Record Keeping

I know what you are thinking, record keeping sounds intimidating! Yes, it can be intimidating, but it is actually very simple so lets break this down into simple and easy terms!

Each state has its own laws on what records need to be saved. Check with the state you live in on which specific records you should be keeping. HSLDA is a great resource to look at for your state laws.

Below you you will find a simple list of the basic records that most states require you to keep or just simple records that are a good idea to keep on file.
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1. Course/Branch of Study: this is a simple form that you will fill out that will show what subjects your children are taking during the school year. For branch of study simply listing which curriculum you are using is great. To see a sample of a Course of Study Form CLICK HERE
2. Attendance Records: this record seems pretty self explanatory. If you do school mark that you did school, field trip day mark it down that is all there is to it! CA does not require a specific number of days of school for Private homeschooling. However, the state requires for public schools 175 days so it's good to try to average your school year close to this number. To see a sample of an Attendance Record CLICK HERE
3. Immunization Records and Health Check Up: Whether your family receives immunizations or not, I personally recommend that you take your children regularly (every single year!) to a pediatric doctor, eye doctor, and dentist for a visit. Get a copy of the receipt and any other paperwork you can from the doctor to show they have been seen by a health care professional.

A set of records should be kept on each child and should include:

1. Immunization/Health Records: See above
2. Course/Branch of Study: See Above
3. Attendance Records: See Above
4. Elementary, Middle School, and High School Records: this form is a basic overview of the years grades. CLICK HERE for elementary school records CLICK HERE for middle school records and CLICK HERE for high school records
5. Daily  & Weekly Records: this form is a basic list of what is happening in school on a daily basis. For example Math Lesson 17. You don't need to go into detail, just a simple record of what is happening each day. CLICK HERE for a weekly record page and CLICK HERE for a daily schedule.

Other recommend records

1. Field Trips: it's so fun to keep a list of all the field trips you attend in the year. This is a great record to keep in each child's file. CLICK HERE to see a sample of a Field Trip log
2. Reading Record: this is such a great list to keep! I always feel so accomplished at the end of the year when I look back over all our read aloud books and what each of my children has read through the year! CLICK HERE to see a sample of a Reading Record
3. Portfolio: Keep a few samples of your children's favorite stories they wrote, art work they made, a math test, spelling test, and a few photos from that science experiment that made a huge mess in the kitchen! There is no rule on what goes into the portfolio, the idea is simply a good sample of what was done in the year!