8 Year old child who's never been to school?

March 12th, 2010
  • What can be done about a parent who has Never sent her 8 year old child to school? The child can't read or write!! Who can be contacted? In Illinois?


  • First of all, compulsory attendance in Illinois does not begin until age 7... so it's really only this last year that is a legal concern.

    If the parents are homeschooling they very well may be following the philosophy set forth by the Moore's in "Better Late Than Early". Here is an excerpt from an article that describes the philosophy:

    "Because of the individualized nature of homeschooling, late reading is not a handicap as it might be in a conventional school setting. Schools rely on text-based instruction, but late readers at home simply learn through other means, like watching educational TV and videos, asking questions, and observing the world around them. Also, since the child is not labeled as slow or put into the slow reading group, their self-confidence and self-esteem does not suffer. The child will grow into an enthusiastic reader, and thus view reading not only as a tool for obtaining knowledge or keeping up with others but as an enjoyable activity."

    I would keep my eyes open for any *real* abuse or neglect... but if your concerns are only educational you really have nothing to worry about at this point. They could very well be using a time tested way of homeschooling that you simply don't have any experience with... Leave them alone.


  • The parents should be put in jail. Call the cops!


  • Department of Children and Families, (DCF)


  • You should have put him in pre-k when he was 4 years old. That is your consequence for not putting him forth a good education. That poor child can never get those years back and if you send him to public school all the kids will make fun of him or her. What were you thinking not putting that child in school?


  • AbD: Re-read the question! It's obvious this person is a concerned citizen who came across a child not in school.

    Worried:
    I would be a good idea to check with your local government. Try doing a www.illinois.gov or www.[the city you are in].gov

    Some people can "homeschool" their kids, but depending on the stipulations in your state on homeschooling, they may never actually be taught anything. Just depends what the state requirements are. But yes, if you feel this child is in some sort of danger or abuse seek the Dept of Childrens Svcs or local police.







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