I am interested in homeschooling my child

Oops sorry didn't see your last question till after I hit send LOL. My boys have lots of socialization. 1) They go pretty much every where I go so they can talk to any age group about anything. Boy can they talk your ear off LOL (especially my youngest LOL). 2) We go to the Library a lot and find people there to play with. 3) I joined a homeschool group. All though I have to say it's not super active so there's only been a few things we have done with them. 4) They have another homeschool friend that we make play-dates with. 5) I have near by neighbors (we rent a house) that they play with of varying ages. One of our neighbors has a couple of (good) teenagers that the boys talk and play with often. 6) We joined a local MOMS Club and do a lot of different things like field trips and such. A lot of the kids in the club are younger but we are looking (the Club) to expand it and include the older kids. Like after school things. (I have been a member since the boys were young 21/2 and 4 1/2). Most of their friends are pubic school friends to be honest. My hubby is out of a job right now (his job went over seas) so hopefully he will get a job soon (I pray) and I would like to get them in some kind of sport or maybe musical lessons (which ever they per-fer)or even a martial arts class. I think my children have more social interaction than a lot of public school kids do LOL. I didn't even realized just how much we do till I just listed them LOL. I could probably even think of a few more but I will stop LOL. I hope this helps.

If you don't have a YMCA in your area you might have something similar. Also I would try and keep some of her school friends. Have them come over for play-dates or meet them at a park or whatever. Just because you homeschool doesn't mean she has to leave her friends behind.
As for having to have teaching credentials that is just a case that is going on in California. It was a ruling and they are rehearing so you don't have to worry about that right now. Now for further California law a great site to find out the law where you live is hslda.org . In fact here is a link to California Law for you www.hslda.org/laws/analysis/California.pdf . That should help clear up some things you might be worried about.

As for working homeschooling. Homeschooling doesn't have to take 6 hours a day. For my no first grader and third grader (this year) The time they sit down and do some work it only takes us 2-3 hours. Other things like nature walks and such can be counted as school work too. There also also different forms of homeschooling too homeschooling.gomilpitas.com/methods/Methods.htm . There are also different styles of learning. Your child may learn differently than other children. It's good to find out what way she learns best. Is she a visual learner, does she learn by doing things with her hands? A good site to read more about it is www.ldpride.net/learningstyles.MI.htm#Multiple%20Intelligences%20Explained . I hope that helps in some way. Please keep asking questions :) I don't mind answering them.

My concerns are mostly related to socialization, we live in a area where our neighbors are acres away and she is an only child. Her friends at school are her lifeline..... so to speak anyway. I am not sure we have a YMCA here in Madera, CA as it is a small community but that's a great suggestion, thanks! I am going to find out if we have something of that nature.

My next biggest concern is the timing of home schooling since I do work a full time job. Plus I've read in California you have to have teaching credentials to homeschool. Any sites you know of that would give information on what this process is about and any links related to the laws on homeschooling are extremely appreciated.

Thanks for responding. I look forward to hearing from you again.

BTW, how do you socialize your boys? How does home schooling fit in your own schedule?

What are your concerns exactly with homeschooling? Is it the social aspect you are thinking of? If that is the case try not to worry too much about that. There is a lot of things out there for homeschoolers. If that is your worry go to your local Library and see if they have a list of homeschool groups in your area. Also you could go to your local YMCA. A lot of times they have things just for homeschooling children. If she is into dance or sports/gymnastics or whatever there are lots of opportunity's for things like that and for her to make many friends :). What else are you concerned about? Let me know and I will see if I can find a website that will help you :).