Traditional Home Education

Yellowhead Christian School (YCS) is proud to support families who choose to educate their children at home through our YCS@Home program. Home education allows parents to take an active role in their child’s academic journey while instilling biblical values, nurturing individual learning styles, and fostering a love for lifelong learning.

What is Home Education?

Home education is a parent-directed approach for students in Kindergarten to Grade 12. Parents are responsible for planning, implementing, and assessing their child’s education while receiving support and guidance from YCS@Home. Our facilitator assists families in creating customized learning plans that align with Alberta Education standards and family values.

Why Choose YCS@Home?

• Christ-Centered Education – Biblical values are integrated into learning.
• Parental Control & Flexibility – Parents design their child’s education plan.
• Certified Facilitators – Expert support and guidance throughout the year.
• Community & Connection – Field trips, activities, and events for students and families.
• Financial Support – Funding available for curriculum, resources, and activities.

Program Details & Benefits

• Parental Role & Support
  • Parents are responsible for planning, supervising, and delivering their child's educational program.
  • YCS@Home provides ongoing support, resources, and educational guidance through facilitators.
  • Facilitators conduct two progress reports per year and are available for consultation.
  • Families receive information on learning opportunities, events, and support services.
• Funding Assistance
  • Funding can be used for curriculum, educational supplies, field trips, and other approved resources.
  • Grades 1-12: Up to $901 per student in funding for educational materials, field trips, and curriculum. Kindergarten: Up to $450.50 per student for approved educational expenses.
  • Reimbursement is available for eligible expenses that align with Alberta Education’s Home Education Regulation.
  • Funds are available after October 15th of the school year, with early access through purchase orders (POs).
  • Please use the Home Education Expense Report to report these expenses and receive reimbursement.
• Learning Support & Resources
  • Personalized facilitator support to help with curriculum choices and educational planning.
  • Access to community learning days, field trips, and student activities
  • Recommendations on online learning tools, assessments, and resource materials.
• Community & Connection
  • YCS@Home is committed to building a strong home education community. All families have access to: Monthly community days featuring field trips, physical education activities, art workshops, and social events.

How to Enroll in YCS@Home

1. Review Home Education Guidelines
   1. Familiarize yourself with Alberta Education’s Home Education Handbook.
   2. Understand your role as a home educator and the requirements for program planning and assessment.
2. Complete Registration
   1. Submit your YCS@Home Application Form, and wait for your acceptance email from the Administration
   2. Submit your Home Education Registration form. Choose YCS@Home as your supervising school.
3. Connect with Your Facilitator
   1. Your facilitator will assist in setting up learning objectives, resource selection, and educational activities.
   2. Facilitators provide ongoing support, encouragement, and program adjustments as needed.
4. Establish a Routine & Portfolio System
   1. Create a structured learning schedule that fits your family’s values and educational goals.
   2. Maintain a portfolio or grade book to document student progress for facilitator reviews.
5. Develop Your Home Education Plan
   1. Outline your child’s learning goals, curriculum, and assessment strategies.
   2. If you need assistance, our facilitator can provide guidance on how to create a strong education plan.
6. Schedule Progress Visits
   1. Fall Progress Visit: Facilitator reviews student work, progress, and provides feedback.
   2. Spring Progress Visit: Year-end assessment and recommendations for the next academic year.
   3. What to expect during your Home Education Evaluations:
      1. Students and parents in parent-led homeschool or shared responsibility programs are required to meet with their facilitator twice per school year.
      2. You can choose an in-person or an online meeting.
      3. During the evaluation, your facilitator will work with you to build a progress report for each of your children. This is a great way to set goals and track academic and personal progress.
      4. You'll also receive supportive recommendations from your facilitator as they address any questions or concerns you have about educating your children at home.
7. Plan for the Next Year
   1. Register early for the next school year to secure funding and early access to resources.

Important Dates:

• End of September: Application deadline (Government Notification and Home Education Plan Due)
• October 15th to the end of May: Submit receipts to the office for reimbursement
• October to November: Fall Homeschool Evaluations (book an appointment with your facilitator)
• February: Enrollment opens for 2026–2027
• March to April: Spring Homeschool Evaluations (book an appointment with your facilitator)

We invite you to experience the freedom and flexibility of home education while enjoying the support and structure of a Christ-centered school community. Our team is here to equip, encourage, and assist you on your homeschooling journey.

For more information or to begin your registration process, contact us today!