HISTORY
You might have heard that there has been a landmark case going on in CA called "Re: Rachel L". Basic gyst was that a family, who was homeschooling through an umbrella program, was accused of child abuse and the state had oversight of the children. The state social workers wanted the children taken OUT of homeschool. The court ruled on the case, and in explaining their decision, said that homeschooling was not legal in CA, wasn't mentioned in any law here (that is true...the word homeschooling does not appear in the law) and that you must have a credentialed teacher.

This was directly contrary to the practice that had been going on in California for decades. As you might imagine, this is a HUGE deal for homeschooling families and for small private schools who do not hire credentialed teachers as a rule.

A few weeks ago, the specific Rachel L case was dismissed because the child abuse allegations were tossed. So that left us all with a kind of defacto ruling. The actual kid involved isn't involved anymore, but the court's statements still stand. OOPS!

RULING
This week, the court not only overturned their ruling but actually stated that homeschooling is LEGAL and does not require a credentialed teacher. You can read more about it here:
http://www.hslda.org/docs/media/2008/200808080.asp
And related stories (including Aaahnold's take) about here:
http://www.hslda.org/Default.asp?bhcp=1
This is AWESOME NEWS!!!

WHY YOU MIGHT CARE EVEN IF YOU DON'T LIVE IN CA
If you are coming to LA for the biz, you will have to get a CA entertainment work permit. That permit is tied to schooling. When you sign for the permit application, you are stating that you understand the laws here and will obey them. The laws in California include compulsory schooling from day one. In other words, there is no "grace period" for enrolling in school here. If you are here, you must go to school here. Certainly, if you are applying for a work permit, you must be schooling here.

For many, this means homeschooling so that you can balance their school back home.

It is NOT LEGAL to simply bring your school work from your home state and call yourself a homeschooler. You must be legally homeschooling according to CA law, not the law in your state of residence. Think of it this way: when you drive, you must follow the traffic laws of that state right? You dont' just get to say, "But I live in Tennessee, and THERE the speed limit is 70MPH" (or whatever LOL).
Same deal here. If you want to work in CA, you must learn the laws here.

There are 4 ways to legally homeschool in CA. You can find them, along with some other here:
http://www.bizparentz.org/educationaloptionsca.html

BizParentz has seen an increase in problems with homeschoolers getting their work permits. Why? The Department of Labor apparently feels that a large number of homeschoolers, especially those from out of state, are not REALLY homeschooling legally. They may be abusing the system--simply declaring a vacation when they are here in CA, or withdrawing their child from school back home and "claiming" to homeschool.

The sad thing is, all homeschoolers pay the price with a hassle at the DLSE office. More than a few parents had work permits denied becuase the DLSE saw that they were homeschoolers. Jobs were lost. We know there are those parents who "cheat", thinking it will give them an advantage in the industry. But please...if you are homeschooling, do it legally. It's easy and free to get legal. Just file a FREE R-4 and be done.
That way, we will all continue to enjoy the PRIVILEDGE (remember..an entertainment permit is NOT a right!!) of having our kids in this industry.

Bottom line: It is GREAT news that homeschooling continues to be legal in CA. But please, if you are homeschooling here, follow the law and file an R-4. We also suggest that independent homeschoolers join the HSLDA so that if you have problems with legalities (including work permits) you can get some assistance.

Thanks...and HOORAY!

Anne

As homeschoolers who hope to work in CA, this decision was a major victory. Thanks for taking the time to explain it to others.
candace

Thank you for posting this! As a homeschooling parent in Florida, it is good to know what the rules are if we end up going to CA.

Henryshowbiz, Are you sure of your facts regarding the enforcement of CA homeschool laws on out of state guests? I don't think that your analogy of obeying posted speed limits is applicable. I think a better analogy would be a driver's or license plates -- you don't have to apply for a CA driver's license or tags when visiting the state -- these are based on your state of legal residence. If I visit CA for a few weeks, but my legal residence is in another state, I would only be subject to my home state's laws. I'm a member of HSLDA and I've contacted them to clarify this issue. I'll let you know what I find out.