I am not a Christian. May I join LEAH?

LEAH is a Christian homeschool support group and, as such, adheres to Christian principles and precepts. We ask all our leaders to sign the statement of faith. Most groups will require you to sign the statement of faith, also.

What is your statement of faith?

LEAH Statement of Faith Our Statement of Faith includes only those truths upon which all true Christians agree. It concerns the Authority of Scripture, Deity of Christ, the Person and Work of Jesus Christ (the Gospel) as revealed in Scripture. It is the faith once delivered to the saints (Jude 2, Ephesians 4:5) which distinguishes believers from non-believers. There are many other precious truths taught in the Bible over which godly men have differed in understanding. Therefore, this is not a statement of all that is important to believe, but of all that is essential to believe for Christian fellowship and unity. (Romans 15:7).

Section 2. We believe:

1. The Bible to be the inspired, infallible, divinely preserved Word of God, the supreme and final authority for all faith and life.
    
2. That there is one God, eternally existent in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
    
3. In the deity of our Lord Jesus Christ, His virgin birth, His sinless life, His miracles, His vicarious and atoning death through His shed blood on the cross, His bodily resurrection, His ascension, and His imminent bodily return in power and glory.
    
4. That man was created in the image of God, but fell into sin and is therefore lost, and only those who put their faith in Jesus Christ alone, not trusting in any personal works whatsoever, can be saved.
    
5. That salvation is the free gift of God brought to the sinner by grace and received by personal faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, Whose substitutionary death on the cross paid the penalty for man's sin.
    
6. That the ministry of the Holy Spirit is to convict mankind; indwell, guide, in­struct, and empower the believer for godly living and service.
    
7. That God created man and woman after His own Image (Genesis 5:1-2), and that God has ordained marriage, consisting of one man and one woman, to be the foundation of the family and to be the only legitimate and Godly expression of sexuality.
    
8. In the spiritual unity of believers through our common faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, and that individual doctrinal differences which may exist, outside of the aforementioned (Article IV Sections 1-7), should not hinder the unity of Christian home educators.

I do not attend a local church, but I am a Christian. May I join LEAH?

As long as you can adhere to the above Statement of Faith you may join a Chapter. Keep in mind, however, that leadership roles "may" be limited.

What advice would you give to a new homeschooler?

As the NYS LEAH website states, preparation is most important. Prepare, prepare, prepare! Talk to other home educators, and read all of the home education materials you can, especially those that talk about educational approaches. Borrow books from friends, the public library, or a local support group's lending library. View LEAH's Homeschooling in Action video (email Dadsheart5@aol.com for info on purchasing the video) which introduces home education by profiling the experiences and educational philosophies of three families.

Have a "plan" for your school year. What subjects do you need to teach? Be sure to include physical, spiritual, academic, and social development as you make your plans (see Luke 2:52).

Subscribe to at least one good home education publication, such as The Teaching Home magazine.

Select appropriate curriculum. Check out used curriculum if you know what you are specifically looking for. More expensive or more widely advertised is not necessarily better. Cathy Duffy's Curriculum Manuals are especially helpful. Buy only what you need for the current year, and don't be tempted by "extras" if you can't afford them. If you don't have all your curriculum by the July 1 letter of intent deadline, at least have all your orders placed.

Know the law! Purchase LEAH's Regulatory Manual which provides a thorough explanation of Commissioner Regulations 100.10. These regulations govern home education in New York State.

Get Connected!
Join the Home School Legal Defense Association (preferably before you contact your school district). Annual membership fee is $115 unless you are a member of LEAH. LEAH members receive a discounted HSLDA membership fee of $95.

Know the Regs!
Notify your school district in writing on or before July 1 of your intent to home educate during the upcoming school year which commences July 1 and concludes June 30 of the following. Your "letter of intent" should include the names and dates of birth of each child of legal school age who will be home educated. Children who turn six before December 1 are required to start school during that year. Teenagers who turn sixteen at any time during the school year are required to complete that entire year.

Complete and submit one IHIP (Individualized Home Instruction Plan) for each child you will be educating at home. Your school district is supposed to respond to your letter of intent with a copy of the regulations and IHIP forms. Each IHIP must include a simple listing of the curriculum you will be using for each of the required subject areas (see the LEAH Regulatory Manual).

File quarterly reports with the school district at regular intervals that you establish in your IHIP.

Submit an annual evaluation to the local school district. Options include, written evaluations, standardized testing, and peer review panels. Standardized testing is only required every other year between the grades of 4 and 8, and every year after that until the student is 16. Contact your local LEAH chapter for more information regarding these options.

Home visits are not required! Nor are you required to meet with the superintendent to seek permission. A determination of compliance to the regulations is designed to be handled in writing between the local school district and a home educating family. If any of your written submissions are challenged, contact your local support group or your attorney at HSLDA to determine if any of your submissions are in error (be sure to join HSLDA before you begin!). If so, make all necessary corrections or additions and re-submit you documents. If all of your paper work is in compliance, follow the advice of HSLDA as to how to proceed. Above all, keep a good testimony!

Keep good records. You don't need to submit attendance records, but you need to report total number of hours in your quarterly reports. In the high school years, a good transcript is crucial for college admission.

What is in the LEAH regulations manual?

Regulation of home education in New York State falls under the jurisdiction of the State Education Department, the Commissioner of Education, and the Board of Regents. In 1988 the Commissioner's Regulations were amended with section §100.10 (FAQ) after a series of court battles contesting the legality of home education. These regulations are a compromise at best, but have been beneficial in keeping legitimate home educating parents out of court.

Regulatory and Informational Manual for Home Education in New York State

1. Loving Education at Home, Inc.
   • What is Loving Education at Home, Inc.?
   • Statement of Faith
2. New York State Regulations On Home Schooling
   • Amendment to the Regulations of the Commissioner
   • Overview of Subjects Required In Instruction
   • Action Steps for Home Instruction
   • Suggestions On How To Comply With The Regulations
   • Questions and Answers from the New York State Education Department
   • Students With Special Educational Needs And Compliance With the Regulations
3. Home School Legal History In New York State
4. New York State Education Law
5. State Education System In New York State
   • The Education Department
   • University of New York State
   • Judicial Districts of New York State
   • Map of The Judicial Districts of New York State
   • The Board of Regents
   • Board of Regents Committee Assignments
6. Home Schooling Resources
   • Writing and Using Your Philosophy of Education
   • The Urgent Need To Restore A Biblical View of Education
7. Sample Forms
   • Individual Home Instruction Plan (I.H.I.P.)
   • Quarterly Report
   • Home Education Worksheet Form (St. Ed. Dept. form)
   • IHIP Page 2 (St. Ed. Dept. form)
8. Home School Legal Defense Association
   • Information and Application

How do I join LEAH?

How can I locate a group near me?

I am home-schooling a special needs student. Can you direct me to some resources?

There are a few. First, there is the National Challenged Homeschool Asssociation. You may also visit www.nacd.org. In Region Ten Mary Fratatini at Fratpak@worldnet.att.net is available to answer questions. PLEASE be advised that Mary is home educating a special needs child and is freely volunteering her time. Therefore it is suggested you visit the other websites first and approach her with your unanswered questions after you have FIRST reviewed the resource websites.

Note: Parents Instructing Challenged Children,(PICC) which was previously posted here as a resource, moved to Rome, NY. They cannot be contacted at the old address or former phone number. The information on their web site, www.piccnys.com, is accurate and up to date.

Old sign up sheets should be discarded. PICC is no longer a business, but just a hobby, so checks can no longer be made out to PICC. The information packets (resource & legal) are no longer available for sale because the same information IS available on the web site for free.

My husband or wife does not agree with my decision to homeschool. Will you speak to him or her?

LEAH is a support group for home educating parents. We cannot convince your mate that you should or should not homeschool. You may find support in your local LEAH support group.

Do I have to join LEAH to go on trips, etc. with other LEAH members?

LEAH trips are generally planned for LEAH members. However, it is always at the discretion of the LEAH Chapter Leader. LEAH does not endorse a policy.

Can LEAH make a donation to my church?

LEAH as an organization only gives to charitable organizations that encourage and endorse home education. Email LEAH Vice President Rev Rudy Hugo at Dadsheart5@aol.com or call 516.315.4909 for more details on LEAH’s policy.

How do I start my own LEAH support group?

Contact your Regional Reps at Nycli@leah.org. It is a fairly simple process. You merely have to fill out a simple application and give your Christian testimony and homeschool experience.

What are the advantages of LEAH membership?

LEAH offers fellowship with other Christian homeschoolers, educational trips, learning cooperatives and general activities with other homeschoolers. Much of the support comes in the local support group. LEAH does publish a newsletter--The Messenger--with practical and inspirational information. LEAH learning cooperatives arre covered under their insurance.<./p>

I want to advertise my product or service to the homeschool community. What can I do?

Currently the only channels are to advertise in The Messenger or our convention program booklets. See information at www.leah.org/hsr.php?d=1. See advertising rates below.

You are invited to advertise your products or services in our quarterly newsletter, The LEAH Messenger. This popular publication of approximately 32 pages is mailed to the homes of our 3800 member homeschooling families across New York, and contains articles of interest and encouragement to New York’s homeschoolers.

 Advertising space is limited to about 15% of the magazine (we may expand the number of pages somewhat in order to accommodate the ads while maintaining content). You will find our rates below.

 Our readers are most interested in products and services related to education (homeschooling in particular), family life, Christian life materials, etc., although we will accept some general interest ads as space is available. We will not accept advertisements for products or services that in some way violates our Statement of Faith (also below). LEAH reserves the right to reject any advertising submission without comment or explanation.

 We accept "camera-ready" copy only (no ad layout or editing services are provided)--most standard electronic formats are acceptable. No ads will be accepted without payment. Please contact the editor for the availability of any premium pages before submitting materials and payments.

Mail Address:

Editor, LEAH Messenger
12 Chesfield Lookout
Fairport, NY 14450
Email Address: messenger@leah.org

If you are interested in advertising or obtaining booth space at our convention (June State Fairgrounds, Syracuse, NY), please go to www.leah.org/convention/2005 for full details, or call 315.363.5637 to receive a vendor brochure. The LEAH Convention is annually attended by approximately 4000 homeschoolers. You may also advertise for the New York City/Long Island Convention by calling Rev. Rudy Hugo at 516.315.4909 or by emailing him at Dadsheart5@aol.com

Rates for LEAH Messenger Advertising

Camera-Ready Ad Copy Only

Most Electronic Formats Acceptable

Check with Messenger@leah.org

Can you help me with my paperwork?

Speak with your support group leaders or read the LEAH manual first. This manual can be purchased by visiting http://www.leah.org/paypal.html. Most Chapter leaders offer help with new homeschoolers or have mentored new homeschoolers. You will be most fortified if you read the regulation manual first.

I want to speak with an experienced homeschooler. Can you help me get in touch with someone?

LEAH is a volunteer organization and most personal contacts can be made within the groups. Veteran home educating parents are generally available and willing to help, but please keep in mind that LEAH is a volunteer organization run by volunteer parents. Please respect their time and do not telephone during traditional school hours or obvious family times or late night. Please email chapter leaders. They will direct you to services and support within the group.

I am a member of the media, student or company and would like to interview homeschoolers for an article, news piece, or promotional segment.

Contact LEAH Vice President Rev. Rudy Hugo at Dadsheart5@aol.com

Can you home educate my child for me?

LEAH is a support group which assists parents who are home schooling their own children. To find someone to homeschool your child ask at local private schools, your church, or research at home learning schools.

The truancy officer, Children Abuse Services, and/or legal services are involved because I have not sent my child to school, and now I want to home-school. Can you help me?

Homeschool is not a decision to be made lightly. In fact, successful homeschoolers are those who have prayerfully considered and PREPARED for their decision to home school. Preparation includes reading up on how to homeschool, visiting support groups and speaking with other homeschoolers. This takes time. Also, please be advised that LEAH will not testify on your behalf or represent you in any court or hearing or in a legal proceeding of any kind.

I want to homeschool my child in science but he attends the local high school. What can I do to get the science work he does at home documented so the school district accepts it?

Currently, New York State does not have provision for dual enrollment. If your child is enrolled in high school, they fall under the auspices of your local school district. You will have to work with your local high school to get work authenticated. LEAH is a support group for parents who are educating their children at home full-time.

I recently moved to New York State and do not know what my school district is or even who I should report to.

If you are in New York City dial "311". It is an information line for all New York City Services. They will give you the name, address, and telephone number of the Regional Office. The New York City Department of Education is governed by regions, not districts (as they were in prior years). You will have to report to your district.

If you are on Long Island ask your neighbor or realtor; most school districts are generally indicated on your property tax statement. Some districts do have unconventional cut-offs so it would be best to ask a neighbor or the realtor.

I'm moving to the area and want to move into a homeschool-friendly school district. Can you advise me?

That is quite a subjective question. Generally you may email a LEAH chapter leader (see the map on LEAH page) and ask what their experience or those of their members have been. Remember, the question is relative, and you are bound to get many different responses.

Can you recommend a curriculum?

Your curriculum choices are based on your educational philosophy and personality. As such, it is a personal matter; LEAH does not particularly endorse one product over the other. Many new homeschoolers find security in a well established curriculum. Other new homeschoolers find they prefer a particular approach. You will best find help by speaking with other homeschoolers, your support group leader, online research, and attending our conventions.

Can you tell me about your conventions?

LEAH holds two conventions. One is held in Syracuse, generally during the first week in June, for the entire state. It includes many vendors, speakers, etc. Visit www.leah.org for more information.

The New York City and Long Island region holds a convention with vendors and speakers. It is generally held during the first weekend in May. Visist www.leah.org for more information.

Do homeschoolers get diplomas?

Homeschool studentsdo not get traditional high school diplomas because they are not public high school students. Please read complete details from the www.leah.org home page as to the options that homeschool students have to validate their high school education.

My son just dropped out of school. Can I homeschool him, or is it too late?

It is never too late to homeschool. However, please see the above.

Can you homeschool me? I hate my high school.

Only parents, or people that your parents entrust you to, may home educate you. If you are a motivated learner, perhaps you may visit some teen web sites on the web, research home education, and then make your case to your parents. See if you might know other homeschooling families in your church or community. Sometimes retired Christian teachers might be willing to assist you. LEAH primarily supports homeschooling parents.

Can you test my child before I start homeschooling, so I know what curriculum to choose?

Testing services and support are genrally found in your local support group. You may also call BJU Testing for a local tester. You do not need a standardized test to begin homeschooling your child. You may desire something not quite comprehensive as a screening or a checklist. Such screening is found on many curriculum web sites.

Can you give me information on testing?

Testing and most New York State information is found in the LEAH Regulation manual. It is only $15.00. You can order it on http://www.leah.org/paypal.htm or purchase one from your local chapter.

My child is very advanced. Should I report them to the district in their accelerated grade or their chronological grade?

No matter how accelerated your child is, once you begin reporting your school district is going to go by your records. If you advance them several grades you are often giving yourself more paperwork. However, if you strongly feel your child will graduate earlier and want the superintendent to validate their education you may want to do this. Please keep in mind that many parents with accelerated children do academic work far beyond their grade yet keep their paperwork simple by keeping them in their chronological grade.

My three-year-old is reading. Should I begin reporting his progress to my school district? When should I stop reporting?

You begin reporting when the child is compulsory school age which is "a minor who becomes six years of age on or before the first of December in any school year...until the last day of session in the school year in which the minor becomes sixteen years of age" or completes high school.

Effective July 2005, every school district may require students to report until age seventeen.

Can you tell me the basics of homeschooling in New York State?

Summary

© 2005, HSLDA NOTE: This summary is not intended to be, and does not constitute, the giving of legal advice. Many states have unclear compulsory attendance statutes, and the courts of those states vary in their interpretation of the statutes. Therefore, there is no guarantee any state will accept all of the options for compliance listed under each state. This summary is not intended to be a substitute for individual reliance on privately retained legal counsel such as that provided by Home School Legal Defense Association.

This information is taken from Home School Legal Defense