Homeschool benefits and savings in Greene County
Jefferson Public Library's Homeschool Resource Center gives homeschool families an educator account for lesson materials, literacy kits, free interlibrary loan, a meeting room for co-ops, and 5-7 books hand-picked to match your curriculum. Any Iowa resident can get a card with a photo ID or utility bill and a phone number.
Who qualifies
Lives in Iowa
All Iowa residents can get a card with photo identification or a utility bill and a current phone number. People outside Iowa who own property in Greene County need photo ID.
Teaches at home
The library says homeschool educators are eligible for an educator card, a separate account for books and materials for lessons. The center serves children from birth to age 18.
Asks the Youth Department
Educator accounts are set up through the Youth Department in person or by phone.
What the library gives you
These terms come from the library's Homeschool Resource Center and card pages.
- Educator account
- Separate lesson account
- Curriculum book bundle
- 5-7 titles
- Interlibrary loan
- Free
- Meeting room
- Reservable for co-ops
- Exam proctoring
- Offered
- Tablets and computers
- In-library use
The pages do not give the educator account's item limit or loan length, so ask the Youth Department when you set it up.
How to get started
- Before you go
Bring ID
Bring photo ID or a utility bill and your current phone number.
- At the library
Ask for an educator account
Visit the Youth Department at 200 W. Lincolnway or call 515-386-2835.
- When you plan a unit
Request a book bundle
Fill out the library's online form, and Youth Department librarians choose 5-7 titles for your current curriculum.
- Any time
Book the meeting room
Reserve the room for co-op meetings, get-togethers, and programs.
What it includes
Included
- Educator account for lesson materials
- Literacy kits and parent support titles
- Curriculum-matched book bundles
- Meeting room, proctoring, and research help
- Online learning resources
Good to know
You do not have to live in Jefferson
All Iowa residents may sign up for a card, and out-of-state owners of Greene County property can too.
Who to contact about the center
The Youth Department sets up educator accounts and prepares curriculum book bundles.
515-386-2835 Homeschool Resource Center
Homeschool rules and statewide help in Iowa
You do not have to file a homeschool notice for independent private instruction.
Iowa sets these rules:
- Subjects: IPI must cover mathematics, reading and language arts, science, and social studies at all grade levels. CPI must provide at least 148 days of instruction annually, with attendance on at least 37 days each school quarter; its other rules depend on the option.
- Testing: No standardized testing required for independent option.
- Records: IPI must provide specified instructor, location, authority, and student information on written request; CPI reporting and record rules depend on the option.
- Teachers: Iowa does not require a teaching certificate or degree to homeschool your own child.
Read the Iowa homeschooling guide See statewide programs in Iowa
Questions parents ask
- Can Jefferson Public Library help me find books for our current unit?
- Yes. Submit the request form and youth librarians will pick 5-7 titles based on your curriculum.
- Can my teen take a proctored exam there?
- Yes. Exam proctoring is among the services the library offers to homeschool families.
- When is the library open?
- Monday and Wednesday 1-6 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Friday 1-5:30 p.m., and Saturday 9 a.m.-1 p.m. It is closed Sunday.
Turn support into your child’s next lesson
Books and library resources give your child something to explore. We turn their interests into coursework, so library discoveries can lead to deeper study at home.
$149/month per child after the trial.
Find benefits for your ZIP code