How do you offer hope to parents facing unusual educational challenges in their homeschool? The Home School Foundation, a charitable organization dedicated to helping families homeschool through hard times, is working to answer that question. Learn more on today’s Home School Heartbeat, with host Mike Farris.
Mike Farris:
Chuck Hurst, who is the executive director of the Home School Foundation, is with me again today. Chuck, we talked last time about some of the challenges faced by homeschooling families with special needs children or struggling learners. Would you tell our listeners about the Home School Foundation’s work to help these families through the Special Needs Children’s Fund?
Chuck Hurst:
Sure, I’d be glad to. Through our Special Needs Children’s Fund, the Foundation helps families move forward with confidence. Families can apply for a grant to help them take that next step to help their child be successful. We provide funding for testing. Helping families figure out what is the first step is so very important. We also help with the cost of special services such as speech and occupational therapy; sometimes we provide resources for specialized equipment, such as a computer for a blind child.
But most often, we provide funding for a variety of specialized curriculum that meets a specific need for the child. Additionally, we put many families in contact with the special needs coordinators at HSLDA. They’re a wealth of information and encouragement. But most of all, I’d say we give hope, confidence, peace of mind, and a sense that they're not alone.
Mike:
Chuck, this fund is truly making a tremendous difference in the lives of children who most need help. On our next program, we’ll hear from a family who received help from the Home School Foundation’s Special Needs Children’s Fund. I’m Mike Farris.
