SPED Homeschool is a nonprofit organization offering free resources, training, and support communities for families homeschooling children with learning differences, developmental disabilities, and other special needs.
What is SPED Homeschool?
SPED Homeschool is a nonprofit organization founded in 2017 by Peggy Ployhar, a physicist-turned-homeschool-mom who spent years teaching her own struggling learners. The organization empowers families educating children with diverse learning needs by providing accessible special education resources from the perspective of experienced parent-educators. Their team brings over 150 years of cumulative special needs homeschooling experience, and nearly all resources are completely free. The website draws almost 1,000 new visitors weekly, making it the leading special needs homeschooling blog online.
Key Takeaways
- Nonprofit organization offering free resources for special needs homeschooling
- Provides articles, videos, podcasts, IEP templates, and curriculum guidance
- SPED Strong Tribes offer free regional online support communities
- Therapy At-Home toolkit covers occupational therapy, speech therapy, and sensory exercises
- Personalized consultations available for families needing one-on-one guidance
Resources and Support Offered
SPED Homeschool's website houses an extensive library of articles, videos, and podcasts addressing specific learning differences including autism, dyslexia, ADHD, and auditory processing disorders. Practical downloads include IEP templates, high school planning guides, getting-started checklists, and curriculum selection guides. The Therapy At-Home toolkit provides 25+ carefully selected tools and techniques for occupational therapy, speech therapy, vision exercises, and sensory activities—empowering parents to support therapeutic needs between professional sessions or when therapy services aren't accessible.
SPED Strong Tribes
One of SPED Homeschool's most valued offerings is their free regional online communities called SPED Strong Tribes. These groups connect families homeschooling children with special needs for peer support, encouragement, and practical advice. Parents can share victories, ask questions, and find their "tribe" of families navigating similar challenges. Many parents describe finding this community as a turning point—finally connecting with others who truly understand the unique joys and struggles of special needs homeschooling.
Who SPED Homeschool Serves
The organization supports families homeschooling children with a wide range of learning differences and developmental needs. This includes autism spectrum disorders, dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, ADHD, auditory and sensory processing disorders, and various developmental disabilities. Resources cater to families at all stages—from those just beginning to research homeschooling as an option to experienced homeschoolers seeking specialized strategies. Their philosophy centers on the belief that every child can succeed with individualized instruction that meets them where they are academically.
Consultation Services
For families needing personalized guidance, SPED Homeschool offers one-on-one consultations. These sessions equip parents with actionable strategies, tailored resources, and renewed confidence. Consultants draw from personal experience homeschooling their own special needs children—not theoretical knowledge alone. Importantly, consultations focus on empowering families rather than pushing specific products or services. While most resources are free, consultations may have associated costs.
The Bottom Line
SPED Homeschool fills a crucial gap for families who choose to homeschool children with learning differences. The combination of practical resources, experienced guidance, and supportive community addresses the isolation many special needs homeschooling parents feel. Whether you're exploring whether homeschooling could work for your child with unique needs or you're years into the journey and seeking fresh strategies, SPED Homeschool provides tools and encouragement from people who've walked that path. Best of all, nearly everything they offer is free.
