Legal

What to do if you are contacted:

When the child welfare and Attendance Officer receives a report that a child is not attending school, he/she must follow up on it. This is usually done by a home visit.

Before you answer the door, pray for wisdom and when you answer the door, remember:

Be courteous. Remember, they are simply doing their job.
He/she will ask if your children are enrolled in school. Simply answer, "yes".
If/When asked, give the officer the name and phone number of Harvest Christian Academy (707) 942-4061

If asked why they are at home when they are enrolled in school tell the officer that your children are enrolled in a private independent study program. The officer will most likely say "thank you" and leave. When he/she gets back to the office he/she will contact HCA and verify your enrollment. Remember: Do not let anyone into your house without a search warrant. The law provides that entry into the home without a search warrant is justified only upon exigent circumstances. This means that the officers have probable cause or reasonable suspicion to believe that a crime is being committed within the home at the present time. Independent study is legal and is not a crime.

Record the name and phone number of the officer and the nature of the call or visit.

Immediately call HCA. If someone does not pick up the HCA phone, leave a message and a number at which you can be reached. Then contact HSLDA.

Don't Panic! This often happens in the fall when well-meaning neighbors are confused because our children are not in traditional schools. Don't get angry. Try to maintain a good rapport. Present independent study as the best option for your children and avoid criticizing the public school system.
Should you receive a second contact or a contact that is harassing or particularly intimidating, follow HSLDA guidelines by politely telling then you will have your attorney contact them if there is a problem.

Be Reminded-

Independent study is LEGAL.
You are within your rights.
You are ENROLLED IN A PRIVATE SCHOOL and are NOT under the jurisdiction of the public schools.