How do we find the homeschool groups in our area?

Question:
My DH and I have a 3 1/2 year old son and very much want to homeschool him. If any can help us out that would be wonderful. Just a few questions 1. are there preschool programs, where do i find these? 2. how do we find other homeschool groups in our area? We have tons of questions, but these 2 will be a start. We live in Hudson, FL which is about 30 miles from clearwater and about 35 miles from tampa. The other areas around us are New Port Richey, Port Richey, Holiday, Tarpon Springs.

Answer:
- A good place to start: http://www.home-ed-press.com/HSRSC/hsrsc_grps.html#Support_Groups there are 13 groups listed in Florida. The rest of this site can be very helpful also. Another helpful *starting point*: http://homeschooling.miningco.com/education/homeschooling/

- Also, I'm not sure off the top of my head which county in Florida these towns are, but here's a resource for west Florida: http://www.wfhesl.org/

- Check out Home-school.com for a listing of groups by state. This site also lists events by state.

- Preschool is not necessary. A loving interactive mother is all a small child needs. I did use a preschool for 2 years two afternoons/week when my third was a baby so I could get time alone with him and a rest while the other two were gone. It can be a great thing but there is no need. You certainly don't need to work with them at home. Read "School Can Wait" or "Better Late Than Early" by Dr. Moore for the rationale and research behind this approach. There probably are homeschool groups in your area. Do a computer search to find your state organizations then ask them. Where I live they have a newsletter at the public library. In fact the library is a great place to look since homeschoolers often spend lots of time there. I have gotten most of my adult support from the internet. There are lots of options. I used to to belong to an e-mail group for homeschoolers of my faith and plan to resubscribe when I have more time (ha, ha). There are great websites like www.prestonspeed.com and there are websites like this one. I needed the support most when I was starting and spend much less time with such things now. I have gotten so busy I haven't had time. I just recently met with a group of homeschooling mothers here in town and they were a nice bunch. Each one had a dramatically different approach. All of them were doing well. So far though I've been too busy with other things for that. My kids don't even know any local homeschoolers, they socialize with ps kids and adults. The only homeschooled kids they've met were my sister's and my computer friend who we visited in California.