lupe Tucker

A homeschooling mother of 5, home education advocate, and former classroom teacher. She is a writer, blogger, and poet. "I just want to encourage, and be encouraged. Inspire, and be inspired. Teach a little, and learn a lot," is her approach to life.