Education

Home Education

What is Home Education?

Often referred to as home schooling and home-based learning, home education is an option available to all Yukon students. It is a way for students to learn in their home and community with an approach that is adaptable and individualized. The parents assume responsibility for their child's education. The Department of Education supports those who choose home education and will provide resources.

Parents select educational methods that suit the needs of the child and family. The parent and child may design their own methods and/or select course(s) for part-time school attendance or distance education.

"I enjoy the extra time I spend with my daughters. It's great to watch their love of learning grow as they discover the things they really enjoy."
Leslie Knight
Home educator

Registration

The Department of Education supports the decision by parents to provide home education for their children. The Yukon Education Act specifies that children who have reached the age of six years and eight months by September 1st, and who are younger than 16 years, need to be registered annually with the Minister of Education.

As part of registration, parents are required to submit an education plan. The plan includes the methods of teaching and the resources you will use for the subjects of literacy and numeracy. There is no requirement to provide this information for other subject areas.

On the registration form, you may specify the learning materials and other resources you wish to request from the Department of Education.

After Registration

The Minister of Education acknowledges each registration in writing. Home educators are advised how to access specific resources and when those requested materials are available. You may pick up learning resources at the school in your area or at Resources Services, Department of Education, in Whitehorse.

For registration forms, the catalogue of curriculum materials, and information about other resources such as distributed learning, travel subsidies and standardized tests, contact the office of the Superintendent of Programs at the Department of Education, 1000 Lewes Boulevard, in Whitehorse. Or you can call (867) 667 5607 (Toll-free 1 800 661 0408, Ext. 5607).

How Does the Department Support Home Education?

The Department of Education provides the following resources upon request:

  • Learning resource materials (i.e. textbooks/ teacher manuals)
  • School equipment/ facilities (i.e. library, gym, computer)
  • Part-time attendance in school for selected courses [Restrictions may apply]
  • Distributed learning (i.e. The Learning Equation and correspondence courses) [Charges may apply]
  • Yukon-wide standardized tests
  • Catalogue of Curriculum Resources
  • Course Description Handbook for secondary students
  • Transportation subsidy may be available for travel to classes.
  • School newsletters and other information about school events
  • Assessment and consultation regarding a child's abilities and development (physical & emotional development, hearing, speech, language & reading)

Home education is one of the education alternatives outlined in the Yukon Education Act. According to the Yukon Home Educators' Society:

  • Home education can be a rewarding and challenging experience for children and their parents.
  • Home education provides a child centered approach in a tutorial situation which allows students to progress at their own speed and to explore subjects that interest them in depth.
  • Home education combines a variety of educational methods including; self-directed learning, directed learning, curriculum-based education methods and individualized programs.

"I like working on my own, at my own pace. Homeschooling lets me do this. Also, I have more free time."
Home education student; age 11

Community Resources

  • Yukon Home Education Society (YHES)
     
    P.O. Box 31674
    Whitehorse, YT
    Y1A 6L3
    (867) 633-2420

    YHES provides activities, catalogues of home school books, support group meetings, and welcomes all enquiries about home-based learning.

  • Yukon Public Libraries
    Books on home-based education are available in public libraries.
  • The Canadian Home Based Learning Resource Page
    Information and links about home education.
  • Yukon Children's Dental Program
    (867) 667 8360
    Or toll-free 1-800-661-0408 Ext. 8360
  • Yukon Health Services
    (867) 667 6371 (in Whitehorse)
    Or contact your local nursing station
  • Yukon Hearing Services
    Whitehorse (867) 667 5913
    Or toll-free 1 800 661 0408 Ext. 5913

How to Find Out More

Contact the Superintendent of Programs
Department of Education

By phone:
 
(867) 667-5607
or toll-free 1 800 661 0408 Ext.5607

By visiting the Department at:
 
1000 Lewes Boulevard, Whitehorse

By mail:
 
Box 2703, Whitehorse, Yukon
Y1A 2C6

Copies of the Yukon Education Act and Regulations are available at the Department of Education or the Yukon Government main administration building. The Education Act is available on line.

HOME EDUCATION - A SUPPORTED ALTERNATIVE

This information jointly produced by Government of Yukon, Department of Education and Yukon Home Education Society.