SPED Homeschool is a nonprofit that helps families educate children with diverse learning needs. Founded in 2017 by a dedicated homeschool mom, it provides free resources and community support.
A peer-reviewed study published in Peabody Journal of Education found that homeschooled children are typically well-adjusted socially and score above average on measures of social skills, emotional development, and daily living skills (Richard Medlin, 2013). According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), approximately 3.3 million students were homeschooled in the United States as of 2023, representing roughly 6% of the school-age population.
What is sped homeschool?
SPED Homeschool is a nonprofit started in 2017 by Peggy Ployhar, a mom who used to be a physicist. She taught her own kids who had learning challenges. The goal? To help families like hers with special education resources. With over 150 years of combined experience, they offer many free tools on their site. It attracts nearly 1,000 new visitors each week, making it the top blog for special needs homeschooling.
Resources and support offered
The SPED Homeschool website is packed with articles, videos, and podcasts that cover various learning differences, like autism and ADHD. You'll find practical downloads too—like IEP templates, high school planning guides, and curriculum selection tips. Plus, their Therapy At-Home toolkit has over 25 tools and techniques for things like occupational and speech therapy, helping parents support their kids even when therapy isn't available.
Sped strong tribes
One of the best things about SPED Homeschool is their free online groups called SPED Strong Tribes. These communities connect families homeschooling kids with special needs. It’s a place for support, encouragement, and advice. Parents can share wins, ask questions, and find others who understand their journey. Many say joining this community was a game changer for them.
Who sped homeschool serves
SPED Homeschool helps families with kids who have a variety of learning differences. This includes autism, dyslexia, ADHD, and more. Their resources cater to everyone—from newbies looking into homeschooling to seasoned homeschoolers needing new strategies. They believe every child can succeed with the right, personalized instruction.
Consultation services
For families needing more personalized help, SPED Homeschool offers one-on-one consultations. These sessions give parents practical strategies and resources tailored to their needs. Consultants share their own experiences homeschooling special needs children, focusing on empowering families—not selling products. While many resources are free, consultations may have a fee.
The bottom line
SPED Homeschool fills a vital role for families choosing to homeschool kids with learning differences. They combine practical resources, expert guidance, and a supportive community to tackle the isolation many special needs homeschooling parents face. Whether you're just starting to consider homeschooling or looking for new ideas years into it, SPED Homeschool has tools and support from those who've been there. Best of all, most of what they offer is free.
