Hi,
I've lurked on the chat board for a few years after doing a web search trying to find spelling help for my daughter. I found the chat board to be an interesting place so I read it every few days. But I work full time, do not homeschool and while I've always thought it's a nice option to have, had no real interest.
Now I don't know what other option I have and need advice. Here's the situation. My dd is 16 yrs old and a junior at the local high school. She's had an IEP and received special ed help since the end of 1st grade. She's classified as OHI due to ADHD, Type 1 diabetes and Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis. The first two issues were diagnosed at ages 5 and 7. The arthritis diagnosis just happened early this year after a few years of her struggling with various symptoms. In addition she's also being tested for Crohn's right now. She has missed so much school the last couple of years and this year so far has been the worst. She's missed all but maybe two days the last three weeks. Homebound schooling isn't really an option as it only offers two hours a week of instruction and she'd need to be hospitalized or continuously too sick to attend school. Some days she's fine, other days she's not. It goes in spurts and usually never lasts more than a day or so at a time. The last few weeks were very odd and hopefully an exception.
Here's the thing. Years ago they told us she had ADHD. The test results also showed a low average IQ of 87. Testing via the school and independent showed very similar results and no sign of actual learning disabilities such as dyslexia etc. But they didn't stress the IQ as much but more the ADHD and pushed meds. Which we tried at least four or five and none ever worked. So we quit. We also saw several psychiatrists all of which said the same thing. We finally found one who said it's not ADHD or if it is, it's a combo of the ADHD and low average IQ. DD was also treated for anxiety and depression. Which are mostly under control though they flare up when her health acts up like it is now. Anyway she struggled in school even with extra help, but around 4th grade she started being better able to sit and pay attention and she really improved. Still struggled but much less. Around the end of 7th grade though she stagnated and that's when she started feeling extremely fatigued etc but it took until she was a sophomore to get an actual diagnosis of JIA. And everything has been a struggle since.
She's missed so much school and doesn't even want to go anymore. She also struggles socially too. Again for a few years it was fine but as soon as her health nose dived, so did her social life. Nobody bullies her but she hasn't had any real close friends or a group since 8th grade. Between this and missing so much school, I think it's time to consider homeschool or online school. But I'm concerned because of the following.
1) I work, full time. My job provides excellent health insurance that covers everything with little to no cost and her medications and supplies are among the most expensive drugs etc. My husband is a contractor and we couldn't afford health insurance without my job. I also have an hour commute each way and no real skills to find a closer job. I have a BA in history and work as a library tech. So I'm pretty stuck here.
2) I have no time between my job and taking care of dd's health to do a bunch of curriculum planning, grading etc. I'd need something where that's mostly taken care of. In addition my math skills are abominable. I failed every algebra class I ever took except the first year in high school and that was barely passed. I can't remember how to do long division, let alone algebra 2. And math is of course dd's worst subject.
So I need something where it's all online, dd can enroll now after the beginning of the year, offers remedial instruction, self paced, does the grading etc. Also much prefer secular or at least not Abeka, Bob Jones etc or curriculum associated with those pushing a far right agenda.
We're in MI and I think the homeschool laws are pretty flexible but I feel so overwhelmed. I keep hearing to try Michigan Connections, but they are no longer enrolling for grades 11-12 this year. And I know there are K12 options but I've heard those courses are pretty rigorous. Any ideas? I'm really desperate. DD spent much of last week either in doctor appointments or in the hospital due to a medication reaction and then the steroids they gave to counter act that caused her to have other issues. I'm at my wits end. I'm in contact with the school and dd's caseload teacher is trying to look into options for school but I'm not sure what she will be able to suggest.
Sorry if this is rambling and doesn't make sense but I'm so tired, down and rushed at work and could really use some advice. I hope this is posted in the right place.
