Online – Lunch & Learn: Social Media, Disability, and Safety

February 4 @ 12:00 pm 1:00 pm PST

Register to Join!

Join Peter Jung M.Ed., Youth Specialist for PAVE, for a lunch and learn on how to manage risks and address concerns around the quickly evolving world of social media. Topics covered will include safety advice, how to build agency over social media use, and understanding how to use social media beneficially.

Register to Join! 

Free

Beyond School Walls: A Guide to Homeschooling in Washington State 

Homeschooling is a popular and flexible educational option for many families. “Home-based instruction” (HBI), as it’s referred to in Washington State law, must meet specific required subjects and instructional hours (or school days) annually. If you’re considering homeschooling, it’s important to understand the legal requirements and steps involved, including the qualifications that make a parent or guardian eligible to provide home-based instruction. Homeschooled students can access public school resources like extracurricular activities, part-time classes, and even special education services. By understanding and adhering to these guidelines, you can ensure a successful and enriching homeschooling experience for your child.

A Brief Overview

  • Homeschooling or home education programs are called “home-based instruction (HBI)” in Washington state.
  • A parent or guardian must meet one of four qualifying criteria to homeschool, or register through an approved private school extension program.
  • Homeschooling must cover 11 required subjects and at least 1,000 instructional hours annually (or 180 school days), but Washington law (RCW 28A.200.020) allows for flexibility in teaching methods and curriculum selection, emphasizing a personalized approach.
  • Beginning on their eighth birthday, your child must be enrolled in a school or home-based instruction, in accordance with Washington’s compulsory attendance law (RCW 28A.225.010).
  • If your student was enrolled in school prior to homeschooling and they are 8 years of age or older, they must be withdrawn by written and signed statement, and you must file a Declaration of Intent with your local public school district. The Declaration of Intent must be filed by September 15th annually, or within two weeks of the beginning of the public school year.
  • Homeschooled children must complete yearly assessments, either through standardized testing or an evaluation by a certificated educator. Parents and guardians must keep the results in their homeschooling files as a permanent record.
  • Families can request a special education evaluation from the public school district regardless of whether their child is enrolled in public school. If the child is eligible, the district must provide ancillary services unless the family declines them (RCW 28A.150.350).
  • Homeschooled students can participate in public school resources, including part-time enrollment in virtual or in-person classes, extracurricular activities, and sports.
  • PAVE provides a downloadable Annual Checklist for Home-Based Instruction to help families maintain compliance with Washington’s homeschool statutes.

Introduction

Whether you are looking for an alternative to public school or continuing a home education program you began before moving from out of state, there are some things you need to know before homeschooling your student in Washington State. Homeschooling, referred to as “home-based instruction (HBI)” in the state statutes, comes with specific guidelines and requirements.

To homeschool, a parent or guardian must:

  1. Meet the qualifications for homeschooling under state law (RCW 28A.225.010(4))
  2. Provide 180 school days or 1,000 instructional hours annually in the 11 required subjects
  3. Formally withdraw the student from public school
  4. Notify the school district of annually with a Declaration of Intent
  5. Have the student complete an annual test or assessment
  6. Maintain homeschool records

What qualifications must a parent or guardian meet to homeschool?

A parent or guardian has to meet one of the following qualifications to homeschool their child:

  1. Hire a certified teacher to supervise the instruction.
  2. Complete 45 college quarter credits or the equivalent in semester credits.
  3. Complete a course in home-based education, sometimes referred to as a parent qualifying course, at a postsecondary or vocational-technical institute.
  4. Gain approval from the superintendent as “sufficiently qualified to provide home-based instruction.” Those who have homeschooled in another state and move into Washington may be more successful with this by demonstrating a documented history of homeschooling.

If you do not meet these qualifications, you may homeschool through a private school extension program. Locate an approved private school that allows the homeschooling option and contact the school directly.

What do homeschool students learn?

Washington law mandates that homeschooled children receive at least 1,000 instructional hours annually (or 180 school days), similar to the public school system. There are 11 required subjects, although parents do not have to teach every subject daily, weekly, or even yearly. Some subjects, like social studies, are for younger grades, while others, like history, are for older grades. The homeschool curriculum must include the following subjects:

  • Occupational education
  • Science
  • Math
  • Language
  • Social studies
  • History
  • Health
  • Reading
  • Writing
  • Spelling
  • Art and music appreciation

You have full control over your homeschooling curriculum, allowing you to tailor the education to your child’s needs and interests. You are responsible for decisions related to educational philosophy, selection of books, teaching materials, curriculum, and methods of instruction (RCW 28A.200.020).

Washington law acknowledges that “home-based instruction is less structured and more experiential than the instruction normally provided in a classroom setting.” As a result, the nature and quantity of instructional and educational activities are “construed liberally”. This flexibility gives you the freedom to create a personalized educational experience. (RCW 28A.225.010(5))

When and how can I withdraw my student from public school?

Children living in Washington must be enrolled in a school or home-based instruction starting on their eighth birthday. The law requires compulsory attendance from age eight until eighteen (RCW 28A.225.010). Any educational programs your child participates in before age eight are not subject to state requirements for home-based instruction.

If your child is enrolled in a public or private school and you decide to homeschool, you must first formally withdraw your student. This process involves submitting a withdrawal form provided by the school or a written statement including the student’s name, school name, date of withdrawal, your signature, and the date of signing.

If your child is 8 years of age or older, notify the school district of your intent to homeschool on the same day that you withdraw them from public school, even if they have not yet begun classes or an educational program at the school.

How do I notify the school district that I am homeschooling my child?

For every school year that your child is homeschooled, you must file a written statement, called a Declaration of Intent, with the district superintendent. The address of the superintendent is usually the district office, which you can find on the school’s website or by calling your local school. You may retain a district-stamped copy of the Declaration of Intent by including a second copy and a self-addressed envelope with prepaid postage in your mailer. The deadline to file is September 15th or within two weeks of the beginning of the public school year.

A Declaration of Intent is not required for children who begin school before age 8. For example, a 5-year-old who has started kindergarten may be withdrawn for home-based instruction. The child started going to school before compulsory attendance applied. As a result, the parent is not required to file a Declaration of Intent. If you intend to start your student’s educational career in homeschool, submit your first Declaration of Intent when your child turns 8 years old and compulsory education begins.

The Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) has provided a Sample Declaration of Intent that includes all of the required information: the child’s name, age, address, and parent’s name. This documents that the parent is complying with compulsory education requirements, and the student is receiving an education. The Declaration of Intent must also specify whether a certified teacher will supervise the instruction.

What are my options to complete the required annual assessments?

There are two options for the required annual assessments:

  1. Standardized Test: Administered annually by a qualified individual approved by the test publisher. The test must be a standardized academic achievement test recognized by Washington State Board of Education (SBE). For a list of examples of tests, see the SBE Home Instruction FAQs page.
  2. Annual Assessment: Conducted by a certificated person currently working in the field of education. The evaluation must be written. Washington law does not provide as much detail about the criteria for evaluations, but it should include “statements and documents that reflect the child’s progress, or lack thereof” (OSPI).

The purpose of the annual test or evaluation is to provide an external metric to measure a student’s progress. The results are for the parent’s use only, unless the child is later enrolled at a public or private school. Parents can choose either option each year based on what works best for their child. Keep the test results in your permanent homeschool record.

Homeschooled students may take part in standardized testing at the public school. The testing dates for the year are usually available at the school office by late September and parents can call the assessment coordinator at the school district to register their student for these tests. Be sure to request a copy of the test scores for your homeschooling file during registration for the standardized test.

If a homeschooled student performs poorly on a test or assessment and the results indicate that they are “not making reasonable progress consistent with his or her age or stage of development,” the parent or guardian is expected to “make a good faith effort to remedy any deficiency”. (RCW28A.200.010(1)(c))

What records do homeschooled students have?

Maintaining good records is an essential part of homeschooling in Washington state, serving as proof of education and compliance with state laws. While the law does not specify the exact form records should take, there are several types of documentation that are meaningful for homeschooled students:

  • Attendance records tracking the 180 school days or 1,000 instructional hours required
  • Curriculum information documenting the textbooks and workbooks used
  • Student work samples and portfolios demonstrating application of what they’ve learned
  • Communication with school officials, including the annual Declaration of Intent and proof of mailing, such as the Certified Mail-Return Receipt
  • Test results, such as annual standardized tests and assessments
  • Immunization records

These records can be requested by school administrators if your child later enrolls in a traditional school setting. You should permanently keep proof of compliance with home education laws, including the Declaration of Intent and results of the annual assessments. Homeschool Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) recommends keeping all records from your student’s high school years because they may be requested as proof of education by a post-secondary education program, upon joining the military, or as part of an employment-related background check.

Does the public school have to provide special education and related services to homeschooled students?

Families have the right to request an evaluation for special education from the public-school district regardless of whether a child attends public school. If the child is found eligible, the local district is responsible for providing services unless the family does not want them. In some cases, families arrange to have a child attend private or home-based school but receive special-education services through the public school. These special education services are known as “ancillary services” and they are defined in Washington Administrative Code (WAC) as “any cocurricular service or activity, any health care service or activity, and any other services or activities, except ‘courses,’ for or in which preschool through twelfth grade students are enrolled by a public school” (WAC 392-134-005).

Ancillary services include but are not limited to:

  • Therapies, such as counseling, speech and hearing therapy
  • Counseling and health services
  • Testing and assessments
  • Supplementary or remedial instruction
  • Tutorial services, which may include home or hospital instruction
  • Sports activities

According to The Pink Book: Washington State Laws Regulating Home-Based Instruction, available on OSPI’s Home-Based Instruction page, the definition of “course” specifies that a service or activity meets all of the requirements of an ancillary service but is instructional in nature.

Can homeschooled students take part in public school classes or activities?

Students homeschooled in Washington have access to public school resources, including standardized testing, extracurricular activities, and specialized programs. Families can enroll their children as part-time students to access specific classes or services that complement their home-based instruction (RCW 28A.150.350(d)). Homeschooled students can attend virtual and online public school programs on a part-time basis without losing their homeschool status.

Access to extracurricular activities includes participation in sports and other interscholastic competitions through the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA). Homeschooled students are considered “regular members” as long as they have met the State’s home-based instruction requirements, and –

  • Annually file a WIAA Rule 18.6.3 form with the principal’s office where the student is enrolled part-time. This form is available on the WIAA website, on the Student Eligibility Center page in multiple languages.
  • Do not receive assistance from the school district, and the school district does not receive funding for the student.
  • Meet both WIAA and the local school district eligibility requirements.
  • Follow transfer rules if they change schools after registering as a homeschool student.
  • Provide acceptable documentation of any interscholastic eligibility standards required of all other student participants.
  • Comply with WIAA and local school district regulations during participation.
  • Adhere to the same team responsibilities and standards of behavior and performance as other team members.
  • Participate as a member of the public school in the service area where they reside.

Final Thoughts

Homeschooling in Washington State provides families with a flexible and personalized approach to education while adhering to the state’s legal requirements. By understanding and meeting the necessary qualifications, maintaining proper records, and fulfilling annual assessment obligations, parents and guardians can ensure their child’s education remains compliant and effective. The wide array of resources, from specialized classes to extracurricular activities, further supports a well-rounded learning experience. Whether you are new to homeschooling or continuing from another state, Washington’s supportive framework allows for a rich and adaptable educational journey tailored to each child’s unique needs.

Online – Special Education Trainings with a Focus for Tribal Communities

January 25 @ 10:00 am 11:00 am PST

Register to join

January 4: IDEA Unveiled: overview of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), focusing on rights, processes, and strategies to support students with disabilities and their families.

January 11: Starting Strong (IFSP):focus on understanding and implementing Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSP) to support early intervention services and empower families in guiding their child’s development.

January 18: Navigating 504: focus on eligibility, accommodations, and strategies to ensure equal access to education for students with disabilities.

January 25: Unlocking the Potential to IEP Data: focus on how to effectively interpret and utilize Individualized Education Program (IEP) data to support student progress and drive meaningful educational outcomes.

Register to join

Free

Online – Awesome Autism Parent Support Group

February 13 @ 12:00 pm 1:00 pm PST

Register to Join!

Awesome Autism Parent Support Group – The Awesome Autism Parent Support Group is a community dedicated to providing a nurturing and empowering environment for parents and caregivers of children with autism. The primary goal is to offer emotional support, share resources, exchange experiences, and promote a sense of unity among parents, individuals, and families raising and child diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The group meets online on the 2nd Thursday of the month from 12-1 pm PT.

Highlights:

Inclusive and Welcoming Environment: The support group is a safe space where all parents, regardless of their background or experiences, are welcomed and embraced.

Information Sharing: Valuable information about autism, including the latest research, therapeutic interventions, educational strategies, and community resources, is shared within the group.

Guest Speakers and Workshops: The support group might invite guest speakers, such as autism experts, therapists, educators, and medical professionals, to provide insights and guidance on various topics related to autism and parenting.

Emotional Support: The support group offers a platform for parents to express their feelings, frustrations, and joys without judgment.

Registration is required to get access to the Zoom link. Register to Join!

Free

Online – Community Connections Birth – 5 Info Series

February 5 @ 12:00 pm 1:00 pm PST

Register to Join

Join us for an informative series designed to equip early intervention advocates with the tools, insights, and strategies needed to make a lasting impact. Whether you’re new professional to the field or a parent looking to enhance your advocacy skills, this series will provide valuable information on programs, services, and how to effectively support children and families in need of early intervention services.

Date: 2/5/25
Topic: Pierce County ESIT & ICC
Time: 12:00 – 1:00PM

Date: 2/19/25
Topic: DDA
Time: 2:00 – 3:30PM

Date: 2/26/25
Topic: PAVE PTI/P2P 0-3 Toolkit
Time: 12:00 – 1:00PM

Date: 3/5/25
Topic: PAVE PTI/P2P 3-5 Toolkit
Time: 12:00 – 1:00PM

Date: 3/12/25
Topic: PAVE P2P Early Intervention
Advocates Workshop
Time: 12:00 – 1:30PM

Register to Join

Free

Online- Helping Parent Volunteer Training

March 11 @ 12:00 pm 1:30 pm PDT

Register to join

What Will I Learn?

  • Emotional Support Strategies
  • Emotional Responses
  • Self-Care Strategies
  • The Match Process
  • Empowerment
  • Communication & Active Listening
  • Volunteer Expectations
  • Ways to volunteer
  • PAVE Programs
  • Local Resources

Pierce County Parent to Parent partners with The ARC of Washington and Pierce County community connections to provide support, information, and education for parents of children with disabilities and special healthcare needs.

This is the required training to become a 1:1 helping parent volunteer and support other parents who have just learned their child has a condition or need support for any reason.

Helping Parent Volunteers and staff assist families in coping with many challenging experiences and feelings.

Register to Join

Free

Online – Black / African American Family Support Group

January 28 @ 6:00 pm 7:00 pm PST

Register to join

Provides a safe, validating, and empowering space for parents, caregivers, and families of African descent so they can find understanding, strength, and resources to navigate their unique and often challenging and isolating journey of raising Black/African American children or family member with a disability.

This group supports:
Open discussions,
Shared experiences and cultural and language sensitivity.

Meets virtually on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month.

Register to join

Free

Online – Black / African American Family Support Group

January 14 @ 6:00 pm 7:00 pm PST

Provides a safe, validating, and empowering space for parents, caregivers, and families of African descent so they can find understanding, strength, and resources to navigate their unique and often challenging and isolating journey of raising Black/African American children or family member with a disability.

This group supports:
Open discussions,
Shared experiences and cultural and language sensitivity.

Meets virtually on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month.

Free

Virtual Workshop – Special Education with a focus on Military Families Fort Jackson

February 5 @ 7:00 am 9:00 am PST

Register to join!

When You Attend a STOMP Workshop You Learn …

Empower yourself with knowledge of educational rights, support services, and access to TRICARE, ECHO, and ABA programs.
Connect with local resources and a supportive community network to share ideas and solutions with other parents and professionals.

Based on Eastern Standard Time:
10:00 am – 12:00 pm ET
February 5: Pathways to Military Medical & Medicaid Benefits for Exceptional Families
February 12: Demystifying Key Components of an IEP
February 19: Dispute Resolution: Orders and Chain of Command for Resolving Conflicts
February 26: Sound the Cadence: Raising Voices in Advocacy

Register to join!

Free

Virtual Workshop – Special Education with a focus on Military Families JB Lewis McChord

February 4 @ 9:30 am 11:30 am PST

Register to join!

When You Attend a STOMP Workshop You Learn …

Empower yourself with knowledge of educational rights, support services, and access to TRICARE, ECHO, and ABA programs.
Connect with local resources and a supportive community network to share ideas and solutions with other parents and professionals.

February 4: TRICARE, ECHO, ABA & Medicaid (Secondary dependency)
February 6: Financial Planning for the Future
February 11: Effective Communication
February 13: Sound the Cadence: Raising Voices in Advocacy

Register to join!

Free

Virtual Workshop – Special Education with a focus on Military Families Fort Eisenhower

January 8 @ 3:00 pm 5:00 pm PST

Register to join!

When You Attend a STOMP Workshop You Learn …

Empower yourself with knowledge of educational rights, support services, and access to TRICARE, ECHO, and ABA programs.
Connect with local resources and a supportive community network to share ideas and solutions with other parents and professionals.
3:00 pm – 5:00 pm ET

January 8: Demystifying Key Components of an IEP
January 15: Accommodations Across the Lifespan: Transition Plans are part of the IEP
January 22: Dispute Resolution: Orders and Chain of Command for Resolving Conflicts
January 29: Sound the Cadence: Raising Voices in Advocacy

Register to join!

Free

Virtual Workshop – Special Education with a focus on Military Families

January 14 @ 4:00 pm 6:00 pm PST

Register today to join!

When You Attend a STOMP Workshop You Learn …

Empower yourself with knowledge of educational rights, support services, and access to TRICARE, ECHO, and ABA programs.
Connect with local resources and a supportive community network to share ideas and solutions with other parents and professionals.
9:00 am – 11:00 am KST

January 8: Accommodations Across the Lifespan: Section 504 Plans
January 15: Student-Led IEPs: Developing and Supporting Self-Advocacy
January 16: Demystifying Key Components of an IEP
January 29: Decoding the Data: Building Blocks to the IEP, BIP, and Assistive Technology Evaluation data
If attending stateside:

Time: 4-6 pm PT/ 7-9 pm ET

January 7: Accommodations Across the Lifespan: Section 504 Plans
January 14: Student-Led IEPs: Developing and Supporting Self-Advocacy
January 15: Demystifying Key Components of an IEP
January 28: Decoding the Data: Building Blocks to the IEP, BIP, and Assistive Technology Evaluation data 

Register today to join!

Free

Virtual Workshop – Special Education with

January 7 @ 4:00 pm 6:00 pm PST

When You Attend a STOMP Workshop You Learn … Register today to join!

Empower yourself with knowledge of educational rights, support services, and access to TRICARE, ECHO, and ABA programs.
Connect with local resources and a supportive community network to share ideas and solutions with other parents and professionals.
9:00 am – 11:00 am KST

January 8: Accommodations Across the Lifespan: Section 504 Plans
January 15: Student-Led IEPs: Developing and Supporting Self-Advocacy
January 16: Demystifying Key Components of an IEP
January 29: Decoding the Data: Building Blocks to the IEP, BIP, and Assistive Technology Evaluation data
If attending stateside:

Time: 4-6 pm PT/ 7-9 pm ET

January 7: Accommodations Across the Lifespan: Section 504 Plans
January 14: Student-Led IEPs: Developing and Supporting Self-Advocacy
January 15: Demystifying Key Components of an IEP
January 28: Decoding the Data: Building Blocks to the IEP, BIP, and Assistive Technology Evaluation data 

Register today to join!

Free

Bremerton/Hybrid – Eventos de Educación Especial en español

February 26 @ 4:30 pm 5:45 pm PST

February/ febrero 26, 2025 Wednesday/ miercoles
Time/ Horario: 4:30 – 5:45 pm

Tema: Entendiendo El Proceso De Educación Especial

Esta capacitación guiará a los participantes a través de los pasos para identificar y apoyar a los estudiantes con discapacidades, desde la evaluación hasta el desarrollo e implementación de un Programa de Educación Individualizado (IEP).

Topic: Understanding The Special Education Process

This training will guide participants through the steps of identifying and supporting students with disabilities, from evaluation to developing and implementing an Individualized Education Program (IEP).

May/mayo 07, 2025 Wednesday/ miercoles
Time/ Horario: 4:30 – 5:45 pm

Tema: Entendiendo El Documento Del IEP

Esta capacitación ayudará a los participantes a navegar e interpretar los componentes clave de un Programa de Educación Individualizado (IEP) para apoyar mejor a los estudiantes con discapacidades.

Topic: Understanding The Iep Document

This training will guide helps participants navigate and interpret the key components of

an Individualized Education Program (IEP) to better support students with disabilities.

And Online! No need to register/ No necesita registrarse:

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84790984874
Meeting ID: 847 9098 4874 

Free
105 S National Ave
Bremerton, Washington 98312 United States

Online – Special Education Trainings with a Focus for Tribal Communities

January 11 @ 10:00 am 11:00 am PST

Register to join

January 4: IDEA Unveiled: overview of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), focusing on rights, processes, and strategies to support students with disabilities and their families.

January 11: Starting Strong (IFSP):focus on understanding and implementing Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSP) to support early intervention services and empower families in guiding their child’s development.

January 18: Navigating 504: focus on eligibility, accommodations, and strategies to ensure equal access to education for students with disabilities.

January 25: Unlocking the Potential to IEP Data: focus on how to effectively interpret and utilize Individualized Education Program (IEP) data to support student progress and drive meaningful educational outcomes.

Register to join

Free