Reasons Canadian Homeschoolers Join HSLDA
More and more homeschool parents are joining HSLDA every month. There are many reasons why families join HSLDA Canada, but some of these reasons we see mentioned repeatedly.
The number one reason that members join is to feel the assurance that legal support is there for them if need be.
Legal Support
The world around us is always changing and parents like to know there is someone in their corner to defend them and help them navigate should their right to homeschool be challenged. There is enough to think about as a homeschool parent without trying to make sense of the legal landscape.
The lawyers serving HSLDA members have expertise in a number of areas, and if your issue is within the areas of expertise they are happy to give you information and advice, even if it is not directly related to your homeschooling. Our lawyers are prepared to give advice on many issues as they understand that when it impacts the family, it impacts homeschooling.
Another very common reason members join HSLDA is to access the wide variety of resources available to members.
Access to Member Site Resources
The always growing and improving topic collections, provincial homeschool laws and forms, and hundreds of e-books and audios, are just a few of the favourite HSLDA Member Site resources. In just a few clicks, members have 24/7 access to:
- a digital library stocked for home education;
- templates for various homeschooling situations;
- a fillable form for transcripts;
- provincial school board notification forms;
- direction for government programs;
- guides for various educational stages;
- record keeping and evaluation forms;
- the HSLDA Homeschool Planner, and more.
Access to Personal Support
Some of the most important assistance a homeschool parent needs requires a personal touch. Answers and insight from experienced home educators and professional experts is all part of the membership package. We have a dedicated Member Services Team to provide personal support in various matters through phone calls, emails, and one-on-one meetings.
Some of the personal services included with membership are:
- legal advice;
- help with exceptional needs / learning challenges;
- curriculum consultations;
- high school planning;
- postsecondary preparation.
Still more members decide to join because they want to financially support the important work that HSLDA is doing.
Support the Cause
The membership fees go towards supporting the advocacy that HSLDA does to maintain the homeschooling freedoms we have today and stand against the government overstep that occurs. HSLDA serves as the main voice for home education in Canada’s legislatures. Membership fees enable the staff at HSLDA to continue advocating for Canadian families’ right to home educate their children.
Additional Reasons
While many members mentioned the above reasons, they are not the only ones! Less common, but still mentioned, reasons include:
- Help with homeschooling students with exceptional needs;
- Co-op membership benefits;
- To stay informed on what is happening with homeschool in the country.
Help with Exceptional Needs
Not only is our Member Site full of helpful articles to help you educate your child with exceptional needs, we also offer members a free consultation per year with Diane Geerlinks, Exceptional Needs Specialist.
Diane uses her knowledge, experience and training acquired over many years to help members find provincial resources, create Individual Education Plans, and provide advice specific to helping your child.
Once you are a member, you can email the office to schedule your one-hour free consultation.
Co-op Membership
Some local homeschool co-op groups will require a HSLDA membership for all of their members. This is usually so they can use the insurance that’s available, at no extra cost, when all members are also HSLDA members. Discount PLUS Groups receive these benefits:
- Free insurance for most activities except sports and field trips *(may not be available in Quebec);
- A rebate to the group of $10 for every HSLDA member family, annually, to spend on their priorities;
- At least one free HSLDA membership annually, to distribute as desired.
Stay Informed
Members also receive the benefit of staying up to date on the latest news and events, including:
- Updates on what is happening surrounding homeschooling in Canada;
- Advice and encouragement for homeschooling;
- Alerts and reminders concerning laws and developments in the member’s province;
- Homeschooling conferences in their area.
While the reasons that attract them vary, when parents become HSLDA members they join the largest association of homeschoolers in Canada.
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Legal Protection
Parents need to know their family is safe. HSLDA lawyers provide trustworthy advice for navigating the legal aspects of home education and expert legal defence for members facing challenges.
Professional Homeschool Support
Research and decision making is central to protecting and educating children. HSLDA provides valuable resources and surround our members with experts who can give the answers needed most.
Advocacy
Parents should have the right to choose home education as the best educational option for their child. HSLDA works to preserve parental and homeschool freedom in the courts and legislatures of Canada.
