What have I gotten myself into...

[wanderingenough]

That is so frustrating. I don't think you made a mistake. I think you were doing something honorable and the lack of preparation by others is making the situation awful. I'm sorry. Major hair pats.

[Deleted]

I teach first and second graders who are also behind due to language barriers. . Those grades prepare them to be readers and it is a lot of responsibility. It's great you stepped in to help, but I understand it is exhausting. Do you have a curriculum to follow? There are so many free and cheap resources online, so don't spend a lot of time creating things.

[Deleted]

Many hugs. That sounds very overwhelming. I think it's sweet of you for trying to help.

[panicked]

If you can't devote the time they need (which is a ton, even for a person without a baby and migraines!), then it's best if you walk away while the year is still early. If they aren't enrolled in school and do not attend, call CPS and continue to call CPS until something is done. Educational neglect is absolutely reportable and something needs done. Those kids need more intervention than one person can give.

[awick14]

I agree with panicked.

What you are doing is amazing and it is a great way to try and help but with how you've been feeling lately and with M there I don't know if you can put the attention you need into this.

I don't judge you at all for agreeing to do this, it's a hard situation to be in. ((Hugs)) I wish I was closer so I could help you out. (With everything, even not talking about the homeschooling.)

[MrsMB]

No judging...just lots of head pats and hugs for you my friend.

[bk1]

I'm sorry you are in this situation. It sounds like your heart was in the right place.

[panicked]

Sept 18, 2015 20:46:52 GMT -5 amaranth said:

Sept 18, 2015 17:45:09 GMT -5 panicked said:

If you can't devote the time they need (which is a ton, even for a person without a baby and migraines!), then it's best if you walk away while the year is still early. If they aren't enrolled in school and do not attend, call CPS and continue to call CPS until something is done. Educational neglect is absolutely reportable and something needs done. Those kids need more intervention than one person can give.

Do you have any personal knowledge of the CPS system?  Due to details from their last investigation, I am highly skeptical any further calls would result in enforceable action. I can give details if someone needs them to help, but otherwise I don't want them floating around. 

My husband and I debated that option for a few months before choosing this route instead. I am not opposed AT ALL if I could be assured a good result. 

All they need to know is that the children are not enrolled in any public/private/homeschool program and are of school-age. Keep pushing until someone investigates.
ETA: I'm a mandated reporter and undergo yearly child abuse training.

[katespade]

I don't have any advice, but I'm sorry that you're caught in this situation.

[katiek]

Huge hugs, I had hoped it would be better today

I think it is so nice of you to take this on, but I completely understand why you are overwhelmed. What are the state laws around homeschooling where you are? Are there regulations you can fall back on to convince the parents/alert the state to their lack of education?

[luv2rn4fun]

Huge ((hugs)) You are an amazing woman and they are lucky to have you. Your heart is completely in the right place but you also have to take care of you, your family (husband, M, and baby #2)...all this on top of a very rough pregnancy makes it near impossible and not so realistic. I'm hoping and praying you find some solutions, short term and long term, that help everyone get through this. So many prayers for those poor kiddos too...they deserve so much better.

[krystee]

I am so sad at the idea of parents who don't want their kids to read or write or be excited about learning.

And I have decided I have a deep loathing for the homeschooling lobby that insists on arguing for zero oversight whatsoever. We are majorly failing children if we do not require anything than a parent simply saying "I am home schooling." Ugh.

Anyway, it is so kind of you to do this, but make sure you are taking care of yourself. In addition to CPS, could you call their school district to report that they are neither registered nor receiving any education at home? Maybe they could suggest resources.

[amaranth]

krystee I completely agree. If you're homeschooling correctly then a bit of oversight hurts no one and helps many.

I found resources last night to have them checked in on by a school liason, if I stop homeschooling them. Thanks for the idea. It definitely looks more promising than CPS.

[HoneySpider]

I'm sorry you're dealing with this, I feel for those kids