WEEKLY announcements
Weekly Announcements
The queue is currently at these dates
Marketplace – 1/15
Direct Pay – 1/26 (look they got direct pay all caught up right now!!)
Reimbursements – 1/13
** Note, anything not reviewed that was submitted before these dates is likely in further review for one of many reasons. But as a WHOLE this is where the queue is at in processing.
Now, onto other items.
Please remember not to link to anything but Homeschool Do Not Pay if homeschooling or to your microschool or private school if utilizing those options. Other vendors should never be linked and can NOT be paid through linking. Please request a proper direct pay invoice and upload it via direct pay. Be very careful that direct pay invoices are uploaded as DIRECT PAY and not as reimbursement as this cannot be processed correctly.
Please remember you can check the Homeschool Freedom website to look at more information on many vendors. The FAQ questions can be added to and adjusted at any time needed. If you have information, you have confirmed that you feel will help others, please PM me so that we can add the information and help others also benefit.
www.ArkansasHomeschoolFreedom.com
The homepage of the website (above) has a video at the bottom that walks you step by step through direct pay purchases how to cancel a request AND a marketplace order. I am seeing questions still about it and I know this video helps.
Miss Toni’s search is extremely helpful when looking for local vendors for extracurricular and tutoring services. This is linked on the website but the direct link is
Outbridge has done a wonderful job providing a search that you can also utilize to find vendors. If you are not signed up for the emails from Outbridge and wish to get those as well the signup link is HERE
School Finder | Arkansas School Finder
New Preapproval System that the office rolled out recently
Follow this link to the pre-approval form: EFA Expense Preapproval Request.
Fill out the form but keep your info complete but brief. More bullet point style not a whole conversation.
Provide any links to curriculum or the item itself that are relevant.
You will receive an email that is either approval, denial or a request for more information.
If you receive preapproval, please put the normal information you always do. Preapproval does NOT mean they don’t still need your receipt and your other documentation. They do still need all of that uploaded. But add your preapproval email in there as well.
NOTE: All purchases will still be approved based on reasonable need and price criteria. Splitting between children does not automatically mean that you can spend double or triple for the item. A bookshelf that’s twice as much because it HOLDS twice as much can be justified at a higher cost when split between students and may be approved. A bookcase that is more costly because it’s a more $$$ wood type or style but that does not actually provide more storage for the increased cost would NOT be approved.
PLEASE DO NOT use a screenshot to place direct pay order unless the vendor tells you to, their website states to do so, or their ad on the website states to use this process. If the vendor is not setup for this to be their method, then your order will experience at best a delay but is very likely to be cancelled due to stock issues or possibly the total being incorrect. Many vendors purchase product based on the invoices they have issued. So if they never see the order, and did not create an invoice your items may not be available. I know in my own shop I only order the Machines after issuing an invoice because I can only store a certain number at a time in the storage space I have. It is simply not possible for me to guess which machines are needed and store in bulk.
If your invoice for a reimbursement does not show clearly the payment method, you will need to include proof of payment with your submission. They simply must have verification of the payment to be able to reimburse.
If there are curriculum companies you need to order from via direct pay with the funds dropping in February, I highly suggest requesting your invoice now. Many of the companies need 2-3 weeks to get to your email and process the request, Having the invoice ready to go when funded will speed up when you will be able to receive the items. If you wait to request, you may not even be able to submit it until several weeks after funding. This is only important to do if you need curriculum items quickly and with the least delay possible.
REMINDER OF AUSTIN’S POST RECENTLY
A quick note: I know many of y’all already know this, but ADE does not have complete control over what items are in the marketplace. There are both technological and logistical limits that prevent this.
What this means:
1. Marketplace purchases can still be denied.
2. If something is in the marketplace, that doesn’t mean a similar item would be eligible for reimbursement.
3. Marketplace items that are only eligible because of a course being taken or a specific educational situation still require an explanation or even documentation to allow the item to be approved.
Marketplace rejections are a little high right now I believe partially because of this. I hope this provides some clarity and helps us operate more smoothly going forward. Thank you all!
I am looking for more parents to submit good reviews of vendor products and services for the website to help other parents decide better what programs may be a good fit for their students. There is now a form on the website just for submitting a blog post.
BLOGS — Arkansas Homeschool Freedom
I would love to add a lot more to the resources pages such as links to homeschool specific discounts and any free programs or options that you have had success with. Let us remember that we want to support the whole community. Some are not funded and therefore also not provided with access to the group. I want resources on the website to be there to help any family that may need low cost and free options to get started when waiting for the option to apply. Many students will have circumstances change mid-year and need to leave their current school option and pursue a home education. Those students won’t have access to funding mid-year. But they still need support from the community. They just can’t get it inside this group cause some folks are strait crazy.
I am always available via PM if you need an answer to something and are still confused after checking here and the websites. I do NOT work for the ADE and do NOT know all answers. But I DO know who can help you when I cannot and can forward you to the appropriate person.
It’s ok to message but some days I may need a minute. Lot of kids, lot of therapy appointments. Occasional mental breakdown, but I do not mind.
Ann Snelson
501-412-5107
ArkansasHomeschoolFreedom@gmail.com
Helpful Links from the ADE and Outbridge
Mileage Reimbursement Form (Please make a copy before editing)
Testing Information (everything you need to know about testing!)