DEALING WITH TRUANT/ATTENDANCE OFFICERS
Now, this may not be something that anyone does have to deal with, but on the occasion, you never know who may show up. In my personal experience home educating via the cover of a church school, I have never been bothered by anyone from the B.O.E.
Should you happen to find yourself in the situation where you have a truant officer or attendance officer at your door you should take some simple steps to send them on their way.
The first thing you should do is ask them if they have checked with your local county superintendent’s office for a copy of your church school enrollment form. Should they tell you no, recommend they go to super’s office, after all, that’s where all enrolled church school students CSEF is sent!
If they persist ask them if they would like you to send another copy of the CSEF to the super’s office?
If they continue to ask you for any other documents besides the CSEF, advise them that the law is clear and they cannot request anything further. If they ask for anything else give them our number, email and to direct their request to you and to Alabama Church School in writing, direct all contact with the Administrator.
Be sure to contact your local super’s office and make sure they still have a copy of your CSEF on file. If they have it in their office let them know their truant officer has been out bothering you about your CSEF. Why don’t they check with the super’s office first to verify the existence of the form?
Remember, they’re not required to see or request anything but your CSEF. To send all other requests in writing to both yourself and to the Administrator at Alabama Church School.
Make sure to always ask for a business card, ID#, and their name. Make sure you know what the law is so you know what is required by you as the parent/home educator.
Remember to NEVER give up your rights in any way, if you do so we’ll no longer be able to cover you should serious legal issues arise.
Not one person is entitled to a copy of CSEF, this includes teachers, counselors, and principals. They are NOT legally entitled to a copy! Once you’re enrolled with Alabama Church School you are no longer under that school’s policy and you aren’t required to give them anything. This includes any paperwork from your child(ren)’s enrollment. Always but respectfully be firm with their requests.
Lastly, you must always keep a copy of your CSEF in a safe place this is a requirement because you should be able to find it if you need it!