Are you an Alabama parent feeling stuck in a school district that just is not working for your child? In this episode of the Homeschool Your Kids podcast, Jae sits down with Tonya Jones from the Alabama Opportunity Scholarship Fund to discuss the game-changing legislation putting educational power back into the hands of parents. Discover how you can access the resources and funding necessary to provide the best possible learning environment for your family.

We dive deep into the differences between the Alabama Accountability Act and the new CHOOSE Act of 2024. Tonya explains how homeschool families can now access up to 2,000 dollars per student and how private school scholarships are expanding across the state. We also tackle common myths about tax credits and funding to ensure you have the facts. Education in Alabama is shifting toward a universal choice model by 2027, and it is more important than ever for parents to become active advocates for their children's future.

Whether you are looking for tutoring support, considering a move to a private school, or starting your homeschool journey, this conversation provides the roadmap you need to navigate the financial and administrative steps of school choice. Beyond the numbers, Tonya shares her personal story of moving to Birmingham and her unique ways of practicing self-care through fishing and riding motorcycles.

Chapters

0:00 Welcome to the Homeschool Your Kids Podcast

2:45 Tonya Jones and the Journey to Birmingham

5:30 Transitioning from Corporate Accounting to Nonprofits

8:15 Understanding the Alabama Accountability Act of 2013

11:00 Breaking Down the CHOOSE Act for Homeschoolers

14:30 Evaluating Public School Quality and Success Stories

17:45 Introducing Choice Navigators for Alabama Parents

21:15 The Mission of the Homeschool Yo Kids Expo

25:00 Making Education Resources Accessible to All Families

28:30 Why Parent Advocacy is Key to Student Success

32:15 Debunking Myths About Tax Credits and Funding

35:45 The Road to Universal School Choice in 2027

39:00 Tanya's Personal Life: Fishing and Motorcycles

42:30 Final Takeaways for Alabama Families

If you found this information helpful, please like this video and subscribe to the channel for more educational resources. Visit the Homeschool Yo Kids Expo website to find support and community events near you.

#homeschooling #schoolchoice #alabamaeducation #chooseact #parentadvocacy

Meet Lucas, an 11 year old entrepreneur who is changing the pet wellness industry one eggshell at a time. In this inspiring episode of the Homeschool Yo Kids podcast, we dive into how Lucas turned his passion for animals into a thriving business called Kid Shelled Naturals.

From researching kidney disease treatments for his own pets to hosting business fairs for other young creators, Lucas is the definition of a motivated kidpreneur. You will hear about his journey with homeschooling, how he balances ice hockey and guitar with product development, and the incredible support from his mom who manages a full time career while navigating their unique educational path together.

This conversation is a must watch for parents looking to encourage their children's interests and for anyone curious about how homeschooling provides the flexibility for real world success. We cover everything from the spiral learning method to using international travel as a living history book. Lucas and his mom share practical tips on staying organized, finding mentors, and why it is never too early to start a business.

https://kidshellnaturals.square.site/

Chapters

0:00 Meet Lucas the Kidpreneur

3:15 The Origin of Kid Shelled Naturals

6:40 Expanding to Reptiles and New Products

9:55 Hosting Business Fairs for Kids

13:20 How Music and Guitar Build Confidence

17:45 Mom’s Perspective on Starting Homeschool

21:30 Using Travel as a Living Curriculum

25:10 Balancing Work and Single Parent Homeschooling

29:45 The Science Behind Organic Eggshell Powder

33:20 New Product Lines and Future Goals

37:15 Socialization through Boy Scouts and Ice Hockey

41:00 Final Advice for Aspiring Young Bosses

45:54 Outro and Closing Thoughts

If you enjoyed this interview, please give it a thumbs up and subscribe to the channel for more homeschool inspiration and success stories. Let us know in the comments what kind of business your child would love to start or what pet health tips you found most helpful.

#homeschooling #kidpreneur #pethealth #entrepreneur #alternativeeducation

Are you looking for a personalized education model that actually fits your child’s unique lifestyle? In this episode, Jae sits down with Mike Rombola to explore the innovative world of micro schools and how they are bridging the gap between traditional schooling and homeschooling. Whether you have a student athlete needing a flexible schedule or you are looking to supplement your homeschool curriculum, this conversation covers the future of tailored learning.

✨ Mike shares his incredible journey from being a social worker and elementary teacher in West Philly to becoming the founding head of school at Score Academy Miami. You will learn about the boutique micro school model, which focuses on a one size fits you approach rather than a standard one size fits all curriculum. We dive deep into the a la carte options available for families, the importance of palpable energy in the classroom, and how Florida scholarships like Step Up are making private education more accessible.

https://www.score-academy.com/

🕒 Chapters

0:00 Welcome to the Homeschool Your Kids Podcast

2:45 Mike’s background and Philly roots

6:12 Moving from teaching to school leadership

9:30 Relocating from Philadelphia to Miami

13:05 The history and vision of Score Academy

16:50 Building a new campus in Coconut Grove

20:15 Defining the boutique micro school model

23:40 Flexible a la carte learning for athletes

27:10 Florida scholarships and the Step Up program

31:25 Building a palpable school culture

35:40 Why families choose micro schools today

39:15 Hybrid options for homeschooling families

43:00 Inspiration from West Philly education

47:15 Self care and the importance of balance

51:00 Key takeaways for parents and students

54:16 Final thoughts and call to action

📢 If you found this episode helpful, please like this video and subscribe to our channel for more insights into alternative education. You can find more resources and details about our upcoming expos at our website. Remember, you have choices in your childs educational journey!

#homeschooling #microschool #education #miami #scoreacademy

Are you underestimating what your children are capable of achieving right now? In this episode of the Homeschool Your Kids podcast, we sit down with Leah, the founder of the Society of Child Entrepreneurs, to discuss why kids don't need to wait until they are adults to start businesses and lead their communities. Learn how to stop saying no and start asking how to help your child’s ideas come to life.

Leah shares her incredible journey from running an in-home daycare to supporting her four-year-old daughter’s first business during the 2020 lockdowns. We dive deep into the philosophy that children are not just the future, but are capable, aware leaders today. Leah explains the vital difference between child labor and child entrepreneurship, emphasizing that when kids own their successes and failures, they develop essential life skills like financial literacy, persuasive writing, and conflict resolution.

From testifying at the State House for lemonade stand laws to advocating for city crosswalks, this episode is packed with inspiration for parents who want to empower their children. We also discuss Leah’s 36-week entrepreneurship curriculum and how to tailor education to meet the unique needs of every child, including those with ADHD and autism. Whether your child wants to sell lemonade or launch a service-based business, this conversation provides a roadmap for nurturing the next generation of critical thinkers.

https://societyofchildentrepreneurs.org/

Chapters0:00 Meet Leah from the Society of Child Entrepreneurs3:20 How a four year old launched a painting business7:15 Why kids are capable leaders right now11:05 The importance of allowing kids to fail15:30 Selling specialty lemonade and hosting business fairs19:45 Testifying for lemonade stand laws in Kansas23:10 Child labor versus child entrepreneurship27:20 Why ages 8 to 13 are the perfect time to start31:45 A 36 week curriculum for young entrepreneurs35:50 Student success stories and market demand39:15 Problem spotting and monetization43:30 Civic engagement and city council advocacy47:50 Personalizing education for different learning styles51:00 Self care for parents and the joy of reading52:54 Final thoughts and encouragement

If you enjoyed this conversation, please hit the like button and subscribe for more episodes featuring real support for your homeschooling journey. Don't forget to check out the links in the description to help your kids start their own business today! 👋

#homeschooling #entrepreneurship #childentrepreneur #financialliteracy #parenting

Ever wondered what it is actually like to be homeschooled from kindergarten all the way through high school? In this episode of the Homeschool Yo Kids podcast, we sit down with Ruth, a former K-12 homeschooler and educator, to discuss the freedom of learning at your own pace and how it shaped her career in special education.

Ruth shares her unique journey growing up as the oldest of five siblings in a family that prioritized individualized education long before the internet made it easy.In this deep dive, Ruth explains how her mother, despite her own struggles with reading, taught herself phonics to ensure her children had a solid foundation.

We explore the benefits of the Running Start program, which allowed Ruth to earn an associate degree before she even had a high school diploma. You will also learn about the Independent Education Network, a platform Ruth founded to empower middle school students and teachers to work together in a way that suits their unique needs.

Whether you are a veteran homeschooler or just starting to consider alternatives to public school, this conversation offers valuable insights into curriculum planning, special education support, and the importance of being your child's first teacher.

Ruth provides practical advice on how to handle the high school years and shares why colleges often prefer homeschool graduates who can manage their own schedules.

Website www.independent-ed.com

Email hello@independent-ed.com

www.ruthkane.com

Ruth is the founder of Independent Education Network (IEN), a virtual learning program built specifically for homeschool families, non-traditional learners, and families seeking enrichment — serving students in grades 6–8. A homeschooler herself from kindergarten through 12th grade, Ruth went on to earn her degree in special education and spent over 10 years in the classroom before returning to her roots.

IEN is the intersection of everything she believes about learning — that every child deserves an environment where they can truly thrive, and every teacher deserves the freedom to actually teach. Through small-group courses in ELA, Math, Science, Geography, French, and Pattern Making, IEN gives students and educators exactly that. Free to learn. Free toteach. Free to grow.Spring 2026 enrollment is open now, with a summer session and full fall launch on the way.

Chapters0:00 Intro and meeting Ruth3:45 Growing up as a K-12 homeschooler7:20 The luxury of learning at your own pace11:15 Resourcefulness before the internet15:30 How Ruth's mom taught herself phonics19:10 Middle school and early online learning23:25 The Running Start program and college degrees27:50 Transitioning to special education teaching32:15 Launching the Independent Education Network36:40 Educational consulting for parents40:10 Success stories and sibling achievements42:15 Three pieces of advice for parents43:30 End of vide

Check out the links above to connect with Ruth and learn more about her consulting services and the Independent Education Network. Make sure to like this video and subscribe to the channel for more support on your homeschooling journey.

#homeschooling #education #specialeducation #independentlearning #homeschooltips

Are you wondering if your child’s speech patterns are affecting their ability to read and spell? In this episode of the Homeschool Yo Kids podcast, host Jae sits down with Karin Kucayan, a speech-language pathologist who specializes in helping homeschool families and teenagers find their voice.

Karin shares her unique journey growing up in a multilingual home and how those early experiences led her to a career in communication. We dive into the broad scope of speech-language pathology, moving beyond just speech sounds to cover executive functioning, social pragmatics, and even public speaking anxiety. Corrine explains why many teens struggle with communication in a digital world and how virtual therapy can provide a comfortable and effective space for them to grow.

We also tackle the big questions parents often have about development. You will learn about the strong correlation between speech sounds and literacy, the red flags to look for in early childhood, and why the wait and see approach might not always be the best path. From using sign language as a tool for regulation to the importance of parental self-care, this conversation is packed with actionable advice for every homeschool parent.

Website: https://www.speechfitslp.com/Email: speechfitslp@gmail.com

Phone: 818-660-6351IG: @speechfitslpTPT: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/speechfit-slpBook a Call: https://calendly.com/speechfitslp/complementary-consultationLI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karin-hartunian-koukeyan/ | LI: www.linkedin.com/company/speechfit-slp/ BIO: Karin “Careen” Hartunian Koukeyan, MS, CCC-SLP, is the founder of SpeechFit, A Speech-Language Pathology Corporation, a solo practice providing clinical, corporate, and consulting services. With over 25 years of experience across private practice, outpatient, telehealth, school, early intervention, and adult home health settings, Karin brings deep expertise in communication and leadership. As a Corporate Speech Pathologist, she coaches professionals to enhance their communication effectiveness, executive presence, and confidence in the workplace. A pioneer in telepractice since 2010, she has delivered services in both educational and healthcare environments and continues to advance best practices in the field. Karin regularly presents at state and national conferences and develops content for articles, podcasts, and webinars on a broad range of topics in communication, telepractice, and professional growth. A strong advocate for expanding access to care through telehealth, she currently serves as the 2025-2027 Board Member, Secretary-Treasurer for California Speech Language Hearing Association (CSHA), 2026 Co-Chair of the ASHA Telepractice Topic Committee. She also served as the elected 2023-2025 Associate Coordinator for ASHA Special Interest Group 18 (Telepractice).Chapters0:00 Meet Karin Kucayan and the Homeschool Yo Kids podcast4:30 The journey from psychology to speech pathology9:15 Understanding public speaking anxiety in middle and high school14:00 The benefits of telepractice for homeschool families19:20 Breaking down the wide range of speech therapy services24:45 Executive functioning and social connection for teenagers29:15 How speech sound disorders impact reading and spelling34:30 Navigating the shift to virtual therapy post-COVID39:00 When to seek professional help for speech delays44:15 Using sign language and AAC devices as communication tools48:45 Practical self-care strategies for busy parents53:00 Final advice and where to find SpeechFit servicesIf you found this episode helpful, please like and subscribe for more resources to support your homeschooling journey. Check out the links in the description to connect with Karin and explore the Homeschool Yo Kids Expo!#homeschooling #speechtherapy #parentingadvice #literacy #specialeducation

Are you feeling disillusioned with the current state of the public school system and wondering if there is a better way to educate your children? In this episode, we sit down with Erica Dela Rosa, a former educator turned advocate, to discuss the power of school choice and the importance of centering Black and Brown voices in education. Discover how you can reclaim your power as a parent and find the learning environment that truly honors your child’s identity.

In this deep dive, Erica shares her personal journey from being a dedicated teacher in the Houston Independent School District to her current role as the Manager of Strategic Partnerships for Freedom to Choose Schools. We discuss the emotional toll of the teaching profession, the impact of state takeovers on local communities, and why so many passionate educators are choosing to walk away from the traditional classroom.

The conversation explores the nuance of school choice, highlighting that advocating for alternative options like homeschooling, micro-schools, and charters is not an attack on public education but a necessary move toward student-centered learning. Erica explains how the history of the American education system was often designed for assimilation rather than empowerment, and why it is vital for parents to see themselves as the true experts in their children's lives. Whether you are a veteran homeschooler or just starting to explore your options, this episode provides the inspiration and community connection you need to make the best choice for your family.https://chooseschools.org/Erika De La Rosa proudly taught 7th grade English/Language Arts and served as Department Chair in the Houston, Texas, neighborhood where she grew up and currently lives. In her role, she prioritized understanding and honoring her students' varied experiences and cultures to ensure the curriculum validated, inspired, and empowered them to reach their own academic and life goals. In addition to serving her students, she mentored first-year teachers as well as college student-teachers. She participated in fellowships and advocacy with Latinos for Education, Teach Plus Texas, the Education Trust Texas and the Leadership for Educational Equity. She was the 2023 Inspira Award Recipient from Latinos for Education, recognized as a remarkable individual whose unwavering dedication and passion have transformed the landscape of education for Latino students. Erika's work is rooted in her desire for all children to have access to an education that gives them safety, hope, and opportunity, regardless of where they come from. She now uses her classroom experience and deep passion for educational equity to work toward policies that benefit all children.

In this episode of the Homeschool Your Kids podcast, host Jae sits down with Dr. Aditya Nagrath, the founder of Elephant Learning Mathematics Academy and author of Treating Mathematics Anxiety. They explore the startling reality that many children enter kindergarten unprepared for the math curriculum due to a gap in language and vocabulary.

Dr. Nagrath explains why viewing math as a language rather than just a set of rules can transform a childs confidence and performance.You will learn about the basketball analogy for learning math, the importance of conceptual understanding over rote memorization, and how the Elephant Learning app helps students from age two through algebra.

Dr. Nagrath also shares his personal wellness routine and offers three essential tips for parents to help their children succeed in mathematics. Whether your child is just starting out or struggling with high school algebra, this conversation provides a roadmap for building a strong mathematical foundation.

Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adityanagrath/Website: https://www.elephantlearning.com/

Dr. Nagrath helps students overcome mathematics anxiety. Aditya is the creator and founder of Elephant Learning Mathematics Academy which helps students learn years of mathematics over the course of a few months using their system just 10 minutes per day, 3 days per week.

With a PhD in Mathematics & Computer Sciences, Dr. Nagrath has spent over 30 years in industry as a software engineer, author, leader, speaker, and serial entrepreneur working on everything from atomic clocks to iOS and Android apps to Amazon’s Kindle Fire. As the Founder of Elephant Head Software, which won the prestigious JD Edwards Innovation Award in 2015, he has also done software projects for Pearson, Verizon, Telefonica, JD Edwards (Oracle), and other billion dollar companies.

Chapters0:00 Intro and Guest Introduction2:50 The Gap in Kindergarten Math Readiness5:45 Understanding Math as a Language8:30 Algebra 2 vs Financial Literacy11:15 Overcoming Math Anxiety and the Basketball Analogy15:00 Common Core and Conceptual Understanding18:45 How Elephant Learning Accelerates Progress22:00 Filling Gaps from Preschool to Algebra25:15 Self-Care and Routines for Success27:30 Three Key Takeaways for ParentsCheck out more resources for your homeschooling journey and dont forget to subscribe for more expert interviews. Visit elephantlearning.com to see how you can support your childs math journey today.#homeschooling #mathhelp #mathanxiety #education #elephantlearning