The Federal Government provides about 10% of the funding for a state's public school special education programs. This money is budgeted under The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) of 1975. IDEA guarantees children with disabilities the right to a free and appropriate public education (FAPE). It can include kids with learning and attention issues.
How a state defines home schooling affects whether or not a child has access to these federal funds. States that have a category for home schooling cannot use federal funds. States in which home schooling is categorized as private schooling, parents can pursue IDEA funds.
Per HSLDA, the individual state provides the additional 90% of funding that facilitates their special education programs. "States can distribute their 90% in any way they choose. Some states have enacted laws that provide services to “homeschool” students."
An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is what state's require for a child to receive special education services. It is a legal document created by several people, including a child's parent or guardian.
The process can be very beneficial in clarifying in detail a child's strengths and weaknesses. The many tests and assessments that are part of creating an IEP bring insight about how to help your child succeed in school. The psychological assessment helps you understand how your child feels about their own learning journey.
If you are pursuing an IEP you are looking at a very comprehensive and detailed process.
Creating an effective IEP takes time, effort and patience. As well as, will and determination by the child's parent(s)/guardian. My experience is that there is often an inherent bias favoring assertive, educated persons in procuring public school funding for a student. What you ask for, how you ask for it, how willing you are to insist upon it; can impact one's outcome in terms of quality and type of services provided. Therefore, thoroughly educating one's self and seeking advocacy help is beneficial.
However, when you pursue an IEP you are inviting the state into you and your family's life.
INote: HSLDA believes that with receiving government funds, certain freedom and privacy is lost. Each homeschooler should weigh the cost against the benefit he or she would receive from accepting public school services. To enable families to not feel obligated to take government support for their special education students, HSLDA has established a private fund through the Home School Foundation that makes support available. (taken from https://www.hslda.org/strugglinglearner/sn_states.asp#TX; 11/28/2017)
Public schools are required to provide testing for families that request it. But that is all that is required of them in helping families who are independently homeschooling.
Children who are homeschooled via a correspondence program must be offered accommodations and services as well as initial testing and assessments.
Some portion of federal funding is set aside for private school students and thus may be available for students in homeschools operated as private schools.
Further information regarding legal requirements for home schooling in Alaska.
Per HSLDA the State of Texas regards home schooling as private schooling. Therefore, home schooled children are eligible to receive special services. However, this process requires advocacy by the parent or guardian.
Navigate Life Texas says that accessing special education services from your assigned public school district varies from district to district and they recommend your contacting your district's special education department. (https://www.navigatelifetexas.org/en/education-schools/school-choices-for-children-with-disabilities)
The Texas Home School Coalition Association is an important resource to help you negotiate the Texas terrain of state resources for educating your child. Peggy Ployhar leads the special needs department for THSC and writes extensively on home schooling children with special needs. Connect with their Special Needs page here.
Texas Home School Coalition Association does charge an annual membership fee of $120.00 Or you can pay four Quarterly Payments of $40.00 ($160.00 total). But the benefits that come with the membership are impressive. Learn about membership advantages here.
Further information regarding legal requirements for home schooling in Texas.